Laboratory of Circuits of Cognition and Control (C³)

International Center for Primate Brain Research (ICPBR)

Center for Excellence in Brain Science and Intelligence Technology (CEBSIT)

Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS), Shanghai

The Laboratory of Circuits of Cognition and Control (C³), led by Dr. Sajad at the Chinese Academy of Sciences, is seeking an exceptional Lab Manager to play a central role in building and scaling a new international neuroscience laboratory. This is a high-responsibility role at the early stage of a laboratory integrating human neuroscience, computational methodologies, and non-human primate neurophysiology.

The Lab Manager will work closely with the PI to establish operational systems, coordinate institutional interfaces, and ensure the laboratory functions at the highest professional standard. This position offers the opportunity to shape the operational foundation of a long-term research program.

This role is best suited for individuals who thrive in dynamic environments, enjoy building systems from the ground up, and are motivated by enabling ambitious, high-impact science. Candidates who prefer narrowly defined tasks, step-by-step instruction, or minimal cross-team responsibility are unlikely to find this role a good fit.

The C³ laboratory investigates how the brain exerts control over action and decision-making in dynamic and uncertain environments — processes central to cognition and frequently disrupted in neuropsychiatric disorders. The laboratory integrates:

• Psychophysics and EEG in human populations

• Non-human primate neurophysiology, including multi-areal recordings and interventions

• Computational modeling of behavior and neural activity

Please see Laboratory of Circuits of Cognition and Control--International Center For Primate Brain Research for more information about the lab.

Roles & Responsibilities

Responsibilities will evolve as the laboratory develops and will include, but are not limited to:

1. Strategic Operations & Institutional Interface

• Translate laboratory priorities into actionable operational plans

• Serve as primary liaison between the laboratory and CEBSIT/CAS administrative offices

• Coordinate budgeting, procurement, contracts, and institutional reporting

• Anticipate regulatory, compliance, and infrastructure needs before they become urgent

• Track major milestones across renovation, equipment installation, animal protocols, and human ethics approvals

• Identify operational risks and propose solutions proactively

2. Laboratory Infrastructure & Compliance Management

• Oversee laboratory renovation and vendor coordination

• Manage purchasing pipelines (equipment, consumables, service contracts)

• Ensure compliance with animal research, human research, and safety regulations

• Maintain organized documentation for audits and institutional reviews

• Develop and refine internal SOPs and operational workflows

3. Project Coordination & Internal Execution

• Maintain centralized tracking of ongoing projects and deadlines

• Support recruitment and onboarding of laboratory personnel

• Coordinate meetings, task assignments, and follow-ups

• Maintain structured data and document organization

• Ensure laboratory communication flows efficiently between members

4. Executive Support to the PI

• Prioritize and triage operational demands on the PI

• Draft and translate formal communications (English ↔ Chinese)

• Assist with grant submissions, institutional documents, and strategic planning materials

• Support coordination with international collaborators

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or higher in neuroscience, psychology, biology, or a related field

• Prior experience in laboratory operations, research administration, or project management

• Demonstrated ability to manage complex, multi-stream projects independently

• Exceptional organizational skills with strong attention to detail

• Proven ability to anticipate needs and act without waiting for explicit instruction

• Professional-level fluency in Mandarin and English (written and spoken)

• Strong interpersonal maturity and ability to navigate institutional structures

• High reliability, discretion, and accountability

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience managing non-human primate or human neuroscience research environments

• Experience interacting with Chinese research institutions (CAS, universities, hospitals)

• Experience in budget tracking and procurement systems

• Experience drafting formal institutional documents in Chinese

• Familiarity with research data organization systems (e.g., structured cloud storage, version control)

• Comfort operating in a fast-moving, evolving research environment

This role carries significant responsibility in supporting active research programs and institutional commitments. At times, meeting laboratory deadlines may require flexibility in working hours, including occasional work beyond standard business hours.

Application Instructions

Applicants should submit:

• Curriculum Vitae (in both English and Chinese)

• Academic Transcript

• Cover Letter (in both English and Chinese)

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis. Early applications are strongly encouraged. The deadline for full consideration is February 28, 2026.

Please send materials to: amir.sajad@icpbr.ac.cn

Email subject line: "Name + Lab Manager Position"

All application materials will be kept confidential. Salary and benefits will be provided in accordance with the regulations of the Chinese Academy of Sciences Brain Intelligence Excellence Center (Institute of Neuroscience).