Manager / Senior Manager, Lab Operations

Company DescriptionWe are a privately held, stealth-mode start-up biotechnology company developing lipidnanoparticle–based approaches to address unmet medical needs across oncology, hematology,and neuroscience.The RoleWe are seeking a hands-on, resourceful Manager / Senior Manager, Lab Operations to buildand run the operational backbone of our research labs. Reporting to the CTO, this person willown facilities, equipment, EHS, procurement, and inventory — partnering with the landlord,vendors, finance, and scientific teams to keep the lab running safely and efficiently as we scale.This is a high-visibility role for someone who thrives in an early-stage environment, enjoyssolving day-to-day operational problems, and can stand up the systems and processes agrowing biotech needs.Roles and Responsibilities of the Position• Serve as the primary point of contact with the landlord and property management on allfacility-related topics, including work orders, building access, HVAC, utilities, after-hoursissues, and tenant improvement projects; track open items to resolution and escalate asneeded.• Manage lab infrastructure and equipment lifecycle, including installation, qualification(IQ/OQ where applicable), preventive maintenance, service contracts, and capitalequipment planning and procurement; lead lab moves, reconfigurations, and spaceplanning as the company grows.• Establish and operate a lab inventory system from the ground up — selecting tools (e.g.,Quartzy, Benchling, or equivalent), defining workflows, onboarding scientific staff, andmaintaining accurate tracking of reagents, consumables, and critical materials, includingcold storage (freezers, LN2) management.• Own day-to-day procurement and vendor management for lab supplies, reagents, andservices; partner closely with the finance team on purchase order workflows, vendoronboarding, invoice reconciliation, and budget tracking, and support sourcing decisionswith cost and lead-time analysis.• Lead the EHS program, including chemical, biological, and (where applicable) radiationsafety; hazardous waste management; BSL-1/BSL-2 program oversight; and readinessfor Cal/OSHA, fire marshal, hazmat, and other inspections. Support IBC, IACUC, orother compliance committees as applicable.• Manage external service vendors, including gas, waste, calibration, pest control, andjanitorial services; negotiate contracts, monitor service quality, and maintain accuraterecords and certifications.• Oversee lab access, badging, and onboarding of new scientific staff into the space;develop and maintain SOPs for lab operations, safety, and equipment use to ensureconsistency and compliance.• Build and lead the lab operations function over time, including hiring and mentoring laboperations or facilities staff as the team grows.• Partner cross-functionally with R&D, platform, and project teams to anticipateoperational needs, communicate timelines and constraints, and ensure scientists havewhat they need to execute.Required Qualifications• BS in a life sciences, engineering, or related discipline. Final level (Manager or SeniorManager) will be determined based on experience and scope.• Demonstrated experience in lab operations, facilities, or research support functions in abiotech, pharmaceutical, or academic research environment.• Direct experience interfacing with landlords, property management, and externalcontractors on facility issues, tenant improvements, and building systems.• Working knowledge of EHS practices in a wet-lab environment, including chemical andbiological safety, hazardous waste handling, and BSL-1/BSL-2 program requirements.• Hands-on experience selecting, implementing, or administering a lab inventory orprocurement system (e.g., Quartzy, Benchling, or equivalent).• Experience partnering with finance teams on procurement workflows, purchase orders,vendor onboarding, and budget tracking.• Familiarity with lab equipment lifecycle management, including service contracts,preventive maintenance, and capital equipment procurement.• Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage many concurrent workstreams,prioritize ruthlessly, and follow through to resolution.• Clear, professional communicator — comfortable working across landlords, vendors,finance, and scientific staff, and able to write effective written summaries andconfirmations of verbal commitments.Additional Preferences• Experience standing up lab operations at an early-stage or stealth biotech, including newlab build-outs or site activations.• Familiarity with cell culture, molecular biology, or LNP/RNA workflows and theoperational requirements they impose (cold chain, controlled environments, specializedconsumables).• Experience with IBC, IACUC, or controlled substance program support.• Background supporting CMC, GLP, or other regulated environments is a plus, thoughnot required.• Comfort with basic data tools (Excel, Google Sheets, or equivalent) for tracking budgets,inventory, and operational metrics.• A bias toward proactive problem-solving, ownership, and a collaborative mindset suitedto a small, high-velocity team.LocationSan Diego, CA. This is an on-site position.What We Offer• An opportunity to work at the forefront of RNA and LNP-based therapeutic innovation• A collaborative, science-first culture where individual contributions are visible andimpactful• Competitive compensation and benefits package, including health, dental, vision, and lifeinsurance• 401(k) with company match