Lab Administrative Support Specialist

Leidos•McLean, VA

9d•$52,000 - $94,000•Onsite

About The Position

Leidos is seeking a highly organized and detail-oriented professional to join our Saxton Lab Team as a Lab Administrative Support Specialist! Our team operates the Federal Highway Administration’s (FHWA) Saxton Transportation Operations Laboratory (STOL), a USDOT research lab. STOL is a research and development center advancing the science of connected and automated vehicle technologies and digital roadway infrastructure. Our mission is to improve transportation safety, mobility, and environmental outcomes through innovation, testing, and real-world demonstrations. We work at the intersection of engineering, data, and policy—developing and evaluating cutting-edge systems for vehicle-to-vehicle (V2V) and vehicle-to-infrastructure (V2I) communication. The lab’s culture values initiative, curiosity, collaboration, and a strong sense of public purpose. Learn more about STOL here! Why Join Us This is not a typical administrative position—it’s an opportunity to support the day-to-day operations of a federal R&D laboratory that is shaping the future of transportation. You’ll gain front-row access to groundbreaking research, work alongside engineers and program managers, and see how your efforts directly enable national innovation initiatives. We offer a collaborative work environment, professional development opportunities, and a culture that rewards initiative and efficiency. Position Summary The Lab Administrative Support Specialist is the operational backbone of the Saxton Lab. This role combines advanced administrative management with proactive coordination of business, HR, and logistical functions that keep the lab running efficiently. You will provide direct support to research teams, ensuring that administrative, procurement, and communication processes align with organizational policies and project objectives.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in business administration, project management or a related field plus at least 2 years’ experience in an office environment, or High School diploma with 4 years of progressively challenging office experience.
Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Outlook, Word, PowerPoint and Excel).
Experience using SharePoint or similar cloud based collaboration tools.
Ability to obtain and maintain a Public Trust clearance, requiring three years of continuous residency in the United States.
All applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States without company sponsorship.
Valid driver’s license and ability to pass a DMV background check.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
Strong organizational skills with the ability to multitask and prioritize effectively.
Must be available to work full time on site at the McLean lab, five days per week.

Nice To Haves

Experience supporting government contracting or federally funded R&D environments.
Familiarity with business development operations and contract compliance.
Advanced MS Office utilities (Excel macros, VBA, or database management).
Demonstrated interest in science, engineering, or technology applications.
Thrives in a small, fast-paced team where collaboration with engineers and researchers is routine.
Demonstrates initiative, accountability, and strong follow-through.
Recognizes interdependencies, anticipates scheduling or workflow conflicts, and proactively resolves them.
Adapts quickly to evolving priorities while maintaining composure under deadlines.
Eager to learn new technologies and contribute to the operational success of advanced transportation research.

Responsibilities

Perform advanced administrative and office management tasks in a high-performance R&D environment.
Manage procurement of goods and services, vendor coordination, and tracking of expenditures to maintain research continuity.
Oversee onboarding and offboarding processes, coordinating IT, facilities, and security requirements for new staff and visitors.
Maintain compliance documentation including SOPs (standard operating procedures), safety protocols, and audit-ready records.
Support lab logistics—space management, facility maintenance coordination, and inventory tracking.
Ensure adherence to federal, contractual, and organizational procedures.
Execute other duties as assigned.
Serve as the lab’s first point of contact for internal and external inquiries, redirecting requests as needed.
Draft and manage professional correspondence, memos, and reports for leadership and clients.
Compile progress updates and activity reports for diverse audiences—internal management, public stakeholders, and sponsors.
Coordinate special events, workshops, and lab tours showcasing R&D initiatives.
Track project milestones, timelines, and deliverables across multiple research efforts.
Maintain organized archives of reports, deliverables, and correspondence using SharePoint and team collaboration tools.
Prepare meeting materials, manage scheduling, take notes, and ensure timely follow-up actions.
Support project documentation and data management needs in partnership with engineers and project managers.