Lab Manager/Researcher

Posting Details

Posting Details

Job Title Lab Manager/Researcher Posting Number S01436P Type of Appointment FTF; Full-Time Fixed Posting Category Professional (Non Faculty)

Funding Information

MSU Salary Grade 550 Salary Range for Job Posting $38,000

Recruitment Recommendations

Anticipated Employment Start Date for Position 10/01/2026 Open Date 09/15/2026 Close Date 09/29/2026 Open Until Filled Yes

Position details

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Lab Manager/Researcher

Department: Biology & Chemistry

Position Type: Full-Time

Anticipated Start Date: October 1, 2026

Close Date: September 29, 2026

Join Morehead State University

Morehead State University is seeking a Lab Manager/Researcher to join the Department of Biology & Chemistry team. In this role, you will conduct research with a Principal Investigator under the auspices of an NIH-funded grant and oversee the parts of the Magrane Molecular Biology BSL-2 laboratory that are used in this research.

Why Morehead State?

This gorgeous 700-acre campus, adjacent to downtown, is home to several buildings on the National Register of Historic Places. Founded in 1887 as Morehead Normal School, Morehead State University was established to educate and train more teachers for this rural area. This institution underwent numerous name changes until finally becoming Morehead State University in 1966.

Located in Morehead, Kentucky, Morehead State University offers the best of both worlds-a welcoming campus community surrounded by the natural beauty of the Daniel Boone National Forest and convenient access to larger cities including Lexington, Louisville, and Cincinnati. Morehead also offers abundant opportunities for outdoor recreation, including hiking, boating, camping, and other activities at nearby Cave Run Lake and throughout the region.

MSU is a comprehensive, regionally focused university serving about 8,500 students with high-quality undergraduate and graduate programs. Our student-focused environment is built on meaningful relationships, small class sizes, dedicated faculty and staff, and a commitment to student success.

About the Position

As the Lab Manager/Researcher you will:

• Conduct research under the supervision of the principal investigator.
• Help undergraduate student researchers to conduct research by demonstrating procedures and answering questions.
• Participate in the writing of manuscripts for publication, laboratory protocols, posters for presentation, and research talks. Maintains equipment in molecular biology laboratory.
• Perform routine maintenance. Sees that broken equipment is repaired.
• Supervise the use of the molecular biology lab to see that proper laboratory and safety guidelines are followed.
• Work independently within a multi-task and multi-user research environment in a professional manner.
• Ensure that proper storage and disposal guidelines are met. Maintains cleanliness in lab.
• Order equipment and supplies necessary for the functioning of the principal investigator's lab.
• Oversee graduate and undergraduate researchers in the principal investigator's lab.
• Answer questions regarding proper protocol. Serves as a resource for general laboratory questions.
• Manage the bookkeeping of the principal investigator's lab. Ensures packing slips, manuals, MSDS slips, etc. are filed properly.
• Make general media and chemicals that are used in the laboratory.
• Oversee computers and printers in the laboratory and sees that they are functioning properly.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

Candidates must meet the following requirements:

• A bachelor's degree in biology or a related field.
• Laboratory research experience.

Applicants who do not meet the minimum qualifications will not be considered.

Preferred Qualifications

The following qualifications are preferred but are not required:

• An M.S. in microbiology, biology or biochemistry (or a related field).
• Previous experience as a laboratory manager is highly desirable.

What We Offer

Morehead State University is committed to supporting the success and well-being of our employees. Eligible employees may have access to a comprehensive benefits package that includes:

• Health, dental, and vision coverage
• Retirement benefits
• Paid vacation, sick, and holiday leave
• Tuition assistance/education benefits
• Plus, many more voluntary benefits

Benefits are subject to eligibility requirements and applicable University policies.

Visa Sponsorship

This position is not budgeted for visa sponsorship.

How to Apply

To be considered for this opportunity, complete the MSU Application for Employment and submit the following:

• Cover letter
• Curriculum Vitae
• Name and contact information for two professional references
• Transcripts (unofficial) - optional

Apply online at:

Morehead State University Employment Opportunities

For preferred consideration, please apply by September 29, 2026. Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled.

Questions regarding the online application process may be directed to the Office of Human Resources at (606) 783-2097.

Questions regarding this position may be directed to Dr. Janelle Hare, Search Committee Chair, at jm.hare@moreheadstate.edu.

Morehead State University is an Equal Opportunity employer.

Organizational Relationships

Reports to the principal investigator of the NIH grant. Lab manager will also be responsible for interacting with safety and oversight personnel on campus, such as radiation safety officer, IRB committee, Institutional Recombinant DNA Committee. Works with outside vendors to obtain supplies and equipment and repairs. Supervises undergraduate and graduate students as necessary. May interact with Research and Sponsored Programs, Accounting & Financial Services, or the Dean's office concerning the management of budget, grant and/or proposals.

Physical Requirements Working Conditions

The work takes place in both laboratory and office settings. Exposure to chemicals and microbes typically found in a molecular biology and BSL-2 laboratory. Must be able to work flexible hours on short notice, including some weekend and holidays while accommodating the normal hours per week for this position.

Special Information/Instructions to Applicants

Reference Requests

Reference Request Details

Accept References Yes Minimum Requests 2 Maximum Requests

Supplemental Questions

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).

• • Do you have or will you possess a Bachelor's degree in Biology or related field by the start of the position?

• Yes

• No

• • Please tell us a little about your laboratory research experience.

(Open Ended Question)

• • With regard to employment eligibility, will you now or in the future require employer immigration sponsorship in order to work at Morehead State University?

• Yes

• No

• • Do you have the legal right to work in the United States? Federal law requires that employers hire only individuals who are authorized to be lawfully employed in the United States. In compliance with such laws, MSU will verify the status of every individual offered employment and all offers of employment are subject to verification of the applicant's identity and employment authorization. It will be necessary for you to submit such documents as required by law to verify your identification and employment authorization.

• Yes

• No

Applicant Documents

Required Documents

• Letter of Application (Cover Letter)
• Curriculum Vita
• Name and Contact Information for Reference #1
• Name and Contact Information for Reference #2

Optional Documents

• Transcripts (Unofficial)
• Additional Support Document #1
• Additional Support Document #2
• Additional Support Document #3