Lab Manager

Status: Contract to hire | Part time 20 hours a week, will transition to full time

Comp: $40- $46/hr DOE

Position Summary:

Our Research & Development team is looking for a Laboratory Manager to oversee and enhance the daily laboratory functions. This role is pivotal in maintaining an efficient, well-organized, and safe laboratory environment. The ideal candidate will be detail-oriented, highly communicative, and proactive in optimizing lab workflows to support cutting-edge diagnostic advancements.

Core Responsibilities

The following key responsibilities define this role. Additional duties may be assigned based on evolving needs:

• Oversee daily laboratory operations to ensure seamless functionality, safety, and organization.
• Serve as a technical resource within the lab, demonstrating expertise in relevant methodologies and equipment.
• Provide training and oversight for laboratory personnel on procedures, instrumentation, and workflows.
• Assist in coordinating daily lab tasks and scheduling experiments to support both research and development efforts, including:
• Monitoring laboratory performance metrics and providing recommendations.
• Managing the allocation of experimental materials.
• Facilitating logistical planning for experiments across team members.
• Organizing new equipment installation and qualification processes.
• Performing troubleshooting and routine maintenance on lab instruments.
• Developing and updating standard operating procedures (SOPs) as necessary.
• Maintain laboratory inventory by ordering supplies, tracking usage, and ensuring stock levels remain sufficient.
• Contribute to safety and cross-functional team meetings, proactively identifying and resolving challenges.
• Ensure laboratory instruments and processes comply with quality control measures and regulatory guidelines.
• Support general laboratory operations, such as buffer preparation, labeling, organization, and cleanliness.
• Conduct hands-on bench work as required to maintain proficiency and contribute to experimental goals.
• Provide mentorship and potential supervision of junior team members as the team expands.
• Work collaboratively with colleagues to ensure research objectives are met efficiently.
• Adhere to company policies, quality standards, and regulatory requirements.
• Foster an inclusive, transparent, and collaborative work environment.
• Uphold professional integrity, accountability, and adaptability in a dynamic research setting.

Qualifications & Skills The ideal candidate will possess the following:

• Bachelor’s degree in a relevant scientific or engineering discipline, with 1-2 years of experience managing a laboratory, ideally in a biotech or startup setting.
• Strong theoretical and practical knowledge of standard laboratory techniques and equipment operation.
• Proven ability to quickly learn and implement new lab workflows and enhance existing processes.
• Experience in a fast-paced laboratory environment with a focus on productivity and efficiency.
• Background in working cross-functionally with an emphasis on service and support.
• Strong organizational skills, particularly in scheduling and coordinating lab activities.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications, particularly Excel, and familiarity with Laboratory Information Systems (LIS).
• Deep understanding of laboratory instrumentation and workflow management.
• Knowledge of quality assurance protocols and compliance in regulated environments.

Key Attributes

• Highly organized with excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to establish and refine efficient processes.
• Independent worker who contributes meaningfully to team objectives.
• Strong analytical skills, with a talent for problem-solving and innovation.
• Experience mentoring and guiding team members while fostering a respectful, equitable workplace.
• Adaptability in a startup environment with shifting priorities and evolving responsibilities.
• Capacity to handle multiple tasks effectively while delivering high-quality results.
• Data-driven mindset with a proactive approach to troubleshooting and achieving solutions.
• Strong verbal and written communication abilities, with attention to clarity and accuracy.
• Active listener with a collaborative spirit, open to feedback and continuous learning.
• Ability to plan, coordinate, and execute tasks efficiently while maintaining flexibility.
• Comfort working under pressure and meeting deadlines in a dynamic setting.
• Willingness and capability to meet the physical demands of the role.