Technical Lab Manager

Key Responsibilities

• Build and manage day-to-day laboratory operations with a strong focus on reliability, responsiveness, and operational readiness
• Recruit, hire, train, and develop laboratory staff.
• Manage laboratory personnel responsible for analytical testing, microbiological testing, seed train / culture propagation, and benchtop fermentation support.
• Ensure laboratory operations support process development, fermentation and downstream operations, and product quality requirements.

• Lead all microbiology laboratory activities supporting benchtop fermentation operations, including:
  • Culture handling, storage, and propagation, including transfer from Lab to Pilot Plant
  • Aseptic techniques and contamination control
  • Seed train development and scale-up support, including setting up and running bench-scale fermenters
• Partner with Process Engineering and Operations to ensure robust and reliable fermentation performance
• Establish best practices for microbial control, sterility assurance, and contamination response

• Develop, implement, and maintain Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for:
  • Microbiology and Fermentation laboratory equipmentSampling and in-process testing procedures
• Culture handling and aseptic practices
• Laboratory data management and reporting
• Support development and provide oversight for Food Safety and Quality systems
• Ensure SOPs are regularly reviewed and updated, while provide training on:
  • laboratory procedures
  • aseptic techniques
  • food safety and quality protocols
  • laboratory safety
• Establish competency and qualification programs for laboratory personnel

• Establish preventive maintenance and calibration programs for all laboratory equipment, implementing calibration intervals and maintenance procedures consistent with quality standards.
• Develop and maintain vendor relationships for laboratory equipment servicing and calibration.
• Work closely with the Reliability Team Lead to ensure: 
  • all analytical, microbiology, and fermentation laboratory equipment is properly entered into the CMMS system 
  • spare parts and critical components are tracked within the maintenance system.

• Identify and maintain inventory levels for all laboratory consumables, including:
  • analytical reagents
  • microbiological media
  • culture supplies
  • PPE and other laboratory standards
• Implement inventory management processes to ensure uninterrupted laboratory operations.

• Actively promote and advocate for a “Zero Harm” safety culture throughout laboratory and plant operations.
• Proactively engage employees regarding safety concerns and improvement opportunities. 
• Ensure laboratory operations meet facility safety standards and best practices.

Skills, Knowledge and Expertise

• Bachelor’s degree in one of the following fields:  Microbiology, Biochemistry, Analytical Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, or Food Science
• Minimum 7 years of experience working in a laboratory supporting fermentation technology, biotechnology, or food manufacturing, including at least 3 years of lab management experience.
• Experience with typical microbiology and bench-scale fermentation laboratory operations, aseptic techniques and culture propagation
• Strong safety mindset with demonstrated commitment to safe work practices
• Excellent communication and collaboration skills

• Familiarity with analytical chemistry techniques and instrumentation, and a working understanding of food safety and quality systems
• Experience supporting commercial plants, pilot plants, process development facilities, or multi-site operations
• Working knowledge of downstream separations / purification (centrifugation, filtration, drying, etc.)

Benefits

• 100% Employer paid options for medical insurance for BioMADE employees. Low-cost buy-up options also available.
• Generous cost-sharing for medical insurance for spouse and child(ren).
• Health Savings Account option for medical insurance.
• 100% Employer paid Dental and Vision insurance for BioMADE employees.
• Low-cost Dental insurance for spouse/child(ren) and with child ortho coverage. 
• 100% employer paid Vision for employee, and spouse/child(ren) coverage.
• Section 125 Flexible Spending Plan options for Medical, Dependent Care, and Commuter Pre-Tax benefits.
• 100% Employer paid Life insurance with a 1x Annual Salary for Exempt staff and a Flat $50,000 benefit for hourly staff.
• 100% Employer paid Short Term Disability insurance and low-cost Voluntary Long Term Disability insurance available.
• 401(k) retirement plan with up to 6% match on plan compensation (no vesting period!).
• Discretionary Incentive Plan based on organizational and individual performance.
• Paid Time Off (PTO) that begins to accrue from your hire date.
• 13 Paid holidays, including a winter break between Christmas Eve Day and New Year’s Day.
• Paid Parental Leave- Up to 8 weeks of paid leave for new parents.
• Full access to LinkedIn Learning’s Suite for professional development.
• Free Parking.
• Casual Dress Code.
• Free snacks and beverages at CA and MN office locations.
• Fun on and off-site employee activities sponsored by the Employee Engagement Committee