Lab Manager, Biology

Wake Forest University
United States, North Carolina, Winston Salem
May 28, 2025
External Applicants: Please ensure all required documents are ready to upload before beginning your application, including your resume, cover letter, and any additional materials specified in the job description. Cover Letter and Supporting Documents: Navigate to the "My Experience" application page. Locate the "Resume/CV" document upload section at the bottom of the page. Use the "Select Files" button to upload your cover letter, resume, and any other required supporting documents. You can select multiple files. Important Note: The "My Experience" page is the only opportunity to attach your cover letter, resume, and supporting documents. You will not be able to modify your application or add attachments after submission. Current Employees: Apply from your existing Workday account in the Jobs Hub. Do not apply from this website. *A cover letter is required for all positions;* optional for facilities, campus services, and hospitality roles unless otherwise specified. Job Description Summary The Westrick Lab is seeking a professional research assistant starting fall 2025. This position is a combination of lab management and animal care. Our lab uses charismatic frogs as a model system to understand how hormones and the brain produce behavior and how behaviors evolve. The animals we work with are central to all our research, and a key component of the position will be oversight of and direct contribution to animal care. Utmost commitment to humane, ethical treatment of animals and compliance with all animal protocols is expected. Because we maintain a PI-managed animal facility, animal care will include some non-standard working hours (i.e., weekends and holidays). The candidate is expected to work independently to trouble-shoot and problem solve. The position will be for 1-2 years, renewed annually, with the possibility of extension. To apply, please submit a cover letter and CV. The cover letter should be a max of one page, discussing your previous experience, current interests/goals, and motivation for applying. Please also include the names and contact information for 2-3 references. Applications will be considered until the position is filled. Job Description Essential Functions: Oversee and directly contribute to animal care, including feeding frogs, making fly cultures, daily health checks Provide direct supervision to undergraduate and graduate research assistants Train lab members in animal care, lab procedures, and lab safety Perform general lab upkeep, including, but not limited to, ordering supplies, monitoring equipment, and scheduling Oversee lab safety compliance Other Functions: Participate in science communication events with the community (K-12, general public) Attending weekly lab meetings Attend departmental seminars and engage with intellectual community Required Education, Knowledge, Skills, Abilities: Undergraduate degree in Biology or related field Willingness to work with live animals, including insects Excellent organizational skills Precise execution of experiments Rigorous ethical standards Strong communication skills Ability to work independently and as part of a team Preferred Education, Knowledge, Skills, Abilities: Previous research experience strongly preferred Previous experience with and a specific interest in amphibians and reptiles preferred. Experience with molecular bench work (e.g., DNA/RNA extractions, PCR), enzyme immunoassay, immunohistochemistry, and/or genomics/bioinformatics preferred. Previous management/supervisory experience preferred. Accountabilities: Supervise, train, provide work direction, and problem-solving assistance for student workers. Oversee the daily operations of other staff, including student workers. Physical Requirements: Ascending or descending ladders. Moving self in different positions to accomplish tasks in various environments including tight and confined spaces. Moving about to accomplish tasks or moving from one worksite to another. Communicating with others to exchange information. Adjusting or moving objects up to 40 pounds in all directions. Assessing the accuracy, neatness and thoroughness of the work assigned. Environmental Conditions: No adverse environmental conditions expected. Additional Job Description Time Type Requirement Part time Note to Applicant: This position profile identifies the key responsibilities and expectations for performance. It cannot encompass all specific job tasks that an employee may be required to perform. Employees are required to follow any other job-related instructions and perform job-related duties as may be reasonably assigned by his/her supervisor. In order to provide a safe and productive learning and living community, Wake Forest University conducts background investigations and drug screens for all final staff candidates being considered for employment. Equal Opportunity Statement The University is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes all qualified candidates to apply without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, genetic information, disability and military or veteran status. Accommodations for Applicants** If you are an individual with a disability and need an accommodation to participate in the application or interview process, please contact AskHR@wfu.eduor (336) 758-4700.