Field Laboratory Manager

Overview

The Kuebbing Lab at the Yale School of the Environment seeks a Field Lab Manager to support the establishment and management of a new field ecology research program investigating the impacts of invasive species and climate change on temperate forest ecosystems. This position offers an excellent opportunity to gain hands-on experience in field ecology, experimental design, and research coordination while contributing to applied and basic forest ecology research.

Contract Term: This is a 2-year fixed duration position with possibility of renewal to 3 years.

Experience: Required experience does not need to come from a single full-time position. We welcome candidate whose experience is built cumulatively through multiple roles, such as summer research programs, internships, or part-time lab or field work completed during their degree.

Timeline: Review of applications will begin on April 27, 2026 and will continue until the position is filled with a target hire date of July 1st, 2026.

Work Model: This position is fully on-site in New Haven, CT.

Salary: The target salary range within the grade 22 will be $65,000 - $68,000.

The Field Lab Manager will play a pivotal role in launching field and greenhouse experiments, managing native and nonnative plant seed collections, and building collaborative relationships with external partners. This position is ideal for someone with strong interests and experience in forest ecology, forest and invasive species management, and translating research into actionable conservation outcomes.

Essential Duties include

Field Research & Experimental Management (50%)

This position will focus on assisting the lab PI, postdoctoral researchers, and graduate students in the lab with their ecological studies implementation, maintenance, and data collection including:

• Establish and maintain field experiments across multiple forest sites in the northeastern United States, including Yale Forest research sites (Yale Myers Forest in Ashford, CT or Great Mountain Forest in Norfolk, CT);
• Implement and manage greenhouse and growth chamber experiments in Yale campus facilities
• Conduct field surveys requiring accurate identification of common trees, shrubs, and herbaceous plants in temperate deciduous forests
• Monitor experimental plots and collect ecological data according to established protocols
• Coordinate field logistics including site access, equipment maintenance, and safety protocols

Seed Bank & Collections Management (25%)

The Kuebbing Lab seeks to build and maintain a seed bank of common native and nonnative plant species for field and lab experiments. This position will coordinate and lead efforts to create this seed bank under the PIs supervision by completing the following tasks:

• Build and maintain a comprehensive seed bank of native and invasive plant species by identifying source populations of target species and coordinating necessary permits and permission to collect seeds;
• Develop standardized protocols for seed collection, cleaning, storage, and viability testing;
• Maintain detailed records of seed provenance, storage conditions, and germination data;

Data Management & Laboratory Coordination (15%)

• Implement data collection, organization, and quality control procedures;
• Maintain organized digital and physical filing systems for research data and materials;
• Manage laboratory supplies and equipment inventory;
• Ensure compliance with Yale safety and environmental protocols.

Team Building & External Relations (10%)

• Foster a collaborative, inclusive, and productive lab culture;
• Serve as a liaison with land managers, conservation organizations, and forestry specialists;
• Assist in training new student researchers on common lab procedures and techniques;
• Facilitate communication between the lab and external research partners.

Required Skills and Abilities

1. Strong botanical identification skills with regional flora
2. Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail and the ability to work independently and as part of a collaborative team
3. Strong written and verbal communication skills and a problem-solving mindset and adaptability in field settings
4. Commitment to fostering an inclusive and supportive lab environment
5. Time management skills to balance multiple projects and deadlines

Physical Requirements

This position requires regular field and lab work involving: Hiking over uneven terrain while carrying equipment (up to 40 lbs); Working outdoors in various weather conditions (heat, cold, rain, insects); Extended periods of standing, bending, and kneeling; Ability to work all day in forested field locations.

Preferred Education and Experience

1. Bachelor's degree in Ecology, Environmental Science, Forestry, Botany, or related field and a minimum of 3 years of professional or research experience in ecological field settings (this may include research experience gained in related coursework, as an undergraduate researcher in a lab group, or summer research experiences).
2. Demonstrated ability to accurately identify common trees, shrubs, and herbaceous plants of northeastern temperate deciduous forests and experience with field data collection methods and basic ecological research protocols;
3. Proficiency with data management and organization using spreadsheet software (Excel, Google Sheets) and/or databases and a valid driver's license and ability to travel to field sites; some research may require overnight stays at field stations and skills in statistical software (R, Python) or GIS applications and experience mentoring undergraduate researchers or field technicians.
4. Experience conducting research in a university lab group and experience working with land managers, conservation groups, state/federal agencies, or forestry specialists and knowledge of invasive plant species biology and management in temperate forests and experience with seed collection, processing, and storage protocols.
5. Familiarity with greenhouse management and controlled environment experiments and previous laboratory management or coordination experience.

Principal Responsibilities

1. Recommends the design and implementation of procedures and protocols under the direction of a higher-level authority. 2. Investigates, analyzes, and reaches preliminary scientific conclusions related to research planning 3. Ensures data results are compiled, analyzed, and presented properly. 4. Analyzes, develops and interprets scientific results. Maintains clear documentation of results. Prepares scientific reports and papers for research proposals and published reports. 5. Performs independent research and laboratory techniques and participates in experimental research planning. 6. Interacts with internal contacts including the PI, research assistants, graduate students, Radiation Safety and Biological Safety officers, and Animal Care personnel to discuss and evaluate research results and to ensure the smooth and safe operation of the laboratory. 7. Interacts with external contacts such as researchers at other institutions, staff at biotechnology and reagents companies to consult on research methods and to keep abreast of product information and developments. 8. May perform other duties as assigned.

Required Education and Experience

Master’s Degree in a scientific discipline and one year experience or an equivalent combination of education and experience.