HERL Laboratory Operations Manager - Military veterans preferred

HERL Laboratory Operations Manager

The University of Pittsburgh/U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Human Engineering Research Laboratories (HERL) is a collaborative venture advancing rehabilitation technology. Committed to enhancing the independence and quality of life for individuals with disabilities, HERL merges expertise from academia and the VA system. Our mission is to innovate, design, and implement cutting-edge technologies, promoting mobility, accessibility, and improved healthcare for those with disabilities. Through interdisciplinary research, HERL strives to empower individuals and shape the future of assistive technology.

HERL is seeking to hire a full-time staff Laboratory Manager IV to direct the daily operations of a major sponsored research project related to assistive technology for people with disabilities. This position will work with minimal supervision and a high level of autonomy to manage all aspects of a complex project with multiple workstreams spanning several sites incorporating several internal and external collaborators. The incumbent will oversee hardware design and fabrication, software programming, and new technology exploration. They will provide senior technical support for the conduct of the project, including device design, device prototyping, product testing, maintaining laboratory space and instrumentation, coordinating research activities such as data collection via complex instrumentation, data analysis, and preparing manuscripts for publication. They will play a key role in formulating budgets and financial management while always ensuring audit readiness. They will actively participate to ensure project tasks are completed on-time and meet the highest quality standards. They will ensure compliance with University and VA Pittsburgh Healthcare Systems Institutional Review Boards (IRB) policies and procedures. Occasional travel is required to other study sites for data collection, quality assurance, technical demonstrations and other research-related activities.

A bachelor’s degree in a rehabilitation science field, engineering, or a related STEM field is required, with advanced degrees strongly preferred. Prior work experience in medical device design, rehabilitation engineering, and/or robotics is highly desirable. Incumbent must successfully complete a U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs background check.

Job Summary

Directs day-to-day laboratory operations while ensuring compliance with safety regulations and best practices. Works with, adapts, and installs scientific equipment in research laboratories. Develops complex projects and procedures independently. Manages inventory and equipment and performs budget functions. Writes grant applications and manuscripts independently.

Essential Functions

• Directs daily laboratory operations of a major program while assisting with other departmental projects, including conducting and overseeing quality assurance and quality control.
• Develops complex projects and procedures at an independent level. Researches and evaluates new products and equipment; orders and repairs specialized and routine equipment as needed.
• Develops and optimizes laboratory procedures and protocols.
• Maintains and adapts scientific equipment for experimental needs of the department.
• Troubleshoots, installs, and adapts electronic devices and other samples for research investigations.
• Confers with researchers and faculty concerning research needs and methods.
• Prepares budget requests and manages approved budget.
• Prepares and analyzes data; keeps accurate and timely data logbooks; maintains databases.
• Writes grant applications and manuscripts independently and conducts literature reviews.
• Writes program reports and ensures timely and accurate report submission to sponsors.

Physical Effort

Light. May be required to move objects up to 25 pounds occasionally. Work is largely performed in an office environment and requires the ability to operate standard office equipment and keyboards.

Assignment Category: Full-time regular

Job Classification: Staff.Laboratory Manager IV

Job Family: Research

Job Sub Family: Laboratory

Campus: Pittsburgh

Minimum Education Level Required: Bachelor's Degree

Minimum Years of Experience Required: 7

Will this position accept substitution in lieu of education or experience: Combination of education and relevant experience will be considered in lieu of education and/ or experience requirement.

Work Schedule: Monday - Friday, 8:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.

Work Arrangement: Monday - Friday, 8:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.

Hiring Range: TBD Based Upon Qualifications

Relocation_Offered: No

Visa Sponsorship Provided: Yes

Background Check: For position finalists, employment with the University will require successful completion of a background check

Child Protection Clearances: Not Applicable

Required Documents: Resume

Optional Documents: Not Applicable




Equal employment opportunity, including veterans and individuals with disabilities.

PI277810228