The University of Tennessee Health Science Center · 1 day ago
Lab Manager, Health and Wellness Core, Office of Research, Innovation, and Economic Development - UTK
Knoxville, TN
Full-time
Onsite
Mid, Senior Level
$12/hr - $12/hr
3+ years expThe University of Tennessee Health Science Center is seeking a Health and Wellness Research Core Manager to establish and develop a new clinical research core facility. This role involves managing day-to-day operations, strategic planning, and ensuring financial sustainability while collaborating with researchers and clinicians.
Health CareHigher EducationMedical
Responsibilities
Manages and coordinates the daily activities and operational functions of the clinical research laboratory
Exercises a high degree of independence in decision-making related to lab and facility management
Responsible for making day-to-day and strategic decisions related to laboratory operations, equipment utilization, scheduling, maintenance, and workflow optimization to ensure reliable, compliant, and efficient facility performance
Independently evaluates operational priorities, resolves technical and logistical issues, and implements process improvements that directly impact service delivery, cost recovery, and researcher productivity
Makes independent recommendations to the CFP Director regarding equipment upgrades, service expansion, vendor selection, and staffing needs, using data, faculty input, and benchmarking against peer R1 institutions
Autonomously maintains a responsive, sustainable, and high-performing research facility that supports externally funded, time-sensitive research activities
Conducts and oversees all quality assurance (QA) and quality control (QC) processes to meet regulatory and institutional standards
Schedules, allocates, and oversees use of laboratory space, shared resources, and specialized equipment
Instructs and trains faculty, staff, and students on proper and safe operation of laboratory equipment and materials
Responsible for preparing and maintaining annual rate sheets, ensuring rates are accurate, defensible, and aligned with cost-recovery requirements and institutional policies, to include independently evaluating usage data, supply costs, service demand, and staffing effort to support sustainable operations
Supervises laboratory personnel, including training, performance management, and workflow oversight
Manages operational budgets for facility supplies, service contracts, and personnel, making informed decisions to balance service quality, fiscal responsibility, and research needs
Manages financial transactions, including preparing, monitoring, and reconciling budgets
Develops and maintains costing structures for billable services and recharge operations
Works in close consultation with the CFP business manager to ensure compliance with institutional, sponsor, and audit requirements, while also providing data-driven input for forecasting, capital planning, and staffing adjustments
Provides strategic leadership for a complex, multi-user research environment, ensuring that facility operations, technologies, and services align with current and emerging priorities of a high-impact, externally funded research enterprise
Participates in long-range and strategic planning for laboratory growth, equipment acquisition, and service development
Responsible for aligning facility capabilities with current and emerging research priorities across the institution
Directly to forward-looking planning by evaluating national research trends, benchmarking against peer R1 institutions, and identifying opportunities for new or expanded capabilities that strengthen institutional competitiveness for major grants and interdisciplinary initiatives
Through faculty engagement, analysis of utilization and cost-recovery data, the Lab Manager helps ensure the Core remains sustainable, innovative, and positioned to support large-scale, collaborative research programs
Provides expert recommendations that enhance research quality, operational efficiency, and strategic utilization of lab resources
Builds strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders to strengthen the core lab’s reputation and service model
Develops, updates, and enforces standard operating procedures (SOPs), safety protocols, and compliance documentation
Conducts and supports compliance activities to ensure alignment with institutional and regulatory requirements
Ensures adherence to safety procedures, protocols, proper documentation, and mandated record-keeping standards
Oversees proper storage, handling, and disposal of laboratory materials and hazardous waste
Ensures compliance with relevant regulatory and confidentiality requirements, including but not limited to ICH GCP, RCR, HIPAA, IRB, and related guidelines
Manages the acquisition, repair, and maintenance of highly specialized equipment
Manages facility security systems, access control, and authorization protocols
As required
Qualification
Required
Bachelor's degree in any related field
3+ years of experience in laboratory management, research operations, or related technical environments
At least 1 year of Phlebotomy collection experience
Experience with ICH/GCP regulations
Experience with human subjects research
Experience and/or ability to complete basic lab processing of blood, urine, and saliva samples
Excellent attention to detail
Excellent problem-solving skills
Ability to read and proof documents for accuracy
Ability to work independently, as well as collaboratively and proactively
Ability to analyze information critically to make informed decisions
Excellent oral and written communication skills
Ability to multitask in a fast-paced environment, with adherence to strict deadlines
Knowledge and understanding of HIPAA regulations; maintains strict confidentiality of participant/patient information
Preferred
Master's Degree in any related field
Phlebotomy certification
5+ years of experience in laboratory management, research operations, or related technical environments
HIPAA training
Experience collecting data
Experience with REDCap highly preferred
Experience working in or managing a core research facility highly preferred
Supervisory experience preferred
Knowledge of medical terminology
Company
The University of Tennessee Health Science Center
Established in 1911, The University of Tennessee Health Science Center aims to improve human health through education, research, clinical care and public service.
1001-5000 employees
H1B Sponsorship
The University of Tennessee Health Science Center has a track record of offering H1B sponsorships. Please note that this does not
guarantee sponsorship for this specific role. Below presents additional info for your
reference. (Data Powered by US Department of Labor)
Distribution of Different Job Fields Receiving Sponsorship
Represents job field similar to this job
Trends of Total Sponsorships
2025 (100)
2024 (91)
2023 (86)
2022 (74)
2021 (69)
2020 (82)
Funding
Current Stage
Late StageTotal Funding
$10.91MKey Investors
National Cancer InstituteHealth Resources and Services Administration
2022-08-26Grant· $3.16M
2022-07-26Grant· $3.9M
2022-03-31Grant· $2.05M
Leadership Team
Rachal McCray
CTO/ Police Dispatcher
Raaj Kurapati
Executive Vice Chancellor and Chief Operating Officer
Recent News
2025-10-02
Genetic Engineering News
2025-09-28
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