Lab Operations Manager

BioLabs founded in 2009 and headquartered in Cambridge, MA, USA, is the premier global network of co-working laboratory spaces for life science startups. We empower innovation by providing entrepreneurial scientists with premium, fully equipped lab and office spaces, along with exceptional access to capital and industry partners. Our rapidly expanding global network includes 11 sites across the United States and three in Europe. Each location is purposefully designed to support scientific entrepreneurs in testing, developing, growing, and commercializing their breakthrough ideas.

ROLE OVERVIEW

BioLabs is seeking a Lab Operations Manager for our Watertown site, reporting to the Regional Site Director. This is a hands-on, fully on-site position supporting life science entrepreneurs in a vibrant, collaborative environment. The Lab Operations Manager will play a key role in ensuring the smooth operation of our shared laboratory and facilities while contributing to the success of early-stage biotech companies. This position requires a highly capable, self-directed individual who thrives in a fast-paced, entrepreneurial setting and can balance independent execution with collaborative teamwork.

RESPONSIBITIES

• Manage the daily operations of the lab and facility, including emergency responses.
• Oversee laboratory and facility equipment management, including purchasing, installation, preventative maintenance, repairs, and cleaning; manage relationships with equipment vendors.
• Act as the site EHS officer, ensuring chemical inventories, SDS databases, and hazardous waste protocols are up to date.
• Ensure compliance with relevant regulations and safety protocols.
• Lead the resident onboarding and offboarding process, including equipment training.
• Foster a collaborative and safe lab environment; ensure all spaces and infrastructure are kept clean and in good repair.
• Manage lab supply inventory, ordering supplies, and maintaining space allocation.
• Respond to and be available for site and lab-related issues outside regular business hours as part of the on-call rotation, identify potential issues and apply independent judgment and discretion to solve issues without immediate supervision.
• Participate in network teams to explore, create, and enact best practices across the network.
• Other duties as needed.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Minimum bachelor's degree in biology/chemistry, genetics, or related life sciences discipline; master's degree preferred.
• Minimum of five (5) years' lab management experience in academic and/or commercial laboratory environment.
• Minimum of two (2) years of supervisory or managerial experience leading technical or operations staff.
• Advanced knowledge of cellular, molecular, and microbiology techniques, safety and chemical & biological waste management, equipment decontamination and maintenance.
• Willingness to be on-call for site-related issues and attend after-hours events, ability to handle emergencies with independent judgment.
• Ability to understand the mission and goals of resident companies, scientific milestones, and the commercialization process.
• Customer service focused, with an excellent work ethic and an optimistic attitude.
• Detail oriented with specific attention to quality control.
• Strong interpersonal and teamwork skills, an effective listener and proactive relationship builder.
• Self-motivated, routinely initiate and deliver projects successfully with minimal supervision.
• Outstanding organizational skills and ability to prioritize multiple tasks and/or projects, experience with billing, budgeting, and reporting.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office applications.
• Must be able to lift over 50 pounds and be able to stand for multiple hours at a time.
• Ability to travel to other BioLabs locations (domestic & international).

BioLabs provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws.

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