Research Laboratory Manager

Position: Research Laboratory Manager Location: Long Beach, CA Salary: $70,000 - $90,000 per year, DOE Reports To: Principal Investigator/ Chief of Staff Who are we looking for? The Translational Pulmonary and Immunology Research Center (TPIRC) is seeking a highly motivated and experienced Laboratory Manager / Senior Research Associate to support and advance translational research programs in pulmonary biology, immunology, and related biomedical sciences. This position combines scientific research, laboratory management, biobank operations, regulatory compliance, data coordination, project management, and personnel development. The successful candidate will oversee day-to-day laboratory and biobank operations, maintain biosafety and regulatory compliance, support ongoing research studies, contribute to experimental design and execution, and mentor research staff, interns, and students. The ideal candidate will be an organized scientific professional capable of independently managing laboratory operations while contributing to innovative research initiatives and supporting the growth of the TPIRC research infrastructure. Job Duties and Responsibilities Laboratory & Biobank Operations Oversee daily operations of the research laboratory and TPIRC biobank. Manage sample intake, processing, aliquoting, labeling, storage, and retrieval of biological specimens. Maintain chain-of-custody and sample tracking systems, ensuring accurate linkage between biological samples and longitudinal clinical and diagnostic data. Oversee routine laboratory maintenance, organization, and operational readiness. Monitor and maintain: Liquid Nitrogen (LN₂) storage systems CO₂ incubators and gas supplies Ultra-low temperature (-80°C) freezers Biosafety cabinets Centrifuges Microscopes Additional laboratory instrumentation and equipment Manage laboratory equipment maintenance schedules, calibration, troubleshooting, temperature monitoring, and vendor service coordination. Maintain inventory of laboratory reagents, chemicals, biological specimens, consumables, and research supplies. Coordinate procurement activities including supply ordering, vendor management, delivery tracking, and follow-up. Develop, document, implement, and continuously improve Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for laboratory and biobank workflows. Track laboratory operational expenses and support budget management activities. Regulatory Compliance & Quality Assurance Ensure laboratory and biobank operations comply with institutional policies and applicable regulatory requirements. Maintain compliance with: IRB-approved protocols Informed consent requirements HIPAA regulations Good Clinical Practice (GCP) Good Laboratory Practice (GLP) Biosafety and laboratory safety standards Maintain audit-ready documentation for regulatory inspections, sponsor audits, and internal quality reviews. Support IRB submissions, protocol amendments, continuing reviews, and regulatory documentation. Monitor biosafety, biohazard handling, chemical safety, and laboratory safety programs. Maintain Safety Data Sheets (SDS/MSDS), biosafety records, laboratory documentation, and safety training records. Research & Experimental Activities Assist investigators with study planning, experimental design, protocol development, execution, troubleshooting, and data analysis. Coordinate with diagnostic laboratories regarding collection and processing of blood, serum, plasma, and other biological specimens. Support multiple ongoing translational and biomedical research projects. Perform and supervise laboratory procedures including: SDS-PAGE Western Blotting (Immunoblotting) Quantitative PCR (qPCR) ELISA Histology and H&E Staining Cell Culture Microscopy and Image Analysis Mean Linear Intercept (MLI) Analysis Tissue Processing and Sample Preparation Other molecular, cellular, and immunological techniques as required Design, develop, and execute independent research projects. Collaborate with Principal Investigators on study design, grant development, and research implementation. Analyze, interpret, and present scientific findings. Maintain accurate laboratory notebooks, databases, and research documentation. Contribute to manuscripts, scientific reports, publications, and presentations. Ensure scientific rigor, reproducibility, and data quality standards. Data & Study Coordination Coordinate with clinical and research staff to ensure accurate and timely research data capture across study systems. Support collection and management of research data using platforms such as REDCap, EMR-derived research reports, and study documentation systems. Perform data quality control and identify discrepancies among clinical records, consent status, sample inventories, and study databases. Assist with implementation of new and ongoing research protocols. Translate study requirements into laboratory and biobank operational procedures. Generate operational, compliance, and study progress reports for Principal Investigators, leadership teams, and grant reporting requirements. Personnel Leadership & Training Train, mentor, and supervise research interns, students, research assistants, coordinators, technicians, and laboratory support staff. Develop laboratory training materials, SOPs, and competency programs. Schedule staff and coordinate workload assignments. Onboard new personnel on laboratory operations, biosafety procedures, compliance requirements, and research protocols. Foster a collaborative, productive, and safe laboratory environment. Promote best practices in laboratory operations, scientific conduct, safety, and data management. Serve as the primary point of contact for day-to-day laboratory operational issues and escalate concerns to research leadership as needed. Budget & Administrative Responsibilities Track laboratory and biobank operational budgets and expenditures. Assist with purchasing forecasts and resource allocation. Contribute operational input to grant proposals, budgets, renewals, and research planning activities. Assist leadership with strategic planning related to laboratory growth, equipment acquisition, and research infrastructure development. Required Qualifications PhD, Master's degree, or Bachelor's degree in Life Sciences, Cell Biology, Molecular Biology, Immunology, Biotechnology, Biomedical Sciences, or a related field. Relevant experience in academic, biotechnology, pharmaceutical, healthcare, clinical, or translational research environments. Experience managing laboratory operations, biobanks, or research support activities. Hands-on experience with molecular biology, cell biology, immunology, or translational research techniques. Experience with laboratory biosafety programs and regulatory compliance. Experience managing laboratory equipment, inventory systems, procurement, and vendor relationships. Strong organizational, analytical, communication, and problem-solving skills. Ability to manage multiple projects, priorities, and deadlines simultaneously. Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a multidisciplinary research environment. Preferred Qualifications Experience in allergy, immunology, or pulmonary research, food allergy Experience with pediatric research populations CCRP, CCRC, or equivalent clinical research certification Experience supporting grant-funded research operations and reporting Familiarity with Athena EMR or similar clinical data systems Familiarity with REDCap or comparable clinical research data management systems. Demonstrated ability to design and execute independent research projects. Experience supporting IRB protocols and regulatory submissions. Experience training and mentoring students, interns, and research personnel. Scientific publication, manuscript preparation, and grant support experience. Key Competencies Laboratory Operations Management Biobank Management Biosafety & Regulatory Compliance Research Project Management Experimental Design & Execution Molecular and Cellular Biology Techniques Clinical Research Coordination Sample Tracking and Data Integrity Budget Tracking & Resource Management Inventory & Procurement Management Scientific Data Analysis Team Leadership & Mentorship Scientific Communication About Us The Translational Pulmonary & Immunology Research Center (TPIRC) is at the forefront of medical innovation, committed to transforming the treatment of rare and orphan diseases. Our center integrates cutting-edge diagnostic tools, artificial intelligence, and patient-centered research to push the boundaries of care and outcomes. As a non-profit research and clinical care center, TPIRC specializes in developing innovative, personalized treatment protocols for rare and orphan diseases. Our commitment to precision medicine allows us to create tailored treatment plans by meticulously analyzing each patient’s unique lab results, medical history, and symptoms. This personalized approach ensures that our highly skilled clinicians can devise the most effective strategies for each individual. Our advanced methodology not only addresses complex medical challenges but also generates critical data. By examining millions of data points, we uncover novel findings and drive research advancements across five key areas of focus. This approach solidifies TPIRC's position as a leader in pioneering treatment solutions and advancing patient care. Why Join TPIRC? • Opportunity to contribute to impactful translational research in pulmonary biology and immunology. • Dynamic, collaborative, and growing research environment. • Leadership role integrating laboratory operations, biobanking, and scientific research. • Exposure to cutting-edge molecular, cellular, and translational research programs. • Opportunity to mentor and train the next generation of scientists and research professionals. Employee Benefits We offer a comprehensive benefits package, including competitive salary, 401(k) with employer match, medical, dental, and vision insurance, generous paid time off, company-paid holidays, and sponsored employee events. We are also committed to your professional development with individualized training and career growth opportunities. Physical Requirements • Ability to work in a laboratory environment, including standing, sample handling, and use of standard lab equipment (centrifuges, pipettes, freezers) • Ability to lift up to 25 lbs (e.g., sample shipments, equipment) The company provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, marital status, veteran status, or any other consideration made unlawful by federal, state, or local laws. The company is committed to providing reasonable accommodation for qualified applicants, and employees with disabilities to ensure they enjoy equal access to all employment opportunities and benefits of employment as required by the Americans with Disabilities Act.