Biologics Laboratory Operation Manager

Shirley Ryan AbilityLab; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 95,000 - 140,000; Full time

Job summary

Shirley Ryan AbilityLab is seeking a Biologics Laboratory Operations Manager to oversee daily operations of a busy biology lab in Chicago. The role coordinates resources, procurement, safety, and regulatory activities to support researchers engaged in molecular, cellular, and organismal biology studies.

The position involves developing SOPs, coordinating with the Director and safety/regulatory staff, and ensuring compliant laboratory operations, including safety training and vendor management.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Biology, Bioengineering, Chemistry, Physiology, or a related field.
• Minimum 5 years of experience; Two years of supervisory experience preferred.
• Familiarity with molecular biology activities (cell culture, protein purification, microscopy, sequencing, histology, husbandry).
• Strong organizational, troubleshooting, and people management skills.
• Experience with both qualitative and quantitative research outcomes.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate daily operations and shared resources for biomedical researchers.
• Assist Director in regulatory compliance for lab access and policies.
• Develop, update and implement SOPs and workflows in coordination with safety personnel.
• Serve as Biologics Lab representative to the Institutional Biosafety Committee and support IRB/IACUC protocols.
• Coordinate lab safety training and onboarding of new personnel; maintain training documentation.
• Oversee procurement and service of shared lab equipment and manage vendor contracts.
• Provide technical troubleshooting for common lab equipment and act as liaison for shared instruments.
• Support the Director and Chief Scientific Officer in various duties.

Skills

Strong organizational

People management

Troubleshooting

Analytical abilities

Time management

Education

Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Biology/Bioengineering/Chemistry/Physiology

Tools

Flow cytometry

Microscopes

Cryostats

Incubators

Protein purification

Job description

Biologics Laboratory Operations Manager Will

• Coordinate daily operations and shared resources supporting biomedical researchers conducting molecular, cellular, and organismal biology studies; Coordinate purchasing and assist the Director in monitoring operational expenses;
• Assist the Director and/or Safety Officer in implementing regulatory requirements for laboratory access, procedures, and operational policies for employees, contractors, collaborators, and visitors;
• Assist in developing, updating, and implementing standard operating procedures (SOPs) and laboratory workflows in coordination with the Director and applicable safety/regulatory personnel;
• Serve as a Biologics Laboratory representative to the Institutional Biosafety Committee and support regulatory compliance activities, including Institutional Review Board (IRB) and Institutional Animal Care and Use (IACUC) protocols as needed;
• Coordinate laboratory safety training, onboarding of new personnel, and maintain safety training documentation;
• Coordinate procurement, installation, and service of shared laboratory equipment; manage vendor relationships, service agreements, and preventative maintenance contracts;
• Provide technical troubleshooting of commonly used laboratory equipment and serve as the local resource or liaison for specialized platforms shared instruments (e.g. flow cytometry, microscopes, cryostats, incubators, etc.);
• Perform other duties as assigned by the Director of Biologics Lab and/or Chief Scientific Officer and in the best interest of the Shirley Ryan AbilityLab.

Biorepository Responsibilities

• Oversee operation and maintenance of the biorepository infrastructure, including ultra-low temperature freezers and cloud-based environmental monitoring systems;
• Serve as the primary contact point for freezer alarms, equipment failures, and emergency response activities affecting stored biospecimens;
• Coordinate preventive maintenance, repairs, and vendor service for biorepository equipment;
• Participate in biorepository operational planning, meetings, and continuous process improvement initiatives;
• Support business continuity and operational reliability to ensure long-term preservation of research specimens;

Chemical Hygiene Officer (CHO) Responsibilities

• Maintain and periodically revise the Chemical Hygiene Plan (CHP) and associated laboratory safety policies and procedures;
• Implement and monitor compliance with the Chemical Hygiene Plan, laboratory safety policies, and applicable regulatory requirements.
• Conduct regular inspections of the laboratories and chemical storage areas, documenting findings and submitting inspection reports to administration;
• Maintain required safety records, including laboratory inspections, personnel training documentation, and chemical inventories;
• In collaboration with the Biologics Laboratory Safety Office implement and monitor laboratory safety protocols governing the procurement, storage, handling, use, and disposal of hazardous chemicals and other regulated laboratory materials;
• Serve as a laboratory safety resource to personnel by providing guidance on chemical safety practices and assisting with corrective actions identified during inspections or incident reviews.;
• Attend quarterly Environment of Care Committee meetings to remain informed on institutional safety initiatives and support continuous laboratory safety improvement.

Reporting Relationships

• Reports directly to the Director of Biologics Lab.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities Required

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Biology, Bioengineering, Chemistry, Physiology, or a related field.
• Minimum 5 years of experience required. Experience as a lab tech preferred. Two years of supervisory experience preferred.
• Familiarity with molecular biology research activities such as cell culture, protein purification, microscopy, sequencing, histology, husbandry, etc.
• Strong organizational, troubleshooting, and people management skills;
• Experience and proficiency with both qualitative and quantitative research outcomes;
• Analytical abilities necessary to understand and resolve complex problems through the application of appropriate technologies;
• Ability to structure time to meet deadlines and be flexible to changing design requirements and deliverables;
• Accuracy, attention to detail, and highly organized skills.

Working Conditions

• Work is performed in both office and laboratory environments. The position requires regular work in a biologics laboratory, including exposure to biological specimens, laboratory reagents, chemicals, and scientific equipment. Compliance with laboratory safety protocols and the use of appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) are required. The office environment is a typical climate-controlled setting with standard administrative working conditions.

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this classification. They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required of personnel so classified.