Laboratory Manager I in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania at University of Pittsburgh

Laboratory Manager I

Med-Otolaryngology - Pennsylvania-Pittsburgh - (26002928)

The Department of Otolaryngology-Head & Neck Surgery at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine seeks a full-time Laboratory Manager I to join the laboratory of the Deputy Director of the UPMC Hillman Cancer Center and Chair of the Department of Otolaryngology–Head & Neck Surgery. The Lab Manager will support the daily operations of a translational research laboratory located at UPMC Hillman Cancer Center. This person will play a central role in coordinating clinical specimen collection, storage and management, supporting investigators and research staff, maintaining laboratory infrastructure, and ensuring effective communication between clinical and research teams. In addition, the incumbent will provide support to ongoing research projects, including hands-on assistance with molecular, biochemical, cell culture, and immunological methodologies, as needed.

Required Qualifications:

• Education: Bachelor’s degree in biology, medical sciences, or a related field.

• Experience: 5-7 years of hands-on wet-lab research experience, with demonstrated proficiency in clinical sample collection, processing, biobanking, and clinical metadata annotation. Prior experience as a staff scientist or lab manager in a translational research setting is preferred.

• Technical Skills: Familiarity with IRB protocols, biospecimen handling, and safety guidelines. Other preferred skills include molecular, biochemical, cell culture and immunological techniques

• Soft Skills: Strong organizational, communication, and problem-solving abilities.

Job Summary

Manages day-to-day laboratory operations while ensuring compliance with safety regulations and best practices. Works with, adapts, and installs scientific equipment in research laboratories. Collaborates on routine projects and procedures. Manages inventory and equipment and performs budget functions.

Essential Functions

• Process, store and maintain biological samples (blood, saliva, surgical drain fluid, tumor tissue) per established protocols.

• Maintain accurate sample inventories and associated clinical annotations

• Ensure timely retrieval and distribution of specimens to investigators.

• Coordinate and manage biospecimen collection and distribution if specimens among investigators.

• Train, mentor, and supervise laboratory personnel in experimental techniques and best practices.

• Manage laboratory inventory, order reagents and consumables, and assist with budget tracking.

• Support the principal investigator (PI) and research staff by facilitating coordination and communication across teams.

• Oversee daily lab operations, including scheduling, workflow coordination, and equipment upkeep.

• Develop and maintain standard operating procedures, procedure manuals, and technical guidelines.

• Perform and support advanced lab techniques, including molecular (qPCR, cloning), biochemical (Western blotting, recombinant protein expression and purification), cell culture, and immunological assays (flow cytometry, in vitro stimulation assays).

• Ensure compliance with institutional, regulatory, safety requirements, and laboratory inspections.

• Manage IRB-related laboratory documentation and assist with protocol compliance.

• Ensure accurate record-keeping, data management, and maintenance of laboratory records and notebooks.

Physical Effort

Extended periods of sitting; ability to lift up to five pounds.

Assignment Category: Full-time regular

Job Classification: Staff.Laboratory Manager I

Job Family: Research

Job Sub Family: Laboratory

Campus: Pittsburgh

Minimum Education Level Required: Bachelor's Degree

Minimum Years of Experience Required: 2

Will this position accept substitution in lieu of education or experience: No

Work Schedule: Monday - Friday, 9:00 to 5:00

Work Arrangement: On-Campus: Teams that work on campus, in an office, or in a lab.

Hiring Range: To be determined based on qualifications

Relocation_Offered: No

Visa Sponsorship Provided: No

Background Check: For position finalists, employment with the University will require successful completion of a background check

Child Protection Clearances: Not Applicable

Required Documents: Resume

Optional Documents: Not Applicable