Laboratory Manager

What You Will Do We are currently searching for a Laboratory Manager to conduct and manage original research in immunology, which includes delivering experimental data, scientific analyses, and publications aligned with the National Heart Lung and Blood Institute’s (NHLBI’s) research goals. This is a full‑time, on‑site opportunity in Bethesda, MD. Oversee daily biospecimen core operations. Ensure proper handling and processing of a variety of biological samples, which may include whole blood, plasma, serum, PBMCs, tissue, saliva, DNA, and RNA. Monitor specimen workflow to maintain chain of custody, specimen identity, sample integrity, and operational efficiency throughout all stages of handling and storage. Oversee cryopreservation, aliquoting, centrifugation, and sample preparation activities to ensure consistency and adherence to SOPs. Manage specimen inventory across multiple storage systems and locations, ensuring accurate tracking, retrieval, and disposition of materials. Coordinate specimen distribution to internal investigators and other authorized recipients in accordance with institutional procedures. Monitor and respond to freezer alarms, oversee implementation of corrective actions necessary to protect biospecimen integrity during an alarm event, and ensure all documentation is completed. Supervise and train laboratory staff, provide coaching and feedback, support professional development and cross‑training, and monitor performance. Assist with onboarding and training of new personnel in laboratory procedures, biosafety practices, documentation standards, and use of laboratory systems. Manage day‑to‑day activities of laboratory staff including assignment and prioritization of work to support timely specimen processing, storage, retrieval, and data management activities. Foster a collaborative, service‑oriented, and accountable laboratory culture. Establish, implement, and monitor quality control practices to ensure specimen integrity, documentation accuracy, and compliance with internal procedures and applicable regulations. Lead routine audits, data reconciliation, and inventory verification activities to support data integrity and operational reliability. Oversee accurate entry, verification, and maintenance of specimen data in the biobank database and/or laboratory information management system (LIMS). Collaborate with relevant stakeholders to optimize data workflows, reporting capabilities, and inventory accuracy. Oversee operation, maintenance, and readiness of laboratory equipment, including centrifuges, biosafety cabinets, refrigerators, freezers, cryogenic storage systems, barcode systems, and other laboratory instrumentation. Maintain a clean, organized, safe, and inspection‑ready laboratory environment. Ensure adherence to all laboratory safety procedures and regulatory requirements, including biosafety practices, bloodborne pathogens standards, good clinical practices, human subject protections, and applicable privacy/confidentiality requirements. Support laboratory preparedness for internal reviews, inspections, audits, and compliance assessments. Develop, implement, maintain, and revise standard operating procedures (SOPs), work instructions, and workflow documentation for biospecimen operations. Oversee receipt of incoming biospecimens and verification of shipment condition, labeling, and accompanying documentation. Ensure specimens are packaged and shipped in accordance with institutional procedures and applicable shipping and transport requirements, if assigned. Job Family Laboratory Technician Travel Required None Clearance Required Ability to Obtain Public Trust What You Will Need Master’s degree in life sciences, chemistry, or a related field. At least eight (8) years of laboratory experience, preferably in a biobank, clinical, academic research, or regulated laboratory setting. At least two (2) of those years in a supervisory or team‑lead role, preferably in a biospecimen, biobanking, clinical laboratory, or research operations environment. Demonstrated proficiency in biospecimen handling, core laboratory techniques, and operation of standard laboratory equipment. Experience managing laboratory workflows, documentation, quality practices, and staff assignments. Must be able to obtain and maintain a Federal or DoD “public trust”; candidates must receive approved adjudication prior to onboarding. Candidates with an active public trust or suitability are preferred. What Would Be Nice To Have Strong working knowledge of specimen tracking, inventory management, and chain‑of‑custody principles. Experience maintaining accurate laboratory records and ensuring adherence to SOPs, quality standards, and safety requirements. Strong organizational, analytical, and problem‑solving skills. Excellent verbal and written communication skills. Ability to work independently, supervise others effectively, and collaborate across multidisciplinary teams. Ability to stand and/or sit for extended periods while supervising workflows, processing specimens, operating instrumentation, and performing data entry or analysis at a computer workstation. Ability to lift and move materials weighing up to 50 pounds. May be required to work in refrigerated, frozen, or cryogenic storage environments. Must be able to use appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE), including lab coats, gloves, and eye protection, as required. Annual Salary Range $98,000.00 - $163,000.00. Compensation decisions depend on a wide range of factors, including but not limited to skill sets, experience and training, security clearances, licensure and certifications, and other business and organizational needs. What We Offer Guidehouse offers a comprehensive, total rewards package that includes competitive compensation and a flexible benefits package that reflects our commitment to creating a diverse and supportive workplace. Benefits Include Medical, Rx, Dental & Vision Insurance Personal and Family Sick Time & Company Paid Holidays Parental Leave 401(k) Retirement Plan Group Term Life and Travel Assistance Voluntary Life and AD&D Insurance Health Savings Account, Health Care & Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts Transit and Parking Commuter Benefits Short-Term & Long-Term Disability Tuition Reimbursement, Personal Development, Certifications & Learning Opportunities Employee Referral Program Corporate Sponsored Events & Community Outreach Care.com annual membership Employee Assistance Program Supplemental Benefits via Corestream (Critical Care, Hospital Indemnity, Accident Insurance, Legal Assistance and ID theft protection, etc.) Position may be eligible for a discretionary variable incentive bonus EEO Statement Guidehouse is an Equal Opportunity Employer–Protected Veterans, Individuals with Disabilities or any other basis protected by law, ordinance, or regulation. Guidehouse will consider for employment qualified applicants with criminal histories in a manner consistent with the requirements of applicable law or ordinance, including the Fair Chance Ordinance of Los Angeles and San Francisco. #J-18808-Ljbffr