ROLE OVERVIEW
BioLabs is seeking a Lab Operations Manager for our new site, BioLabs Rochester, MN. 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.
RESPONSIBITITIES
- 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).
