Laboratory Manager - Advanced Bioeffects Research

AeroVironment•Jessup, MD

7d•Onsite

About The Position

AV is seeking a Laboratory Manager to support biological research within the Directed Energy Bioeffects Division of the 711th Human Performance Wing at Joint Base San Antonio. The lab focuses on the bioeffects of laser weapons exposure using advanced cellular models, including immortalized and primary cells, tissue organoids, transwell, and advanced co-culture systems. The Laboratory Manager will ensure that the lab operates safely and efficiently while enabling high-quality scientific research. The successful candidate will oversee day-to-day lab operations, including project tracking, inventory/equipment management, and coordination of laboratory activities. The incumbent will support scientists and technicians who perform bioeffects research, ensuring smooth execution of projects and accurate documentation. The role requires excellent organizational, communication, and record-keeping skills, a strong background in cell biology and in vitro techniques, and the ability to manage multiple projects and shifting priorities in a dynamic research environment.

Requirements

B.S. in Biology, Molecular Biology, Biochemistry, Molecular Genetics, Microbiology, Immunology, Biomedical Engineering, or related field, with approximately 3 -7 years of direct laboratory experience.
Prior lab management or lead technician experience in a biological research laboratory is strongly desired.
Strong laboratory background in cell biology and in vitro and cell culture techniques, including maintenance and propagation of mammalian cells and support of complex in vitro assays.
Demonstrated experience with laboratory safety programs, including safety protocol implementation, training, and compliance monitoring.
Experience with project tracking and coordination in a research environment, including scheduling, prioritization, and communication across teams.
Experience with inventory management and procurement, with the ability to forecast needs and manage budgets efficiently.
Proven data organization and documentation skills, with the ability to maintain accurate records and support data integrity.
Strong organizational skills, meticulous attention to detail, and the ability to adapt and perform in a fast-paced, team-based environment with shifting priorities.
This position requires access to information that is subject to compliance with the International Traffic Arms Regulations (“ITAR”) and/or the Export Administration Regulations (“EAR”). In order to comply with the requirements of the ITAR and/or the EAR, applicants will be asked to provide specific documentation to verify U.S. person status under the ITAR and the EAR. A “U.S. person” according to their definition is a U.S. citizen, U.S. lawful permanent resident (green card holder), or protected individual such as a refugee, or asylee. See 22 CFR § 120.15.
Some positions will require current U.S. Citizenship due to contract requirements.

Responsibilities

Manage daily laboratory operations, including allocation of space, equipment, and materials to support experiments using advanced cellular models.
Oversee laboratory safety programs, including implementation of safety policies, personnel training, and compliance with institutional and federal requirements.
Train and mentor laboratory staff in procedures, safety practices, documentation standards, and use of common equipment and in vitro techniques.
Maintain and enforce good laboratory and aseptic techniques across cell culture and assay activities.
Coordinate and track multiple research projects, including scheduling experiments, monitoring progress against timelines and deliverables schedule.
Develop and maintain systems for documentation, including experimental logs, SOPs, equipment use records, and data traceability.
Oversee inventory of reagents, consumables, and supplies, including forecasting needs, placing orders, and managing stock levels and costs.
Manage laboratory equipment, including preventive maintenance, calibrations, repairs, and documentation to minimize downtime.
Support mammalian cell culture operations, including oversight of cell line inventory, authentication records, and contamination-control practices.
Implement and manage systems for sample labeling, storage, tracking, and chain-of-custody documentation.
Identify and implement opportunities for workflow improvements to enhance efficiency, safety, data quality, and reproducibility.