Lab Manager, Biology

External Applicants:

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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 or .