Group and Laboratory Manager

Position Description

Job Category: Fulltime Regular

ExemptOvertimeEligible: Exempt

Benefits Eligible: Benefit Based

Caltech is a world-renowned science and engineering institute that marshals some of the world's brightest minds and most innovative tools to address fundamental scientific questions. We thrive on finding and cultivating talented people who are passionate about what they do. Join us and be a part of the diverse Caltech community.

Job Summary

The Group and Laboratory Manager plays an integral role in the Roukes research group, providing operational leadership and technical oversight of laboratory and group activities. This position is responsible for managing day-to-day laboratory operations, financial planning, compliance, and personnel, while serving as a key liaison between the group and internal and external partners.

Working closely with Prof. Roukes, this role exercises a high degree of independent judgment in coordinating complex activities, anticipating operational needs, and ensuring alignment with research objectives and institutional requirements. The Manager supports a collaborative and productive laboratory environment and contributes to the group’s long-term scientific and operational success.

Essential Job Duties

• Collaborate with Prof. Roukes to maintain a safe, collaborative, and productive laboratory environment that supports high-quality research.
• Track and manage deadlines associated with government and private funding. Coordinate with the grant manager and research team to ensure timely submission of reports and deliverables.
• Maintain required profiles and reporting on government and institutional platforms related to publications, patents, and research activities.
• Partner with the Office of Technology Transfer to support and expedite patent filings, ensuring adherence to all related timelines and requirements.
• Develop and maintain laboratory procedures, guidelines, and documentation to support consistent and compliant operations.
• Serve as the laboratory safety officer and ensure compliance with institutional, state, and federal regulations. Act as the primary liaison for safety, regulatory, and compliance matters, including audits and inspections.
• Oversee onboarding of new lab members, including training on laboratory procedures, safety protocols, and group practices.
• Directly supervise research technicians, students, and lab support personnel, including onboarding, training, performance management, and coaching.
• Supervise high school students, undergraduate researchers, and volunteers to ensure compliance with institutional requirements.
• Oversee laboratory infrastructure, including equipment lifecycle management, vendor coordination, and service contracts.
• Manage laboratory inventory and procurement to ensure adequate supplies.
• Monitor laboratory and grant budgets and communicate regularly with Prof. Roukes. Develop and manage operational budgets across multiple research grants.
• Oversee financial activity for collaborators and subawards.
• Serve as liaison between the laboratory and Caltech administrative offices.
• Maintain internal information systems and repositories. Ensure proper documentation practices across the research group.
• Coordinate logistics for meetings, visits, and group events. Manage Prof. Roukes’s calendar and coordinate meetings.
• Provide support for grant proposal development. Coordinate with Facilities on lab and office space needs.
• Provide technical support on laboratory procedures, including protein purification.
• Exercise independent judgment in managing laboratory operations.

Basic Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in health or life sciences, engineering, or a related discipline.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience working in a research laboratory.
• Demonstrated ability to train and guide others in laboratory practices.
• Proven experience supervising staff.
• Strong organizational and communication skills.
• Excellent problem-solving and analytical abilities.
• Ability to work in a diverse environment.
• Knowledge of laboratory safety regulations.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and Outlook.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s degree in health or life sciences, engineering, or related field.

Required Documents

• Resume.

Hiring Range

$75,000 - $95,000 Per Year

The salary of the finalist(s) selected for this role will be set based on a variety of factors, including but not limited to, internal equity, experience, education, specialty and training.

As one of the largest employers in Pasadena, CA, Caltech is committed to providing comprehensive benefits to eligible employees and their eligible dependents. Our benefits package includes competitive compensation, health, dental, and vision insurance, retirement savings plans, generous paid time off (vacation, holidays, sick time, parental leave, bereavement, etc.), tuition reimbursement, and more. Non-benefit eligible employees will have access to some benefits such as onsite counseling and sick time. Learn more about our benefits and staff perks.