The successful laboratory manager candidate will be responsible for the overall management and operation of our animal research laboratory, ensuring a productive and compliant environment for scientific research. This role involves overseeing daily lab activities, working with veterinary and husbandry staff to ensure excellent colony support for non-human primates (NHP), managing resources and lab personnel, supervising and participating in experiments, and supporting the research team in achieving their scientific objectives. The candidate will assist with administrative duties, including developing and implementing protocols for Standard Operating Procedures required by the Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC), United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), veterinarian staff and other regulatory agencies.

The position is also responsible for assisting with the implementation and management of clinical research studies in human patients investigating the neural basis of cognitive functions and developing therapies based on brain stimulation. The candidate will work closely with the principal investigator (PI), study teams, and external partners to ensure the successful execution of research protocols, data collection, and regulatory compliance. The position requires accurate and timely documentation and communication with the PI, participants, Institutional Review Board (IRB), research sponsors, and other research-related entities.

The Department of Biomedical Engineering at Vanderbilt is unique among biomedical engineering programs in its immediate proximity to the world class Vanderbilt Medical Center, located on our compact campus. Our School of Medicine is among the top ten in funding from the National Institutes of Health and includes a National Cancer Institute-recognized Comprehensive Cancer Center, a major children’s hospital and a Level I trauma center. This proximity and the strong relationships among faculty across multiple schools stimulate high impact research and provide unique educational and research opportunities for students.

Key Functions and Expected Performance:

Lab Operations Management:Oversee daily operations of the research lab, including equipment maintenance, ordering supplies, and managing inventoryEnsure lab compliance with safety regulations and institutional policiesDevelop and implement standard operating procedures (SOPs) for lab activitiesResource Management:Manage the laboratory budget and expendituresCoordinate the procurement of laboratory supplies, reagents, and equipmentMaintain accurate records of purchases and usage of lab resourcesTeam Support:Assist researchers with experimental setup, troubleshooting, and optimizationProvide training to new lab members on proper lab techniques and safety protocolsFoster a collaborative and productive lab environmentData Management:Oversee the maintenance of accurate and organized lab records, including experimental data, protocols, and equipment logsEnsure data integrity and compliance with data management policiesCompliance and Safety:Conduct regular safety inspections with IACUC, USDA, and AAALACImplement and monitor lab safety training programs for all lab personnelEnsure compliance with institutional, state, and federal regulations regarding controlled substances, laboratory safety, and hazardous materialsCommunication and Coordination:Serve as a liaison between the lab and other collaborators and departmentsCoordinate and facilitate lab meetings and discussions as neededMaintain open communication with the PI

Supervisory Relationships:
This position will have supervisory responsibility over all lab personnel, including lab staff and student workers and will report administratively and functionally to the PI.

Education and Certifications:

A bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution of higher education is required.Degrees in the sciences or engineering (i.e. Animal Science, Biology, Biomedical Engineering, Neuroscience, Psychology, etc.) are preferred.

Experience and Skills:

 Required Qualifications

A professional attitude, high level of motivation, initiative and good work ethic2 years’ minimum experience in a supervisory or management roleAn ability to maintain quality and safety standardsAn ability to understand and follow complex, detailed technical instructionsStrong communication skills and collaborationBasic computer and database skills

Preferred Qualifications

Previous animal husbandry or veterinary care experience, specifically with NHPs is strongly preferredExperience with grant writing and managementKnowledge of regulatory requirements and best practices in lab managementDemonstrated ability to lead and motivate a teamHigher education experience is strongly preferredAn ability to work independently with a high level of self-motivation and learn new skills quickly