Program Manager

Lab Manager

The Logan Lab, directed by Dr. Jessica Logan, studies the research methods that scientists use to understand how children learn over time, with a particular focus on the academic skills of children with or at risk for learning disabilities. The lab is also committed to improving data management, data sharing, and data quality practices in education and developmental science research.

The lab currently comprises three postdoctoral researchers, three doctoral students, and three master's students. This is an exciting opportunity to join a collaborative, mission-driven research environment and play a central role in shaping day-to-day lab operations and culture.

Position Overview

The Lab Manager will serve as an operational and organizational hub for the Logan Lab. This role is responsible for the day-to-day management of lab operations, fostering a positive and productive team culture, and ensuring that grant deliverables and budgets are managed with precision. The ideal candidate brings strong leadership instincts, a collaborative spirit, and the administrative expertise needed to support a dynamic, multi-project research environment. The successful candidate will act as direct manager to the Administrative Assistant (hiring currently in progress.)

Key Responsibilities

Team Management & Lab Culture

• Foster a welcoming, inclusive, and high-functioning lab environment for all members
• Support onboarding, mentorship, and professional development of lab members
• Recruit, interview, train, and supervise undergraduate and graduate student research assistants
• Organize regular team meetings, social events, and initiatives to strengthen lab morale and cohesion
• Serve as a primary point of contact for lab members navigating institutional processes and resources

Budget & Grant Management

• Monitor and manage budgets across multiple sponsored projects, including federally-funded initiatives
• Make informed budgeting decisions and track expenditures to ensure compliance with grant requirements
• Gather and report data for annual reporting in alignment with NIH reporting requirements
• Coordinate with university sponsored projects offices as needed

Workshop & Program Coordination

• Lead coordination of the lab's annual five-day training workshop held at Vanderbilt's Peabody College
• Manage the workshop application process, including recruitment, admissions, and trainee matriculation
• Work with program faculty and external consultants to ensure successful workshop execution

Personnel Management

• Assumes primary responsibility for onboarding the Administrative Assistant
• Provides guidance and structure for Administrative Assistant
• Assumes responsibility for liasing between the Administrative Assistant and Human Resources

Qualifications

Required

• Bachelor's degree in a relevant field (e.g., psychology, education, public health, research administration, or related discipline)
• Demonstrated experience in research or academic administration, project management, or a related role
• Excellent written and oral communication skills, with the ability to engage effectively with diverse stakeholders
• Strong organizational skills and meticulous attention to detail
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines with minimal supervision
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office suite (Word, Excel, Outlook, Teams, SharePoint)
• Ability to work autonomously and anticipate needs of the lab

Preferred

• Master's degree in a relevant field
• Prior experience managing a research lab, team, or academic program
• Familiarity with NIH grant structure, reporting requirements, or sponsored projects administration
• Experience supporting budget management across multiple concurrent grants or projects
• Background in education, developmental psychology, or learning disabilities research
• Experience with data management tools, REDCap, or project management platforms (e.g., Asana, Notion)

Additional Information

• This is a full-time, exempt position (40 hours per week)
• Position is grant-funded; continued employment is contingent on funding availability
• Salary is commensurate with education and experience

Required Skills

• Internal Auditing
• Partner Relationship Management
• Program Evaluation
• Project Management
• Regulatory Compliance
• Research Ethics
• Resource Management
• Stakeholder Engagement
• Workflow Management

About Us

At Vanderbilt University, our work - regardless of title or role - is in service to an important and noble mission in which every member of our community serves in advancing knowledge and transforming lives on a daily basis. Located in Nashville, Tennessee, on a 330+ acre campus and arboretum dating back to 1873, Vanderbilt is proud to have been named as one of "America's Best Large Employers" as well as a top employer in Tennessee and the Nashville metropolitan area by Forbes for several years running. We welcome those who are interested in learning and growing professionally with an employer that strives to create, foster and sustain opportunities as an employer of choice.

We understand you have a choice when choosing where to work and pursue a career. We understand you are unique and have a story. We want to hear it. We encourage you to apply today so that you might become a part of our story.

Vanderbilt University is an equal-opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran, or any other characteristic protected by law.

Job Info

• Job Identification 10008573
• Locations Nashville, TN, United States (On-site)
• Job Schedule Full time
• Job Category Research
• Job Function Research Program Administration
• Management Level Project/Program Management 2