Lab Operations Manager

Cultivarium is a Convergent Research focused research organization with a mission to accelerate the adoption of new organisms for biotechnology. We are looking for experts who can contribute individually and as part of a team to create tangible solutions for a ‘moonshot’ project. You will be part of a close-knit, driven team of scientists and engineers who are building technological infrastructure to cultivate non-model microorganisms, to open new avenues for science, technology, medicine, and agriculture.

We are looking for a lab operations manager to oversee our state-of-the-art laboratory. The successful candidate has extensive experience with the needs of microbiology laboratories with complex and interdisciplinary needs. You will work closely with microbiologists, molecular biologists, and automation engineers to establish and maintain world-class operations.

Responsibilities

• Serve as the primary responsible person for laboratory operation needs and primary contact for special circumstances.
• Manage procurement and maintenance of supplies, chemicals, and biological inventories - ensure consumables, buffers, reagents, and samples are stocked, created, and shipped as needed.
• Manage laboratory equipment - including cataloging, surveillance, routine maintenance, and repair.
• Develop and implement quality assurance programs to maintain and calibrate key equipment.
• Establish, maintain, and enforce laboratory policies and protocols.
• Onboard new lab staff, including training in standard operating procedures, equipment-specific requirements, and ordering.
• Manage lab ordering system - including placing and tracking orders, payments, shipping logistics, and invoice management.
• Act as point of contact for Environmental Health and Safety (EHS), including management of lab permits, protocol, training, and external liaising.
• Monitoring and overseeing lab safety compliance with established guidelines, including monitoring and maintenance of laboratory waste streams.
• Generate status reports, including but not limited to, inventory levels, operations expenditure, lab incidents, or deviations from standard protocols.
• Serve as the primary procurement liaison for vendor database maintenance, vendor relationships, price negotiations, quoting, and purchase of lab equipment.
• Perform lab duties as needed, such as autoclave, glassware wash, or preparation of common supplies.
• Proactively seek ways to improve individual and team-wide scientific processes and operations to minimize risk events.
• Perform other duties as requested.

Basic Qualifications

• BS in microbiology, molecular biology, environmental biology, or related fields is required.
• At least 3 years of proven experience in lab management in a microbiology lab.
• Self-motivated and self-directed, able to make independent and effective decisions in appropriate situations.
• Thorough understanding of microbiology research methodologies.
• Must be familiar with the operation of standard lab equipment and with lab safety and biosafety procedures.
• Demonstrate aptitude for technical problem-solving and budget management.
• Ability to multi-task and work effectively with a diverse group of people.
• Creative thinking, and problem-solving skills.
• Highly organized with attention to detail.
• Strong quantitative and analytical skills.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office, Google Drive/documents. Ability to set priorities and meet deadlines.
• Ability to adapt to changing projects and goals.
• A positive can-do attitude with initiative and adaptability in a team-based setting.

Advance Qualifications

• Lab management experience in a startup setting.
• Proficiency with Quartzy ordering system.
• Experience with managing highly automated, high-throughput screening laboratories.
• Experience in handling vendor legal contracts, MTA documentation, and material shipping.
• Experience with viral, cell culture, or plant laboratory procedures and equipment.
• Supervisory experience.

We are bringing together top talent from academia, industry, and startups to build a new model for innovative R&D. As an incubator within the Schmidt Futures Network, we identify high-impact scientific or technical research and development opportunities, ultimately defining and launching these projects as Focused Research Organizations.

We are an Equal Employment Opportunity employer that proudly pursues and hires a diverse workforce. We do not make hiring or employment decisions on the basis of race, color, religion or religious belief, ethnic or national origin, nationality, sex, gender, gender-identity, sexual orientation, disability, age, military or veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable local, state, or federal law or company policy. We strive for a healthy and safe workplace and strictly prohibit harassment of any kind.
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