Jr Specialist - Population Health and Disease Prevention - UCI

Under the general supervision of the Principal Investigator, Dr. Desiree R. Delgadillo, the Lab Manager, will be working at a 50% time, 20 hours per week. The Lab Manager will oversee both the research coordination and administrative operations of the Mind Microbiome Lab at UC Irvine. The incumbent will play a central role in managing all aspects of intervention and observational studies, including recruitment, data collection, and fidelity monitoring, while also directing day-to-day lab operations such as research assistant training, budgeting, procurement, and compliance.

The Lab Manager will ensure smooth and efficient functioning of lab operations and research activities through strong organizational leadership, clear communication, and adherence to University, IRB, and federal policies. The position requires independent judgment, initiative, and the ability to supervise a dynamic team of research assistants and students engaged in psychosocial and biobehavioral research.

Percent of Time: 25%

STUDY COORDINATION AND DATA MANAGEMENT

* Coordinate all phases of psychological and biobehavioral intervention studies, including recruitment, screening, informed consent, scheduling, and follow-up.

* Oversee implementation of intervention protocols and ensure fidelity through supervision, adherence checks, and documentation.

* Manage the collection of psychosocial, behavioral, and biological data in accordance with study protocols.

* Develop, refine, and maintain Qualtrics, or other data management systems; perform regular quality control audits.

* Prepare IRB submissions, renewals, and protocol modifications; ensure ongoing compliance with human subjects regulations and HIPAA guidelines when applicable.

* Contribute to progress reports, grant submissions, and manuscript preparation as needed.

* Identify and resolve operational issues that impact study progress or data integrity.

Percent of Time: 25%

LAB MANAGEMENT AND OPERATIONS

* Manage the day-to-day operations of the research lab, ensuring an organized, efficient, and collaborative environment.

* Supervise, train, and evaluate undergraduate and post-baccalaureate research assistants; develop and deliver training materials and standard operating procedures (SOPs).

* Coordinate lab schedules, team meetings, and study timelines to ensure milestones are met.

* Purchase, inventory, and maintain laboratory and study materials, equipment, and software.

* Track budgets, reconcile expenses, and assist with grant financial management when needed in collaboration with the PI and department staff.

* Ensure compliance with all University safety, data security, and research conduct standards.

* Foster a positive and inclusive lab culture that supports student development and team effectiveness.

School: https://publichealth.uci.edu/

Department: https://publichealth.uci.edu/departments/population-health-disease-prevention/

Required:

* Bachelor's degree and 3-5 years of research experience, or equivalent combination of education and experience.

* Demonstrated experience coordinating behavioral or clinical studies from initiation through completion.

* Proven ability to manage lab operations, supervise research staff, and handle administrative tasks in a university setting.

* Excellent organizational, interpersonal, and written communication skills.

* Proficiency with SPSS, Qualtrics, Excel, and database management.

* Familiarity with IRB processes, research ethics, and HIPAA compliance.

* Ability to prioritize, multitask, and problem-solve independently while maintaining attention to detail.

* Commitment to fostering a collaborative, equitable, and professional lab environment.

* The candidate should also be proficient in R programming and experience using GitHub.

• 3 required (contact information only)

The University of California, Irvine 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, age, protected veteran status, or other protected categories covered by the UC anti-discrimination policy.

As a condition of employment, the finalist will be required to disclose if they are subject to any final administrative or judicial decisions within the last seven years determining that they committed any misconduct.

• "Misconduct" means any violation of the policies or laws governing conduct at the applicant's previous place of employment, including, but not limited to, violations of policies or laws prohibiting sexual harassment, sexual assault, or other forms of harassment or discrimination, as defined by the employer.
• UC Sexual Violence and Sexual Harassment Policy
• UC Anti-Discrimination Policy for Employees, Students and Third Parties
• 
  APM - 035: Affirmative Action and Nondiscrimination in Employment.
  
  

As a University employee, you will be required to comply with all applicable University policies and/or collective bargaining agreements, as may be amended from time to time. Federal, state, or local government directives may impose additional requirements.