Lab Operations Manager - Vakoc and dos Santos Labs

The laboratories of Dr. Chris Vakoc and Dr. Camila dos Santos at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital are seeking an experienced Joint Lab Operations Manager to support and oversee operations across two dynamic research groups. This role is ideal for a highly organized, proactive professional who thrives in a fast-paced biomedical research environment and enjoys building efficient systems that enable scientific teams to do their best work.

In this position, you will play a central role in establishing the operational infrastructure for both labs while ensuring seamless day-to-day functionality. We are looking for someone with strong experience in laboratory operations, including purchasing, vendor coordination, equipment management, inventory tracking, and SOP development. Your work will directly support the growth and productivity of two collaborative and innovative research programs.

Key Responsibilities

• Oversee daily laboratory operations across both research groups

• Manage purchasing of supplies, reagents, and laboratory equipment

• Coordinate with vendors to obtain quotes, evaluate options, and track orders

• Support equipment installation, maintenance scheduling, and repair coordination

• Establish and maintain inventory management systems

• Develop, organize, and update standard operating procedures (SOPs)

• Assist with lab setup, space planning, and operational scaling as the labs grow

• Partner with institutional offices and shared resources to support lab needs

• Help ensure compliance with institutional policies, safety standards, and regulatory requirements

• Support onboarding of new lab members and help foster efficient operational practices

Experience in biomedical research environments, particularly in cancer biology, molecular biology, cell biology, or related fields, would be highly valuable.

This is an excellent opportunity for someone who enjoys building systems, solving operational problems, and supporting high-functioning research teams. The Joint Lab Manager will have an important leadership role in helping launch and sustain two collaborative laboratories at St. Jude.

Minimum Education

• Bachelor’s degree in a relevant scientific field required

Minimum Experience

• 8+ years of research experience is required

• 6+ years of research experience is required with a Master’s degree

• 3+ years of research experience is required with a PHD

• Prior experience in relevant lab techniques preferred

• Experience in lab and scientific project coordination, maintenance, and other research support activities preferred

• Demonstrated understanding of the field and related trends

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with laboratory techniques relevant to biomedical research

• Demonstrated experience in laboratory management or research operations in an academic, hospital, or biotechnology setting

• Strong organizational skills with exceptional attention to detail

• Experience with purchasing, budgeting support, and vendor communication

• Experience coordinating equipment maintenance and repairs

• Proven ability to build systems, workflows, and SOPs that improve efficiency

• Strong interpersonal and communication skills

Compensation

Explore our exceptional benefits!

No Search Firms

St. Jude Children's Research Hospital does not accept unsolicited assistance from search firms for employment opportunities. Please do not call or email. All resumes submitted by search firms to any employee or other representative at St. Jude via email, the internet or in any form and/or method without a valid written search agreement in place and approved by HR will result in no fee being paid in the event the candidate is hired by St. Jude.