Lab Operations Manager

About the role

Addition Therapeutics is developing RNA-mediated genetic medicines. We are seeking a part-time contract Lab Operations Manager to help keep our research laboratories safe, organized, and have minimal disruption. Reporting to the Associate Director of Lab and Facility Operations, and collaborating with the Lab Administrator, this person will enable coordination of daily lab and facility activities and implement operational efficiency projects. The ideal candidate is proactive, organized, and comfortable balancing immediate operations needs with longer-term improvements.

The role combines hands-on laboratory support with vendor coordination and project execution. Priorities and project timelines will be agreed with the Associate Director to fit the contracted hours and laboratory needs.

Key responsibilities

Daily Laboratory Operations

• Oversee the day-to-day operations of the labs ensuring operational efficiency, organization, and safety of employees.
• Set priorities and track repair tickets, maintenance requests, facility issues, and safety observations through completion.

Equipment & Vendor Management

• Oversee the equipment maintenance and service program, establish priorities, review outstanding issues, and coordinate escalations with vendors and the Associate Director. Work with the Lab Administrator to ensure approved service activities are scheduled and completed.
• Manage equipment sourcing and service contract coordination by gathering user requirements, comparing quotes, tracking renewals, and presenting recommendations to the Associate Director for approval.
• Establish and maintain standing orders to improve supply availability, order practices, and inventory control.
• Own vendor relationships, service expectations, and issue resolution (e.g., waste vendors, lab coats, lab gases).

Safety & Compliance

• Promote adherence to established laboratory safety policies, procedures, and training requirements.
• Perform onboarding of new laboratory personnel, including facility orientation, training on established lab procedures, safety practices, and equipment use within the scope of assigned training responsibilities.
• Oversee chemical inventory and safety data sheets; coordinate inventory audits with Lab Admin and follow up on discrepancies.
• Partner with the Associate Dir of Lab and Facilities to conducting routine safety walkthroughs, reinforce established safety practices, document findings, and escalate hazards or unresolved issues.
  Key responsibilities continued

Lab Operations Projects

• Lead and execute assigned lab operations projects, track milestones and open issues, and demonstrate initiative by identifying practical improvements to recurring workflows (E.g., Freezer clean-outs, lab-wide barcoding implementation and labeling).
• Mange assigned laboratory expansions or move activities, including equipment requirements, layout planning, vendor quotes, decontamination, and relocation logistics, in collaboration with Associate Director of Lab and Facility Operations.
• Coordinate international or complex shipments in accordance with established procedures and applicable training requirements. Provide escalation support for routine domestic and local courier shipments managed by the Lab Administrator.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in a natural science or equivalent relevant experience in a cell biology, molecular biology, genomics, or similar laboratory environment.
• At least three years of laboratory operations experience, including hands-on laboratory support and coordination of equipment maintenance or vendor services.
• Working knowledge of laboratory safety practices, chemical inventory management, and safe handling of laboratory materials.
• Strong communication and organizational skills, with the ability to follow through on multiple requests and coordinate effectively with scientists and external providers.
• Ability to proactively identify inefficiencies, implement sustainable improvements, and work independently within agreed priorities while escalating decisions appropriately.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in a biotechnology or BSL-2 research laboratory; familiarity with Benchling, freezer inventory systems, barcode labeling, or laboratory relocations.
• Experience coordinating hazardous waste services, laboratory shipping, procurement, or equipment service contracts.

Work environment

This position requires regular on-site work in laboratory and equipment areas, use of required PPE, and hands-on support for inventory, shipments, and equipment coordination. The weekly schedule will be agreed in advance to support laboratory coverage and scheduled vendor activities.

Compensation

This is a contract position with an estimated hourly rate of $65-$70. Exact compensation may vary based on skills and experience.

We are an Equal Opportunity employer and will consider all qualified applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status, or disability status.