Research Laboratory Manager - VRI

At Vitalant Research Institute, were dedicated to advancing the science that supports our life-saving mission. As a Research Laboratory Manager , youll play a vital role in supporting that mission by ensuring the smooth, safe, and efficient operation of our research labs. Youll oversee day-to-day lab activities, ensure compliance with safety and quality standards, and lead process improvements that help drive innovation in transfusion medicine and blood research. From maintaining equipment and validating processes to developing SOPs and guiding your team, your leadership will help fuel discoveries that improve patient care and save lives.

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• 401K + 5% company match
• Tuition assistance up to $5k per year
• Free basic life and AD&D insurance
• Free short-and-long-term disability insurance
• Paid time off
• Employee Resource Groups
• Recognition and perks

As a Research Laboratory Manager, you'll get to:

• Manage lab inventory, including reagents, consumables, and supplies.
• Implement inventory control procedures to reduce waste and optimize costs.
• Oversee routine equipment maintenance and coordinate certification with external vendors.
• Develop and review biosafety protocols in collaboration with the Institutional Biosafety Committee (IBC).
• Manage biohazard and chemical waste streams to ensure proper disposal.
• Enforce lab safety protocols and maintain a safe working environment.
• Train lab staff on hazardous material handling and emergency procedures.
• Manage facility-related services such as janitorial, gas deliveries, laundry, and waste removal.
• Work with Facilities to resolve infrastructure issues and ensure compliance with building regulations.
• Maintain clean, organized lab spaces and shared work areas.
• Keep accurate records of equipment maintenance, inventory, safety inspections, and waste manifests.
• Review and archive lab and equipment records in the electronic quality management system.
• Generate reports on lab operations, including equipment uptime, inventory usage, and safety compliance.
• Analyze operational data to identify trends, improve processes, and recommend solutions.

• Bachelors degree in the life sciences (physical, chemical, or biological) or a related field, required.
• Masters Degree in related field, preferred.
• Knowledge of GLP/GCLP procedures and quality assurance and familiarity in leading responses to audits and inspections of the facility, preferred.

• Three years of experience in a research laboratory, required to include experience in creating and managing assay validations, equipment qualification (IOPQs), SOPs, scientific reports, and related documentation.
• Five years of experience in a research laboratory, preferred. To include:
  • Two years of supervisory experience.
  • Lab management in a research facility.
  • Database management, electronic based quality management systems, and software (e.g. Word, Excel, PowerPoint, etc.).
  • Biosafety Level 3 (BSL-3) facility management.
  • Leading responses to audits and inspections of the facility.

• Must possess the skills and abilities to successfully perform all duties and responsibilities.
• Must be able to maintain confidentiality.
• Must have analytical, statistical, personal organization, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to work in a team environment and participate as an active team member.
• Must have proficient computer skills.
• Ability to think independently.
• Exceptional oral, written and management skills with strong attention to detail and organization, required.
• A sense of creative curiosity and logical troubleshooting capabilities.
• Exceptional ability to organize, prioritize, and manage changing workflows, while meeting project timelines, both independently and as part of cross-functional teams.
• Excellent leadership, organizational and multi-tasking skills are essential.
• Superior-level knowledge of both basic and more complex research procedures, methodologies, and equipment required.
• Must have good customer service and interpersonal skills.
• Effective oral and written communication skills.
• Able to organize, prioritize, and execute a variable workload and multiple priorities.