Job Description

Lab Manager

Location: Atlanta, GA

Job Type: Full-time

Overview: Tanaq Management Services (TMS) delivers professional, scientific, and technical services to federal agencies in the health, agriculture, technology, and other government services. TMS is a subsidiary of the St. George Tanaq Corporation, an Alaskan Native Corporation committed to serving Federal customers while also giving back to the Tanaq native community and shareholders.

About the Role

We are looking for a Lab Manager to oversee daily operations at a Federal Agency Animal Research Facility. The Lab Manager is responsible for direct oversight and strategic management of daily activities, supervising and developing staff, maintaining regulatory compliance, and ensuring continuity of high-quality animal care and laboratory services within high-containment environments. They must maintain strict adherence to AAALAC International accreditation standards, Federal Agency directives, the Animal Welfare Act, and all relevant federal regulations. This is an entirely onsite position at our customer's location in Atlanta, Georgia. This position is contingent on contract award.

Responsibilities

• Regulatory & Quality Control
• Ensure compliance with SOPs, AAALAC standards, Animal Welfare Acts, Public Health Service Policy, and Federal Agency requirements.
• Develop and implement the Quality Control Plan, including inspections, defect prevention, and corrective actions.
• Maintain required records, logs, and reports in accordance with contract performance requirements.
• Facility & Operational Oversight
• Oversee the care and management of daily animal husbandry tasks, including receipt, quarantine, handling, restraint, feeding, watering, sanitation, and enrichment.
• Oversee and assist with facility sanitation programs, laboratory glassware processing, autoclave and incinerator operations, and hazardous waste management.
• Ensure coverage of essential services on weekends, holidays, and during inclement weather.
• Personnel Management & Training
• Supervise and train staff in animal care procedures and safety protocols, fostering a culture of compliance and care.
• Supervise the Deputy Lab Manager.
• Support recruitment efforts through interviewing, onboarding, and mentoring new team members.
• Coordinate and deliver training programs covering biosafety, animal handling techniques, AALAS certification preparation, and ongoing professional development.
• Stakeholder Communication & Customer Support
• Act as liaison with Federal Agency Project Officers, veterinarians, and investigators to address operational needs.
• Contribute to monthly progress reports covering work accomplished, animal health surveillance, and equipment issues.
• Emergency Preparedness & Response
• Maintain readiness for emergency response within required timelines.
• Assist in planning and executing emergency procedures, including animal rescue, shelter-in-place protocols, relocation, and euthanasia during disaster or emergency scenarios.
• Administrative, Reporting & Financial Duties
• Oversee the preparation and review of reports related to animal care operations, laboratory support activities, equipment tracking and inventory, and facility monitoring documentation to ensure accuracy and compliance.
• Manage and support the integrity of computerized record systems used for tracking animal health and facility data, ensuring timely updates and regulatory alignment.
• Provide input on budgetary planning and resource allocation.
• Prepare financial and regulatory documentation as required.

Requirements

Required Experience and Skills:

• Minimum 35 years of experience in laboratory animal care or research facility management required, with supervisory experience strongly preferred.
• Experience in AAALAC-accredited programs and knowledge of USDA, OLAW, and federal regulatory requirements.
• Knowledge of animal husbandry, biosafety, and laboratory operations.
• Proven experience managing complex laboratory operations in high-containment or federally regulated environments.
• Experience in high-containment laboratory environments (ABSL-3/4 or BSL-3/4) is desirable.
• Experience working with non-human primates.
• Strong leadership and organizational skills.
• Excellent interpersonal, written, and verbal communication skills.
• Deep regulatory expertise pertaining to animal research, compliance monitoring, quality assurance, and corrective action planning.
• Ability to follow safety procedures and ensure standard policies and practices are followed.
• Ability to obtain government clearance.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities with attention to detail.
• Must be legally authorized to work in the United States without the need for employer sponsorship, now or at any time in the future.
• Must possess a valid driver's license with a clear and satisfactory driving record.
• Must be able to wear a respirator.
• Must be able to work with hazardous chemicals and potentially infectious biological agents.
• Will be required to work with, take specific precautions against, and/or be immunized against potentially hazardous agents.

Education and Training:

• Bachelor's degree in Animal Science, Biology, Veterinary Technology, Laboratory Science, or related field required; Master's degree preferred.
• AALAS certification at the LAT or LATG level strongly preferred.
• Biosafety/occupational health certifications a plus.

Physical Requirements:

• Ability to lift up to 55 pounds (25 kilograms) frequently.
• Strength and agility to capture, restrain, and carry medium-sized mammals without causing harm to the animal or self.
• Requires the ability to walk, bend, kneel, and/or squat.
• Work environment involves working with biohazardous blood and tissues.
• Work environment involves some exposure to hazards or physical risks, which require following specific safety precautions.
• May be exposed to Hazardous materials and will be required to wear Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) to protect against exposure to pathogens and chemicals.
• Ability to obtain necessary immunizations against vaccine-preventable diseases relevant to laboratory placement, including Hepatitis B, among others.
• Ability to obtain respiratory clearance and fit testing may be required.
• Must meet medical clearance requirements for high-containment laboratories and wear appropriate PPE.
• Availability for after-hours, weekend, and holiday emergencies.

Who We Are

Tanaq Management Services (TMS) is a public health contractor, certified 8(a) business, owned by St. George Tanaq Corporation, an Alaska Native Corporation. (ANC). We listen to our stakeholders and leverage our science, technology, communication, and program expertise to understand and provide feedback as we develop solutions.

Our Commitment to Non-Discrimination

Tanaq is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to disability, status as a protected veteran or any other status protected by applicable federal, state, or local law. Tanaq complies with the Drug-free Workplace Act of 1988 and E-Verify. If you are an individual with a disability and need assistance completing any part of the application process, please email accommodation@tanaq.com to request a reasonable accommodation. This email is for accommodation requests only and cannot be used to inquire about the status of applications.

Notice on Candidate AI Usage

Tanaq is committed to ensuring a fair and competitive interview process for all candidates based on their experience, skills, and education. To ensure the integrity of the interview process, the use of artificial intelligence (AI) tools to generate or assist with responses during phone, in person and virtual interviews is not allowed. However, candidates who require a reasonable accommodation that may involve AI are required to contact us prior to their interview at accommodation@tanaq.com.

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