Lab Manager - HECM

Job Title

Lab Manager - HECM

Agency

Texas A&M University

Department

Dean Of Veterinary Medicine

Proposed Minimum Salary

$5,000.00 monthly

Job Location

McAllen, Texas

Job Type

Staff

Job Description

Our Commitment

Texas A&M University is committed to enriching the learning and working environment by promoting a culture that respects all perspectives, talents & lived experiences. Embracing varying opinions and perspectives strengthens our core values which are: Respect, Excellence, Leadership, Loyalty, Integrity, and Selfless Service.

Who We Are

The Texas A&M College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences (VMBS) is an institution that represents 100 years of growth from a small school of veterinary medicine in 1916 to its present role as a major veterinary educational, medical, and research center. Today, we are one of the largest schools of veterinary medicine in the United States, training nearly 600 Doctor of Veterinary Medicine students each year. We support collaboration and teamwork that turns today's discoveries into proactive solutions for animals, humans, and the environment. Together, we strive to support the goals of the faculty, staff, and students in teaching, research, and outreach programs.

What We Want

The Histology Technician performs the various tasks required for receiving, processing, and preparing patient tissue specimens for microscopic examination and analysis by the Pathologist. Performs embedding, cutting, mounting, and staining procedures. Sorts and prioritizes tissue specimens received from surgical, diagnostic, or necropsy cases according to the standards required. Follows TAMU policy and procedures in accordance with lab safety.

Job Description Summary

The Laboratory Manager coordinates the setup, distribution, oversight, and maintenance of supplies, equipment, and workflows in teaching and research laboratories. At HECM, this position will lead the establishment and operation of a Biosafety Level 2 (BSL‑2) laboratory supporting molecular diagnostic testing of infectious pathogens in animal and environmental samples. The role ensures efficient laboratory operations, regulatory compliance, biosafety adherence, and high‑quality support for faculty, students, and research collaborators.

What You Need To Know

• Salary: Start at $60,000/year and will be commensurate based on the selected hire’s education and experience.
• Schedule/Location: McAllen, TX, TX/ Full‑Time, Monday–Friday | Work Setting: Onsite
• Cover Letter/Resume: A cover letter and resume are strongly recommended and will help in our review. You may upload them on the application under the CV/Resume section.
• Please note Ability to maintain the security and integrity of critical infrastructure, which may include communications systems, computer networks and systems, cybersecurity systems, electrical grid, hazardous waste treatment system or water treatment system
  
  
  

Qualifications

Required Education and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in biology, microbiology, molecular biology, or a related field, or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Five years of experience in a research or diagnostic laboratory.
  
  
  

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience working in a BSL‑2 laboratory.
• Demonstrated experience performing PCR and molecular diagnostic techniques.
• Experience in laboratory management or equivalent responsibilities.
• Supervisory or project management experience.
• Experience setting up or managing a research laboratory.
• Familiarity with laboratory quality systems and regulatory compliance processes.
• Experience performing real‑time PCR assays.
• Strong organizational, communication, and supervisory skills.
• Experience working with confidential or sensitive health‑related information.
  
  
  

Knowledge, Skills, And Abilities

• Knowledge of scientific equipment associated with genetics, microbiology, chemistry, and life sciences.
• Knowledge of proper preparation, handling, and disposal of biologicals, chemicals, and glassware.
• Thorough understanding of biosafety principles and regulatory requirements.
• Ability to identify, assess, and solve problems.
• Strong customer service and communication skills; ability to work cooperatively with faculty, students, and staff.
• Ability to deliver high‑quality professional work in a timely manner.
• Proficiency with word processing, spreadsheet, and presentation applications.
• Detail‑oriented and able to manage multiple tasks simultaneously.
  
  
  

Responsibilities

Operations

• Establishes and manages a BSL‑2 laboratory, including acquisition, calibration, and maintenance of scientific equipment.
• Equips students and researchers with instruments, disposable supplies, chemicals, and molecular diagnostic materials.
• Performs and oversees PCR and other molecular diagnostic assays.
• Disposes laboratory waste according to biosafety and chemical safety regulations.
• Ensures proper operating conditions of laboratory equipment and assists with special projects supporting research and diagnostics.
• Supports research activities by coordinating with faculty, graduate students, collaborators, and institutional core facilities.
  
  
  

Supervision

• Trains students, staff, and researchers in laboratory techniques, biosafety practices, and proper use of instrumentation.
• Supervises student workers and manages their schedules, duties, and performance expectations.
• Maintains updated trainings and certifications in laboratory safety procedures; contributes to the creation and teaching of laboratory manuals.
• Participates in departmental and laboratory‑related meetings.
• Ensures procedures are carried out appropriately and issues are addressed promptly.
• Develop, implement, and maintains quality assurance manuals, Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), validation of laboratory procedures, check sample programs, and record control.
• Ensures adherence to Federal, State, TAMUS, and university safety regulations and maintains documentation for regulatory compliance.
  
  
  

Purchasing and Maintenance

• Organizes laboratory supplies in teaching labs and stockrooms; maintains inventory of equipment, instruments, and chemicals.
• Re‑stocks supplies, places and receives orders, and maintains documentation of received materials.
  
  
  

Why Texas A&M University?

We are a prestigious university with strong traditions, Core Values, and a community of caring and collaboration.  Amenities associated with a major university, such as sporting and cultural events, state-of-the-art recreation facilities, the Bush Library and Museum, and much more await you.  Experience all that a big city has to offer but with a reasonable cost-of-living and no long commutes. 

• Medical, prescription drug, dental, vision, life and AD&D, flexible spending accounts, and long-term disability insurance with Texas A&M contributing to employee health and basic life premiums
• 12-15 days of annual paid holidays
• Up to eight hours of paid sick leave and at least eight hours of paid vacation each month
• Automatic enrollment in the Teacher Retirement System of Texas
• Health and Wellness: Free exercise programs and release time
• Professional Development: All employees have access to free LinkedIn Learning training, webinars, and limited financial support to attend conferences, workshops, and more
• Educational release time and tuition assistance for completing a degree while a Texas A&M employee
• Living Well, a program at Texas A&M that has been built by employees, for employees
  
  
  

Instructions to Applicants: Applications received by Texas A&M University must either have all job application data entered, or a resume attached. Failure to provide all job application data or a complete resume could result in an invalid submission and a rejected application. We encourage all applicants to upload a resume or use a LinkedIn profile to pre-populate the online application.

All positions are security-sensitive. Applicants are subject to a criminal history investigation, and employment is contingent upon the institution’s verification of credentials and/or other information required by the institution’s procedures, including the completion of the criminal history check.

Equal Opportunity/Veterans/Disability Employer.