Job Details

Laboratory Services Management

Position Number: 7177649
Location: Salt Lake City, UT
Position Type: Laboratory and Research

Laboratory Services Management

Job Summary

The Laboratory Services Manager provides strategic and operational leadership for laboratory services while independently performing or directing highly specialized and complex research for the Utah Suicide Mortality Research Study (USMRS). This role oversees the daily operations, quality, safety, and regulatory compliance of laboratory services, ensuring efficient delivery of high quality results that support multiple investigators and institutional priorities. The position manages valuable laboratory resources, including high value samples to be used under an agreement with the Utah Department of Health and Human Services (UDHHS) and technical infrastructure, and leads planning and development for new or expanded laboratory services. Leveraging advanced scientific expertise and seasoned professional judgment, the role contributes original scientific insight, recommends assays for the generation of data from biosamples, evaluates and interprets complex data, and refines or implements innovative methodologies.

The incumbent provides first level management and supervision of laboratory personnel, supports workforce development through hiring and training, maintains effective cost control and waste reduction practices, and communicates progress, risks, and outcomes to leadership. Depending on program needs, the role may contribute to scholarly publications or other outward-facing products and represent the organization through presentations of research findings and laboratory advancements.Learn more about the great benefits of working for University of Utah: benefits.utah.edu

Responsibilities
I. In conjunction with Principal Investigator, the Utah Suicide Mortality Research Study Advisory Group and UDHHS stakeholders, provide leadership, direction, and management for laboratory services, ensuring compliant, transparent, efficient daily operations that support research, testing, and service delivery needs.

II. Independently perform or direct highly specialized and complex approved research activities, exercising advanced professional judgment to assess data validity, interpret results, and contribute original scientific insight.

III. Oversee the management, integrity, compliance, and appropriate use of high value laboratory resources, including biological samples, data, equipment, and technical infrastructure shared across multiple investigators or programs.

IV. Ensure laboratory activities, test methodologies, and research practices meet established quality standards and comply with applicable regulatory, safety, and accreditation requirements.

V. Plan, develop, and implement new laboratory services or expansions of existing services, aligning capabilities with institutional and stakeholder priorities and requirements, and scientific advancements.

VI. Have demonstrated expertise in laboratory techniques essential to USMRS resources, including but not limited to: DNA extraction, access to and/or familiarity with protocols for generation of a variety of types of biosample-derived data, access to and/or familiarity with protocols for secondary validation of biosample-derived results, knowledge of sterile/ contamination protocols and addressing protocol breach situations, knowledge and of and experience with appropriate processing, storage, and transport protocols.

VII. Lead and supervise laboratory personnel, including hiring, training, performance management, workload prioritization, and professional development.

VIII. Promote a culture of safety, rigor, quality, transparency, and continuous improvement through effective oversight of laboratory practices, waste reduction, cost control, and risk management activities.

IX. Devise, refine, and implement new techniques, protocols, or processes, or modify existing methodologies to improve efficiency, accuracy, and scientific rigor.

X. Prepare, operate, and oversee maintenance of laboratory and experimental equipment, and evaluate the need for upgrades, replacements, or new technologies.

XI. Communicate effectively with principal investigators and key stakeholders by preparing reports, monitoring performance metrics, and proactively identifying progress, challenges, and resource needs.

XII. Collaborate with investigators, faculty, clinical partners, and administrative teams to ensure laboratory services and research activities are integrated, responsive, and aligned with organizational goals and regulatory requirements.

XIII. May contribute to scholarly activity as appropriate, including coauthoring research publications, supporting grant related activities, and representing the organization through presentations at professional meetings or conferences.

Minimum Qualifications
EQUIVALENCY STATEMENT: 1 year of higher education can be substituted for 1 year of directly related work experience (Example: bachelor's degree = 4 years of directly related work experience).
Manager, Laboratory Services: Requires a bachelor's (or equivalency) + 6 years or a master's (or equivalency) + 4 years of directly related work experience.

Preferences

>20 years of experience, deep knowledge of UU cores, and other similar laboratory services.
The resources to be managed are unique worldwide, requiring highly trained management.
Regulatory aspects require knowledge of requirements from the University of Utah, the UDHHS, and other regulations imposed by contracts with funding sources.
In addition, resources will be of interest across disciplines, so deep knowledge of UU researchers will be of high value.

Special Instructions

Requisition Number: PRN45134B
Full Time or Part Time? Full Time
Work Schedule Summary:
Department: 00868 - Psychiatry - Research
Location: Campus
Pay Rate Range: $70,000-$80,000
Close Date: 6/20/2026
Open Until Filled:

To apply, visit https://utah.peopleadmin.com/postings/202381