Research Lab Manager - Developmental Biology

Washington University in St. Louis

Washington University in St. Louis

St. Louis, MO, USA · West Long Branch, NJ, USA

USD 63,400-115k / year

Posted on Apr 14, 2026

Scheduled Hours

40

Position Summary

The Department of Developmental Biology at WashU Medicine invites applications for a Research Laboratory Manager for the Zebrafish Facility.

WashU in St. Louis is home to one of the largest and most modern zebrafish facilities in the world with robotic feeding and cleaning systems. This facility allows for large-scale, collaborative projects that would not be possible for individual investigators, helping scientists understand human development and disease, from birth defects and cancer to muscle and nerve disorders. The facility has almost 9,000 tanks, including a 2,000-tank nursery. The facility also has the capabilities for obtaining, viewing, and manipulating fish embryos.

We are seeking an outstanding applicant to join at the level of Research Laboratory Manager to oversee and manage the operations and the personnel of the Zebrafish Facility. The position is responsible for the smooth operation of the state-of-the art automated aquatic fish feeding system(Tritones), RO water supply system, zebrafish water recirculation systems, rotifer cultures, and bio-filtration system as well as other laboratory equipment as well as fish health, growth, and productivity.

Performs, oversees and coordinates research projects. Oversees entire laboratory setting to promote smooth operation, regulatory compliance and interaction with other laboratories. The successful candidate will report to Scientific Directors of the Zebrafish Facility and Head of the Department of Developmental Biology.

Job Description

Primary Duties & Responsibilities:

  • With principal investigator, designs, performs and evaluates research procedures.

  • Assists with grant preparation and journal article submission.

  • Develops and implements policies and procedures. Provides comprehensive direction to laboratory personnel.

  • Hires, trains and evaluates the performance of laboratory personnel.

  • Oversees and directs all support activities of the lab including human resources, budgets, facility maintenance, purchasing, supplies, materials and equipment.

  • Researches and recommends new methods and procedures to maintain current capabilities, quality and standards.

Working Conditions:

  • Works in a laboratory environment with potential exposure to biological and chemical hazards.

  • Must be physically able to wear protective equipment and to provide standard care to research animals.

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed by people assigned to this classification. They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all job duties performed by the personnel so classified. Management reserves the right to revise or amend duties at any time.

Required Qualifications

Education:

Master’s degree or combination of education and/or experience may substitute for minimum education.


Certifications/Professional Licenses:

No specific certification/professional license is required for this position.


Work Experience:

Research Laboratory Operations (5 Years)


Skills:

Not Applicable


Driver's License:

A driver's license is not required for this position.

More About This Job

Preferred Qualifications:

  • Knowledge of standard laboratory policies, procedures and equipment regarding the maintenance of zebrafish and aquatic equipment is highly preferred.
  • Experience with Tecniplast zebrafish systems is a plus.
  • Excellent communication, interpersonal and writing skills.

Preferred Qualifications

Education:

No additional education unless stated elsewhere in the job posting.


Certifications/Professional Licenses:

No additional certification/professional licenses unless stated elsewhere in the job posting.


Work Experience:

No additional work experience unless stated elsewhere in the job posting.

Skills:

Analytical Problem Solving, Communication, Prioritization

Grade

R12

Salary Range

$63,400.00 - $115,000.00 / AnnuallyThe salary range reflects base salaries paid for positions in a given job grade across the University. Individual rates within the range will be determined by factors including one's qualifications and performance, equity with others in the department, market rates for positions within the same grade and department budget.

Questions

For frequently asked questions about the application process, please refer to our External Applicant FAQ.

Accommodation

If you are unable to use our online application system and would like an accommodation, please email CandidateQuestions@wustl.edu or call the dedicated accommodation inquiry number at 314-935-1149 and leave a voicemail with the nature of your request.

All qualified individuals must be able to perform the essential functions of the position satisfactorily and, if requested, reasonable accommodations will be made to enable employees with disabilities to perform the essential functions of their job, absent undue hardship.

Pre-Employment Screening

All external candidates receiving an offer for employment will be required to submit to pre-employment screening for this position. The screenings will include criminal background check and, as applicable for the position, other background checks, drug screen, an employment and education or licensure/certification verification, physical examination, certain vaccinations and/or governmental registry checks. All offers are contingent upon successful completion of required screening.

Benefits Statement

Personal

  • Up to 22 days of vacation, 10 recognized holidays, and sick time.

  • Competitive health insurance packages with priority appointments and lower copays/coinsurance.

  • Take advantage of our free Metro transit U-Pass for eligible employees.

  • WashU provides eligible employees with a defined contribution (403(b)) Retirement Savings Plan, which combines employee contributions and university contributions starting at 7%.

Wellness

  • Wellness challenges, annual health screenings, mental health resources, mindfulness programs and courses, employee assistance program (EAP), financial resources, access to dietitians, and more!

Family

  • We offer 4 weeks of caregiver leave to bond with your new child. Family care resources are also available for your continued childcare needs. Need adult care? We’ve got you covered.

  • WashU covers the cost of tuition for you and your family, including dependent undergraduate-level college tuition up to 100% at WashU and 40% elsewhere after seven years with us.

For policies, detailed benefits, and eligibility, please visit: https://hr.wustl.edu/benefits/

EEO Statement

Washington University in St. Louis is committed to the principles and practices of equal employment opportunity. It is the University’s policy to provide equal opportunity and access to persons in all job titles without regard to race, ethnicity, color, national origin, citizenship (where prohibited by federal law), age, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, disability, protected veteran status, or genetic information.