Research Lab Manager

Posting date: April 08, 2026

External Reference: 002599SR

1. Job Type: Full-time
2. Location: Boston
3. School/Unit: Harvard Medical School
4. Department: Neurobiology
5. Salary Grade: 055
6. Job Function: Research
7. FLSA Status: Non-exempt
8. Term Appointment: Yes
9. Union: 55 - Hvd Union Cler & Tech Workers

Company Description

By working at Harvard University, you join a vibrant community that advances Harvard's world-changing mission in meaningful ways, inspires innovation and collaboration, and builds skills and expertise. We are dedicated to creating a diverse and welcoming environment where everyone can thrive.

Why join Harvard Medical School?

Harvard Medical School's mission is to nurture a diverse, inclusive community dedicated to alleviating suffering and improving health and well-being for all through excellence in teaching and learning, discovery and scholarship, and service and leadership.

You’ll be at the heart of biomedical discovery, education, and innovation, working alongside world-renowned faculty and a community dedicated to improving human health. This is more than a job - it’s an opportunity to shape the future of medicine.

Job Description

The Research Laboratory Manager directs the day-to-day operations of a large [25+ people], internationally recognized Neurobiology Research Laboratory. This position calls for a responsible, diligent, conscientious and detail-oriented individual with a proven track record of managerial/leadership experience. A quick, resourceful and independent learner who enjoys interacting with people and finding creative solutions for projects and issues as they present themselves. Able to be flexible when organizing their day and managing multiple priorities at once.

This person will serve as a liaison between principal investigator, school-based compliance departments and lab members. They will be committed to facilitating the research goals of this hard-working group of investigators in a friendly yet assertive manner. Able to foster an operationally seamless environment for lab investigators to carry out their research. Handle the in-processing and out-processing of all lab members by guiding them through university onboarding processes and lab-specific requirements, by ensuring the compliance of mandated university training. Manage, guide, evaluate, provide feedback to, and generally support lab members in their roles within the lab.

Responsible for assisting with experiments when required, including directly carrying out experiments (based upon the specific prior research experience of the candidate); these experiments may include genotyping for colony management, running mice through behavioral assays, immunostaining, stereotaxic injections and mouse surgery, exposing mice to odors for molecular analysis, and single cell sequencing.

Responsible for maximizing the efficiency and effectiveness of flow within the laboratory and managing the requirements to comply with general laboratory safety regulations. Responsible for writing and maintaining animal protocols and ensuring compliance of federal guidelines with respect to animal care regulations as well as maintaining a relationship with animal facility and vet staff to resolve animal-related problems and ensure proper spending for mouse colony maintenance.

Responsible for ordering of supplies and reagents on a weekly basis as well as determining the proper funding sources for purchases, maintenance of inventories, annual service contracts and repairs of equipment. Initiation and management of all orders using HCOM and other methods, track supplies and expenditures on a daily/weekly/monthly basis and maintain inventory.

Responsible for keeping lab budget in check, and communicating with principal investigator about spending and ideas for reducing costs, while ensuring that research projects can actively thrive. Communicate with vendors to attain bulk discounts and best pricing available. Working closely with grants manager on post-billing related challenges with vendors and internal AP Dept. Responsible for keeping lab spending in check by communicating with grants manager on spending levels, patterns and future forecasting.

Qualifications

Basic Qualifications:

• College degree in a related field of research study.
• 3 or more years related work experience (relevant course work may count towards experience).

Additional Qualifications and Skills:

• Advanced degree (Masters or PhD) strongly preferred.
• Strong innovative and creative problem-solving skills.
• Strong leadership abilities, friendly, yet authoritative.
• Independent individual who is able to work well in a fast-paced, team-oriented, ever-changing environment.
• Proactively assessing ways to make the lab a more efficient in regard to space, spending and workplace flow.

Additional Information

• Term: This is a 1-year term position from the date of hire, with the possibility of extension, contingent upon work performance and continued funding to support the position.
• Standard Hours/Schedule: 35 hours per week| Monday - Friday | 9:00 am - 5:00 pm
• Visa Sponsorship Information: Harvard University is unable to provide visa sponsorship for this position
• Pre-Employment Screening: Identity, Education, Criminal, Pre-Placement Medical Evaluation
• Other Information: Please note that we are currently conducting a majority of interviews and onboarding remotely and virtually. We appreciate your understanding.
• Staying Informed About Your Application: Due to the high volume of applications, we may not always be able to reach out right away, but you can track your status anytime through the Careers@Harvard portal.

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Work Format Details

This position has been determined by school or unit leaders that all duties and responsibilities must be performed at a Harvard or Harvard-designated location. Certain visa types may limit work location. Individuals must meet work location sponsorship requirements prior to employment.

Salary Grade and Ranges

This position is salary grade level 055. Please visit Harvard's Salary Ranges to view the corresponding salary range and related information.

Benefits

Harvard offers a comprehensive benefits package that is designed to support a healthy work-life balance and your physical, mental and financial wellbeing. Because here, you are what matters. Our benefits include, but are not limited to:

• Generous paid time off including parental leave
• Medical, dental, and vision health insurance coverage starting on day one
• Retirement plans with university contributions
• Wellbeing and mental health resources
• Support for families and caregivers
• Professional development opportunities including tuition assistance and reimbursement
• Commuter benefits, discounts and campus perks

Learn more about these and additional benefits on our Benefits & Wellbeing Page.

EEO/Non-Discrimination Commitment Statement

Harvard University is committed to equal opportunity and non-discrimination. We seek talent from all parts of society and the world, and we strive to ensure everyone at Harvard thrives. Our differences help our community advance Harvard's academic purposes.

Harvard has an equal employment opportunity policy that outlines our commitment to prohibiting discrimination on the basis of race, ethnicity, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, veteran status, religion, disability, or any other characteristic protected by law or identified in the university's non-discrimination policy. Harvard's equal employment opportunity policy and non-discrimination policy help all community members participate fully in work and campus life free from harassment and discrimination.