Lab Manager / Technician

We seek a lab manager / research technician to join our team in the Fall of 2026 and facilitate research on the cell biology of nitrogen-fixing bacteria and their symbioses with plants. This is a full-time position with a competitive salary and benefit package.

About the role

The laboratory manager / research technician will manage the Belin laboratory’s research program activities, providing logistical support and contributing to team research projects. The selected candidate will join a small, highly collegial laboratory within the University of Kentucky’s vibrant research community. Dr. Belin is committed to professional development and offers opportunities to participate in research, scientific writing, mentorship, and science communication activities, aligned with each hire’s career goals. Lab members are encouraged to attend national research conferences, funding permitting.

Responsibilities

• Serve as proxy for Dr. Belin in the lab, fostering a collaborative atmosphere and providing guidance on research safety and best practices.
• Schedule room reservations for meetings and organize work-related social activities, including lab retreats.
• Coordinate with university procurement specialists to place and track orders and shipping requests, maintaining an inventory of received items.
• Work with university facilities, equipment vendors, and repair technicians to integrate the laboratory’s research, operational, and administrative goals.
• Identify and address issues, risks, and inefficiencies in lab safety and management, implementing solutions with lab members.
• Schedule and oversee periodic “lab clean-up” days and ensure weekly lab chores (e.g., refilling pipet tip boxes, autoclaving specialty glassware, preparing growth medium stocks) are completed efficiently.
• Contribute to laboratory team research projects and undertake independent research projects (up to 50% total effort) as determined by Dr. Belin.

Requirements

• B.S./B.A. degree in a STEM field.
• At least 1 year of related experience in a research environment (including undergraduate research assistantships).
• Experience with basic microbiology and molecular biology techniques (e.g., PCR, gel electrophoresis, DNA purification).

Preferred Qualifications

• Previous experience as a lab manager.
• Experience with cultivation of soil or non-model bacteria.
• Familiarity with Golden Gate Assembly and/or modern genetic tools (e.g., CRISPR, recombineering).

Skills

• Excellent communication and organizational skills.
• High level of professionalism and ability to multitask, balancing research and administrative duties.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint/Keynote), Google productivity apps (Drive, Docs, Sheets), and communication tools (Slack, Zoom).

Working Conditions

This position is in a professional office and laboratory environment. The incumbent will routinely use standard office equipment and may perform tasks requiring standing, walking, and manual dexterity (e.g., handling lab equipment, lifting items as needed).