Lab Operations Manager
Position Summary
The Lab Operations Manager will oversee all laboratory operations and ensure smooth day-to-day functioning of our San Carlos research site. This position supports equipment procurement, maintenance, environmental health and safety (EHS) compliance, and vendor management.
The ideal candidate will bring strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and the ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment. This is an onsite leadership role that directly impacts lab productivity and compliance outcomes.
Cover Letter Requirements
Your cover letter should give clear examples of the following:
- An instance in which you demonstrated exceptional work ethic
- An instance in which you researched and acquired an expensive tool
- An example of a challenging technical problem you solved in the past
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
- Manage purchasing, installation, calibration, and maintenance of laboratory equipment.
- Maintain lab consumables inventory, order tracking, and vendor relationships.
- Coordinate waste management, hazardous materials documentation, and EHS compliance with external consultants.
- Administer service contracts, calibration records, and preventive maintenance schedules.
- Ensure proper documentation for audits, inspections, and compliance reporting.
- Oversee lab safety programs, onboarding of new staff, and required training certifications.
- Support office operations such as kitchen supplies, facility coordination, and events.
- Manage financial tracking for lab expenses using Mercury and QuickBooks.
- Perform other operational duties as assigned to support company success.
Minimum Qualifications
- Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in a STEM discipline.
- Minimum 1 year of experience in lab operations, facilities, or EHS management.
- Familiarity with hazardous waste handling, EHS standards, and regulatory compliance.
- Excellent organizational, interpersonal, and communication skills.
- Ability to prioritize, multitask, and work with cross-functional teams in a dynamic setting.
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience managing a lab budget > $1 million annually.
- Familiarity with scripting languages (Python, R, Bash) for automation or data tracking.
- Previous biotech or life sciences industry experience.
Schedule & Work Expectations
- Full-time, exempt role based onsite in San Carlos, CA.
- Standard hours: Monday-Friday, 9 a.m. 6 p.m.
- Flexibility required for equipment deliveries, audits, or safety events.
- Must be able to lift to 25 lbs. occasionally and move lab materials safely.
Compensation
- Base Salary Range: $100,000 $120,000 USD per year
- Equity: Eligible for company stock options
- Bonus Eligibility: Discretionary, based on performance and company results
Benefits
- Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage
- 401(k) with employer match
- Fully paid life insurance
- Unlimited PTO & company holidays
- Professional development support
Pay Transparency (SB 1162 Compliant):
The salary range reflects the reasonable estimate of compensation for this position in California at the time of posting. Actual pay will depend on job-related skills, experience, and internal equity.
Work Authorization & Equal Employment Opportunity
Aequita Bioworks is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to diversity, inclusion, and fair employment practices. All qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, gender identity, and sexual orientation), national origin, age, disability, genetic information, marital status, or veteran status, in accordance with Title VII, FEHA, ADA, and all applicable California laws.
Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States.If you require a reasonable accommodation in the application or hiring process, contact us directly.