Job Description

The Research Laboratory Manager will oversee the daily operations of a large, established, multidisciplinary research laboratory focused on understanding the host–pathogen interface during Staphylococcus aureus infection. This position serves as the operational backbone of the laboratory, ensuring that personnel, supplies, compliance activities, equipment, and laboratory processes function efficiently to support a highly productive research environment. The successful candidate will be responsible for laboratory management, scientific administration, regulatory compliance, onboarding and training of personnel, inventory and purchasing oversight, and coordination of shared laboratory resources.

In addition, the Laboratory Manager will dedicate a portion of their effort to conducting pilot studies, method development, and exploratory experiments that support emerging research directions within the laboratory. This position is ideal for an organized, proactive scientist who enjoys facilitating research and enabling the success of a large team while maintaining hands-on involvement in the scientific enterprise.

This is a temporary position.

Laboratory Operations Management

• Coordinate and oversee daily laboratory operations for a large research group.
• Manage laboratory inventory and ensure continuous availability of reagents, consumables, media, and supplies.
• Establish and maintain reagent tracking, freezer inventories, and laboratory databases.
• Oversee equipment maintenance, calibration schedules, service contracts, and repairs.
• Monitor laboratory organization, cleanliness, and operational readiness.
  

Purchasing and Scientific Administration

• Manage purchasing activities, including quotations, procurement requests, purchase orders, receiving, and reconciliation of laboratory expenses.
• Serve as liaison with vendors and institutional procurement offices.
• Track laboratory expenditures and assist with budget monitoring.
• Coordinate scientific service contracts, core facility interactions, and vendor relationships.
• Assist principal investigator with administrative tasks related to laboratory management.

Regulatory Compliance and Safety

• Serve as laboratory coordinator for biosafety, chemical safety, and environmental health and safety activities.
• Maintain compliance with institutional and governmental regulations.
• Coordinate biosafety inspections and laboratory audits.
• Ensure proper chemical inventory management and hazardous waste procedures.
• Maintain required laboratory safety documentation and training records.
• Serve as primary point of contact for safety committees and regulatory offices.

Research Support and Pilot Studies

• Perform exploratory experiments as directed supporting new research initiatives.
• Conduct pilot studies that generate preliminary data for grant applications and new projects.
• Assist with troubleshooting of experimental approaches used throughout the laboratory.
• Perform research related to host-pathogen interactions, bacterial pathogenesis, immunology, microbiology, and MRSA infection biology.
• Analyze, organize, and communicate experimental findings to the principal investigator.
• Maintain accurate laboratory records and documentation of research activities.

Required Qualifications

• BS degree in Microbiology, Immunology, Molecular Biology, Biomedical Sciences, or a related field.
• Minimum of 1 year of laboratory research experience in an academic, government, or biotechnology setting.
• Degree Equivalency Clause: Four years of direct experience for a bachelor’s degree.
  • Senate Bill 1310- The Florida Senate (https://www.flsenate.gov/Session/Bill/2023/1310) is conditional upon meeting all employment eligibility requirements in the U.S.
  • SB 1310: Substitution of Work Experience for Postsecondary Education Requirements
  • A public employer may include a postsecondary degree as a baseline requirement only as an alternative to the number of years of direct experience required, not to exceed:
  • (a) Two years of direct experience for an associate degree;
  • (b) Four years of direct experience for a bachelor’s degree;
  • (c) Six years of direct experience for a master’s degree;
  • (d) Seven years of direct experience for a professional degree; or
  • (e) Nine years of direct experience for a doctoral degree
  • Related work experience may not substitute for any required licensure, certification, or registration required for the position of employment as established by the public employer and indicated in the advertised description of the position of employment.
  • Minimum Qualifications that require a high school diploma are exempt from SB 1310
  

Preferred Qualifications

• MS degree in Microbiology, Immunology, Biomedical Sciences, or a related discipline.
• Experience managing research laboratory operations.
• Experience with biosafety and chemical safety compliance programs.
• Experience with microbiology, bacterial pathogenesis, host-pathogen interactions, cell culture, molecular biology, or immunological techniques.
• Experience training students and research personnel.
• Familiarity with grant-funded academic research environments.
• Experience with laboratory operations, organization, and inventory management.
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple projects and competing priorities simultaneously.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite and electronic laboratory record systems.
• Experience working independently and exercising sound judgment in a dynamic research environment.
• Experience maintaining laboratory budgets and purchasing systems.

Working at USF

With approximately 16,000 employees, the University of South Florida is one of the largest employers in the Tampa Bay area. We are dedicated to cultivating a talented, engaged and driven workforce that strives to be bold. Employees excel in USF‘s rich academic environment, which fosters their development and advancement. In 2025, Forbes recognized USF as one of Florida’s best large employers, ranked No. 1 among the state’s 12 public universities. Our first-class benefits package includes medical, dental and life insurance plans, retirement plan options, employee and dependent tuition programs, generous leave, and hundreds of employee perks and discounts.

About USF

The University of South Florida is a top-ranked research university serving approximately 50,000 students from across the globe at campuses in Tampa, St. Petersburg, Sarasota-Manatee and USF Health. USF is recognized by U.S. News & World Report as a top 50 public university and the best value in Florida. U.S. News also ranks the USF Health Morsani College of Medicine as the No. 1 medical school in Florida and in the highest tier nationwide. USF is a member of the Association of American Universities (AAU), a group that includes only the top 3% of universities in the U.S. With an all-time high of $738 million in research funding in 2024 and as a top 20 public university for producing U.S. patents, USF uses innovation to transform lives and shape a better future. The university generates an annual economic impact of more than $6 billion. USF’s Division I athletics teams compete in the American Athletic Conference. Learn more at www.usf.edu

Compliance and Federal Notices

This position may be subject to a Level 1 or Level 2 criminal background check.

Applicants have rights under Federal Employment Laws

The University of South Florida is an equal opportunity employer that does not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment based on any characteristic protected by law. The University maintains programs for protected veterans and individuals with disabilities in accordance with all applicable federal and state laws.

Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA)

Applicants for USF employment are entitled to request reasonable accommodation(s) in the application process. A request is to be made at least five (5) working days prior to the time the accommodation(s) is needed. Visit the Central Human Resources ADA Accommodations webpage for more information on requesting an accommodation during the application/interview process.

Equal Employment Opportunity

The University of South Florida is an equal opportunity employer that does not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment based on any characteristic protected by law. The University maintains affirmative action programs for protected veterans and individuals with disabilities in accordance with all applicable federal and state laws. This job description does not constitute an employment contract.