Program Manager
Summary
Oversee day-to-day operations of an academic research lab focused on child learning and data practices, manage budgets and grants, and coordinate a training workshop.
Lab Manager
About the Logan Lab
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