Lab Manager

Penn Information Systems & Computing

Lab Manager overseeing day-to-day operations of SAFE Lab. Responsible for supervising MSW students and managing research initiatives at the University of Pennsylvania.

Posted 4/15/2026full-timePhiladelphia • Pennsylvania • 🇺🇸 United StatesJuniorMid-Level💰 $55,000 - $65,000 per yearWebsite

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

The Lab Manager oversees the day-to-day operations of SAFE Lab, supervising MSW students and managing a portfolio of research and community-engaged projects.
This role is responsible for maintaining efficient lab systems, supporting grant-funded initiatives, and coordinating partnerships, programming, and events.
Provides oversight of the Center’s logistical and administrative functions while actively contributing to research, including initiatives such as the Creator Cohort Institute.
Manages the calendar and scheduling for the Center Director and plays a central role in supporting the development, submission, and management of grants, including IRB protocols and compliance processes.
Coordinates communication between SAFELab, the School of Social Policy & Practice (SP2), and other university departments and external partners.
Includes supervising student interns, administrative staff, and research personnel, as well as training and supporting work-study students, casual staff, and research assistants engaged in lab projects.
Facilitates collaboration by coordinating meetings and engagements with community partners, university collaborators, and other research centers.
Contributes to the lab’s research output by assisting in the preparation of manuscripts and working closely with Principal Investigators to advance project deliverables.

Requirements

What you’ll need

Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Science, Bachelor of Fine Arts, and 2 to 3 years of experience or equivalent combination of education and experience is required.
Masters degree in social work or related field and 2 years of progressively responsible experience in research, administration, and project management preferred.
Required: Research experience
Strong writing (academic/grant)
Administrative/project management experience
Student supervision experience
Strong organizational skills
Preferred: Community-engaged research
Digital media/public health familiarity
Grant-funded university experience
Event planning experience

Benefits

Comp & perks

Health insurance
401(k) matching
Flexible work hours
Paid time off
Tuition assistance
Professional development opportunities
Wellness programs
Retirement plans

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills & Tools

research experienceadministrative experienceproject managementgrant writingevent planningcommunity-engaged researchdigital media familiaritypublic health familiarity

Soft Skills

strong writingorganizational skillsstudent supervisioncollaboration

Certifications

Bachelor of ArtsBachelor of ScienceBachelor of Fine ArtsMasters degree in social work