Associate Manager, Lab Operations

Who are we? ****

About LabCentral

Founded in the heart of Kendall Square in 2013, LabCentral is a network of shared laboratory spaces and scientific communities that serve as a launchpad for high-potential life-sciences and biotech start-ups. We deliver first-class facility and operational support, skilled laboratory personnel, and an expansive events program designed to add value to the community and promote connectivity ‒ as well as the other critical services and support that early-stage companies need to begin start-up operations.

What is this role? ****

Do you enjoy managing operational workflows and learning about new techniques and instrumentation? Are you interested in sharing your expertise to teach and develop others? Are you curious about how start-up companies transition from research to manufacturing?

LabCentral is hiring an Associate Manager, Lab Operations to join our team in Kendall Square in Cambridge, Massachusetts. You will thrive in this role if you have experience managing a team and 5+ years working in a biotechnology wet lab. Bonus points if you have worked with mammalian cell culture or bioanalytical workflows and have experience with lab safety committees or regulated environments (e.g., GMP or academic settings).

We are seeking a self-directed, detail-oriented, and collaborative individual who will lead by example, fostering diversity, inclusivity, and a supportive workplace while managing the day-to-day activities of laboratory spaces, problem-solving, and mentoring in a dynamic and innovative work environment.

**** What will I do?

Responsibilities:

Your day-to-day work will focus on ensuring that laboratories operate smoothly, your team is thriving, and residents have what they need to succeed. Flexibility and responsiveness are key as you tackle diverse challenges and deliver value to residents, partners, and internal teams.

Laboratories, Equipment, and Safety

• Supervise the operation, placement, and maintenance of all laboratory equipment and workflows, including cell culture, bioanalytical assays, and molecular biology techniques.
• Troubleshoot technical lab issues and manage incoming requests promptly, collaborating with the lab team, resident scientists, and vendors to triage or delegate as needed.
• Coordinate lab space transitions, which encompass move-ins and move-outs, decontamination procedures, and setup for new occupants.
• Develop and enhance equipment maintenance protocols and operational best practices.
• Ensure compliance with laboratory safety regulations and act as an emergency coordinator and safety officer.
• Administer budgets for laboratory operations within designated areas.

Manage and lead the Lab Operations Team

• Train, mentor, and support lab operations staff by providing guidance on instrumentation, processes, and professional development to achieve individual and organizational goals.
• Scope projects and provide guidance to direct reports in a dynamic work environment.

Foster Relationships

• Partner closely with resident scientists to understand their goals, providing high-level customer service, technical training, and operational support to ensure a positive, productive experience.
• Coordinate with vendors, service providers, and internal teams to maintain lab functionality.
• Establish cross-site relationships and contribute to unified operational practices across LabCentral locations.
• Gather feedback from residents and teams, making changes to improve services.

Additional Responsibilities

• Support events including Lunch & Learns, equipment training sessions, and equipment installations.
• Serve as a site Emergency Coordinator and actively engage in the critical event on-call schedule, ensuring a timely response and resolution to urgent laboratory incidents outside regular working hours.
• Contribute to company initiatives and perform additional duties as required.

What do I bring?

Desired qualifications:

• A degree in a scientific field and 3+ years of experience in a relevant work environment or 5+ years overall lab experience in a relevant work environment (i.e. biomanufacturing, process development or R&D lab, working with mammalian cell culture, etc.)
• Ability to build strong, collaborative relationships with across, navigating the expectations and interests of all parties
• Familiarity with Microsoft Office software and ability to manage a database of information

Desired competencies and behaviors:

• Personable and articulate with strong written and verbal communication skills
• Self-starter with excellent work ethic and optimistic attitude
• Detail oriented with astute attention to quality control and getting things right
• Desire to be part of a team-focused environment and derive pleasure and satisfaction in helping others
• Strong time management, organization, multi-tasking, and decision-making skills
• Ability to apply critical thinking to technical problems as well as customer service situations to turn issues and feedback into action and resolution

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Work environment:

• Fully onsite at our location at 238 Main Street, Cambridge during regular business hours
• Ability to sit and stand for long periods, ability to move around an office and lab environment, and ability to communicate information and ideas so others will understand
• Ability to lift and carry a minimum of 50 pounds

What do we offer?

Benefits:

• Fully Covered Medical and Dental Premiums: We have you and your dependents covered, including deductible costs.
• Long and Short-Term Disability & Life Insurance: Life can be unexpected; we’ve got your back.
• Flexible Vacation: Enjoy the flexibility to take the time you need.
• Three Months Fully Paid Parental Leave: We’ll help support you during life's important moments.
• 401K Match Up to 6% with Immediate Vestment: Know your future is secure with our 401K match.
• Transportation Reimbursements: We'll cover commuting costs for a parking pass, MBTA, or bike maintenance so you can get to work hassle-free.
• Health & Wellness: Relax and enjoy reimbursements for fitness, yoga, massage therapy, and other holistic health practices.
• Technology Stipend: To ensure you stay connected, we offer a monthly cell phone stipend as well as yearly reimbursements for cell phone repairs.
• Professional Growth: Weoffer a stipend for continuing education and training to invest in your career growth, and we help ease the burden of student loans by providing reimbursement.
• Fantastic Work Environment: Be inspired by colleagues and residents, and work in vibrant spaces that are stocked with a variety of snacks. Plus, we offer in-house programming on thought-provoking and diverse topics!

Compensation

Our compensation philosophy is intentional and researched to align with average market salaries; comprehensive, generous benefits to support overall well-being; and parity with our existing and future team members. Below details the value of what our compensation package may look like, but specific details pertaining to an individual will vary.

Salary range: $67-87k along with the potential to earn a bonus of 10% based on company performance.

Approximate monetary value of benefits (based off an individual – dependents increase value): $22,000.

 Equal Opportunity Employer ****

LabCentral is committed to building teams that reflect the fabric of the city around us. We welcome all candidates regardless of race, color, ancestry, gender identity or expression, religion, national origin, sexual orientation, age, citizenship, marital status, disability, Veteran status, or any other legally protected status. Any other human expressions and experiences not mentioned here are equally welcome. If you require an accommodation, please let us know. We are proud to be an equal opportunity employer.