Technical Lab Manager

Technical Lab Manager Bio

MADE - 5.0

Hayward, CA Job Details Full-time $115,000 - $140,000 a year 1 day ago Benefits Free parking Internet reimbursement Commuter assistance Paid parental leave Paid holidays Disability insurance Health insurance On-site gym Dental insurance Flexible spending account Paid time off Cell phone reimbursement Parental leave Snacks provided Dependent health insurance coverage Vision insurance Life insurance Qualifications Vendor relationship building Laboratory safety Cell culture Bachelor's degree Team management Laboratory staff supervision Microbiological analysis Sterile laboratory techniques Full Job Description Description The Technical Lab Manager is responsible for establishing, managing, and continuously improving Laboratory functions within a Biomanufacturing Contract Development and Manufacturing Organization (CDMO) based in Hayward, CA. This pilot plant will help bridge a gap in the domestic biotech industry (non-pharma), providing clients with emerging fermentation technologies the ability to demonstrate upstream and downstream processes at a scale which supports future commercial scale design. The facility is currently under construction, with expected completion in 2027, and this role will be instrumental in establishing laboratory systems, hiring and developing staff, and standing up operational readiness for first customer runs. This role plays a critical part in enabling successful scale-up by leading laboratory operations with a strong technical focus on microbial culture management, seed train propagation, and aseptic fermentation support. The role ensures laboratory capabilities effectively support process development, pilot-scale production, and customer tech transfer programs. The analytical chemistry functions fall under the Technical Lab Manager's oversight, so expertise in analytical chemistry or quality systems is preferred but it is not the technical focus of this role. The Technical Lab Manager will be supported by a Lead Analytical Chemist, who—along with the rest of the laboratory staff—will report directly to the Technical Lab Manager. This person will strongly support and advocate a "zero harm" safety culture, proactively engaging employees in this culture. This position reports to the Pilot Facility Manager and works closely with Operations, Process Engineering, Maintenance, and EHS teams. Initially, this role will work a hybrid role in Emeryville/Hayward/Home before the role transitions to a fully, on-site at the facility. Key Responsibilities Laboratory Operations and Management 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 fermentation support. Ensure laboratory operations support process development, fermentation and downstream operations, and product quality requirements. Microbiology & Fermentation Program Development Lead all microbiology laboratory activities supporting 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 Lab Systems & SOP Development Develop, implement, and maintain Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for: Microbiology and Fermentation laboratory equipment Sampling 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 Equipment Maintenance, Calibration, and Reliability Establish preventive maintenance and calibration programs for all laboratory equipment, implementing calibration intervals and maintenance procedures consistent with quality standards. Work closely with the Maintenance Manager 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. Develop and maintain vendor relationships for laboratory equipment servicing and calibration. Laboratory Inventory Management 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. Safety Leadership 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 & Expertise Required 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 Preferred 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.) Hybrid Work Statement BioMADE offers flexible (hybrid) work options based on business roles and needs. Employees are expected to work 3 days in the office environment and 2 days remotely. However, as the Hayward facility approaches construction completion in 2027 and the "start-up" date, the position will transition from hybrid to full time at Hayward facility. Physical Demands and Work Environment The physical demands and work environment characteristics described below are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Typical workday could ~ 80% in office or labs with the balance of the workday walking the production area, interacting with operations personnel, conducting audits or Gimba walks, and providing feedback Occasional travel up and down stairs in the production environment could occur Occasional lifting of analytical lab equipment up to 25 pounds could occur Ambient temperatures in the production areas could occasionally reach or slightly exceed 100F. Sound levels in production areas will likely result in the need for approved hearing protection when production equipment is in operation. Job Benefits BioMADE provides a comprehensive suite of health insurances, supplemental benefits, and paid time off to all regular full-time employees as outlined below.

Additional benefits include:

100% employer-paid options for medical, dental, and vision Paid time off that accrues from your hire date 13 paid holidays, including a winter closure between Christmas Eve and New Year's Day Hybrid work policy for most positions; stipend for internet and personal phone use 401(k) retirement plan with up to 6% match on compensation (no vesting period!) Discretionary Incentive Plan based on organizational and individual performance 100% employer-paid short-term disability and life insurance Paid parental leave Section 125 Flexible Spending Plan for medical and dependent care Commuter pre-tax benefit Full access to LinkedIn Learning's suite for professional development Free parking, casual dress code, free snacks and beverages, and on-site gym access at both offices Fun on and off-site employee activities sponsored by the Employee Engagement Committee And much more We nurture merit, talent, and achievement by supporting equal opportunity and welcome people of all backgrounds and beliefs to join us in our mission to enable domestic bioindustrial manufacturing at all scales. Come join our team! About BioMADE About Us BioMADE is a public-private partnership at the forefront of the exciting bioindustrial manufacturing industry. Bioindustrial manufacturing is transforming how we make products in the U.S. - from chemicals to materials to food and more. Working with our network of 330 leading industry, academic, and nonprofit members, BioMADE is securing America's future through bioindustrial manufacturing innovation, education, and collaboration. By harnessing the power of biology, BioMADE and its members are creating more robust and resilient supply chains, making the U.S. more self-sufficient, re-shoring manufacturing jobs, and producing more environmentally sustainable products without relying on traditional petroleum sources. BioMADE is also building a globally competitive STEM workforce to ensure American workers are prepared and ready to fill new jobs within this rapidly growing industry. National interest and momentum for bioindustrial manufacturing is at an all-time high. Join this dynamic, growing organization to make a difference in the future of bioindustrial manufacturing! BioMADE offers competitive salaries commensurate with experience, an annual bonus plan, and a comprehensive benefits package which includes 100% employer-paid medical, dental, and vision insurance for employees and a generous contribution toward dependent coverage, short- and long-term disability insurance, basic and supplemental life insurance, flexible spending plan, a robust 401(k) retirement plan with a dollar-for-dollar up to 6% match, accrued Paid Time Off, and a generous holiday calendar that includes a week-long holiday closure. We also offer a hybrid work environment for many positions, casual dress, free parking, internet and cell phone stipend, and professional development opportunities. Export Control Disclaimer This position may involve access to hardware, commodities, and technical information subject to the Export Administration Regulations or International Traffic in Arms Regulations. Accordingly, any hiring decision might depend in part on the BioMADE's ability to obtain or rely on federal government authorization as required, if you are not a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident of the U.S., asylee, refugee, or other qualifying protected individual as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3). EOE Statement BioMADE is an equal opportunity employer to all and makes hiring and employment decisions without regard to age, ancestry, color, disability (mental and physical), exercising the right to family care and medical leave, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, marital status, medical condition, military or veteran status, national origin, political affiliation, race, religious creed, sex (includes pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding and related medical conditions), and sexual orientation or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.