Lab Operations Manager - Vakoc and dos Santos Labs

St. Jude Children's Research Hospital•Memphis, TN

About The Position

The laboratories of Dr. Chris Vakoc and Dr. Camila dos Santos at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital are seeking an experienced Joint Lab Operations Manager to support and oversee operations across two dynamic research groups. This role is ideal for a highly organized, proactive professional who thrives in a fast-paced biomedical research environment and enjoys building efficient systems that enable scientific teams to do their best work. In this position, you will play a central role in establishing the operational infrastructure for both labs while ensuring seamless day-to-day functionality. We are looking for someone with strong experience in laboratory operations, including purchasing, vendor coordination, equipment management, inventory tracking, and SOP development. Your work will directly support the growth and productivity of two collaborative and innovative research programs.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in a relevant scientific field required
8+ years of research experience is required
6+ years of research experience is required with a Master’s degree
3+ years of research experience is required with a PHD
Prior experience in relevant lab techniques preferred
Experience in lab and scientific project coordination, maintenance, and other research support activities preferred
Demonstrated understanding of the field and related trends
Experience with laboratory techniques relevant to biomedical research
Demonstrated experience in laboratory management or research operations in an academic, hospital, or biotechnology setting
Strong organizational skills with exceptional attention to detail
Experience with purchasing, budgeting support, and vendor communication
Experience coordinating equipment maintenance and repairs
Proven ability to build systems, workflows, and SOPs that improve efficiency
Strong interpersonal and communication skills

Nice To Haves

Experience in biomedical research environments, particularly in cancer biology, molecular biology, cell biology, or related fields, would be highly valuable.

Responsibilities

Oversee daily laboratory operations across both research groups
Manage purchasing of supplies, reagents, and laboratory equipment
Coordinate with vendors to obtain quotes, evaluate options, and track orders
Support equipment installation, maintenance scheduling, and repair coordination
Establish and maintain inventory management systems
Develop, organize, and update standard operating procedures (SOPs)
Assist with lab setup, space planning, and operational scaling as the labs grow
Partner with institutional offices and shared resources to support lab needs
Help ensure compliance with institutional policies, safety standards, and regulatory requirements
Support onboarding of new lab members and help foster efficient operational practices