BackgroundRayzeBio, a Bristol Myers Squibb company, is a dynamic biotechnology company headquartered in San Diego, CA. The company is focused on improving survival of people with cancer by harnessing the power of targeted radioisotopes. RayzeBio is developing innovative drugs against targets of solid tumors. Led by a successful and experienced entrepreneurial team, RayzeBio aims to be the global leader in radiopharmaceuticals
Job DescriptionWe are seeking a highly motivated, scientifically trained Senior Scientific Lab Operations Manager to lead laboratory operations and partner strategically with the R&D team. This role combines scientific expertise with operational excellence to optimize inventory, study workflows, instrument utilization, and research productivity. The ideal candidate has experience in molecular biology, cell biology, or chemistry lab operations; understands common research instrumentation; and proactively improves laboratory efficiency while maintaining a safe, compliant environment.
The ideal candidate combines deep scientific experience with operational leadership and serves as a trusted partner to Discovery scientists. This individual is expected to proactively identify opportunities to improve laboratory infrastructure, operational efficiency, and scientific productivity while ensuring a safe, compliant, and collaborative research environment.
Job ResponsibilitiesEssential duties and responsibilities include the following; other duties may be assigned.
- Partner with Discovery leadership to anticipate laboratory needs and develop scalable operational plans aligned with current and future research priorities.
- Establish standardized procedures and workflows that improve efficiency, quality, reproducibility, and compliance.
- Manage laboratory budgets, capital planning, forecasting, service contracts, and CAPEX/non-CAPEX purchases in alignment with scientific needs.
- Lead laboratory infrastructure projects, including expansions, renovations, equipment installations, relocations, and space planning.
- Drive continuous improvement by identifying operational bottlenecks, implementing sustainable solutions, and monitoring relevant laboratory KPIs.
- Collaborate with EHS, Facilities, IT, Procurement, Scientific Leadership, and the RSO to maintain safe, compliant, and uninterrupted laboratory operations.
- Serve as the primary point of contact for laboratory operational and technical issues, including equipment malfunctions and service coordination.
- Oversee equipment lifecycle management, including selection, installation, calibration, preventive maintenance, repairs, vendor management, and record retention.
- Manage laboratory systems and platforms for inventory, consumable ordering, training, purchase orders, and LIMS-related workflows.
- Anticipate study needs and maintain appropriate inventory, equipment readiness, and laboratory capacity to support daily research activities.
- Coordinate onboarding for new scientists, including laboratory access, training, workspace preparation, and equipment readiness.
- Evaluate emerging laboratory technologies and recommend tools that improve scientific productivity and operational efficiency.
- Support audit and inspection readiness, including required documentation and laboratory records.
- Organize cross-functional laboratory meetings, track actions, and ensure timely follow-up.
- Manage refrigerators, freezers, tissue culture equipment, cleaning schedules, and decontamination of BSCs and incubators.
- Coordinate radioactive waste pickup and other hot-lab operational activities with the RSO.
Education and Experience- BS in Life Sciences, Molecular Biology, Cell Biology, Chemistry, Biochemistry, or a related scientific discipline with a minimum of 12 years of experience as a scientist, including laboratory operations experience; OR an MS in a related discipline with a minimum of 10 years of scientific and laboratory operations experience.
- Demonstrated experience supporting research laboratories in a biotechnology or pharmaceutical R&D environment.
- Experience leading laboratory operations, laboratory infrastructure, scientific equipment management, and laboratory process optimization.
- Demonstrated knowledge of laboratory operations and commonly used biology laboratory equipment.
- Knowledge of laboratory safety protocols, including Cal/OSHA requirements, and hazardous waste management.
- Experience managing laboratory budgets, capital equipment purchases (CAPEX), vendor relationships, and service contracts.
- Experience implementing laboratory systems, digital tools, or LIMS to improve operational efficiency is preferred.
- Experience supporting cross-functional Discovery research teams in a fast-paced environment.
Skills- Strong scientific background with the ability to understand Discovery research workflows and anticipate laboratory needs.
- Excellent project management and organizational skills, with demonstrated ability to manage multiple complex initiatives simultaneously.
- Strong financial acumen, including budget planning, forecasting, and capital equipment management.
- Experience influencing stakeholders across multiple scientific functions without direct authority.
- Demonstrated ability to identify operational challenges and implement scalable solutions.
- Experience with laboratory information management systems (LIMS), electronic inventory systems, and digital laboratory platforms.
- Excellent leadership, collaboration, and customer-service mindset focused on enabling scientific productivity.
- Capability with Claude or other AI platforms to enhance operational efficiency.
- Highly organized and detail-oriented, with strong interpersonal skills, accountability, and a service mindset.
- Ability to manage multiple priorities and responsibilities in a fast-paced environment
- Strong communication skills and the ability to balance competing stakeholder needs
- Strong understanding of scientific concepts and terminology
- Must be able to follow instructions and maintain a safe work environment
- Uses AI tools to enhance individual productivity and quality of work
Physical DemandsWhile performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit, reach with hands and arms, and talk or hear. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 20 pounds. Specific vision abilities include close and distance vision. This position requires work in a laboratory environment. Protective clothing, gloves, and safety glasses are required while working with radioactive materials.
Work Environment The work environment is usually moderately noisy.
If you come across a role that intrigues you but doesn't perfectly line up with your resume, we encourage you to apply anyway. You could be one step away from work that will transform your life and career.
Compensation Overview:The starting compensation range(s) for this role are listed above for a full-time employee (FTE) basis. Additional incentive cash and stock opportunities (based on eligibility) may be available. The starting pay rate takes into account characteristics of the job, such as required skills, where the job is performed, the employee's work schedule, job-related knowledge, and experience. Final, individual compensation will be decided based on demonstrated experience.
Eligibility for specific benefits listed on our careers site may vary based on the job and location. For more on benefits, please visit https://careers.bms.com/life-at-bms/.
Benefit offerings are subject to the terms and conditions of the applicable plans in effect at the time and may require enrollment. Our benefits include:
- Health Coverage: Medical, pharmacy, dental, and vision care.
- Wellbeing Support: Programs such as BMS Well-Being Account, BMS Living Life Better, and Employee Assistance Programs (EAP).
- Financial Well-being and Protection: 401(k) plan, short- and long-term disability, life insurance, accident insurance, supplemental health insurance, business travel protection, personal liability protection, identity theft benefit, legal support, and survivor support.
Work-life benefits include:Paid Time Off
- US Exempt Employees: flexible time off (unlimited, with manager approval, 11 paid national holidays (not applicable to employees in Phoenix, AZ, Puerto Rico or Rayzebio employees)
- Phoenix, AZ, Puerto Rico and Rayzebio Exempt, Non-Exempt, Hourly Employees: 160 hours annual paid vacation for new hires with manager approval, 11 national holidays, and 3 optional holidays
Based on eligibility*, additional time off for employees may include unlimited paid sick time, up to 2 paid volunteer days per year, summer hours flexibility, leaves of absence for medical, personal, parental, caregiver, bereavement, and military needs and an annual Global Shutdown between Christmas and New Years Day.
All global employees full and part-time who are actively employed at and paid directly by BMS at the end of the calendar year are eligible to take advantage of the Global Shutdown.
*Eligibility Disclosure: The summer hours program is for United States (U.S.) office-based employees due to the unique nature of their work. Summer hours are generally not available for field sales and manufacturing operations and may also be limited for the capability centers. Employees in remote-by-design or lab-based roles may be eligible for summer hours, depending on the nature of their work, and should discuss eligibility with their manager. Employees covered under a collective bargaining agreement should consult that document to determine if they are eligible. Contractors, leased workers and other service providers are not eligible to participate in the program.
RayzeBio and Bristol Myers SquibbRayzeBio was acquired by Bristol Myers Squibb (BMS) in 2024 and is a wholly-owned subsidiary of BMS; however, RayzeBio will continue to operate as a standalone organization.
