Biotech Lab Operations Lead (EHS & Equipment)

Switch Bioworks; San Carlos (CA); On-site; USD 101,000 - 121,000; Full time

Job summary

Switch Bioworks is seeking a Lab Manager in San Carlos, CA to lead laboratory operations, EHS, equipment lifecycles, purchasing, and vendor relationships. You will manage a Lab Technician and ensure a safe, well-supplied environment for rapid R&D work.

The role requires 7+ years of lab experience with 3+ years in management, strong procurement and facility oversight, and hands-on expertise with LIMS/ELN, Quartzy, and Benchling. On-site position with growth opportunities.

Qualifications

• BS or MS in Molecular Biology, Microbiology, Biotechnology, Bioengineering, Chemistry, or related field.
• 7+ years of hands-on lab experience, with at least 3 years in lab management or senior operations.
• Proven track record running lab operations in a commercial biotech setting with strong vendor networks.
• Demonstrated experience with hazardous materials handling, chemical hygiene plans, and biosafety.
• Hands-on ownership of lab purchasing, inventory systems, and maintenance programs.

Responsibilities

• Oversee daily lab operations across molecular biology, microbiology, bioprocessing, growth rooms, and glassware areas.
• Manage facility expansion, bench allocation, workflow optimization, and furniture reconfigurations as R&D scales.
• Standardize digital tools (LIMS, ELN, inventory tracking, equipment booking) to streamline operations.
• Own lab purchasing from requisition to payment; manage vendor relations and pricing agreements.
• Maintain inventory for reagents, consumables, media components; set reorder points to avoid stockouts.
• Coordinate shipping, hazardous materials, cold-chain supplies, and gas deliveries.
• Manage lab operations budget and identify cost savings via vendor negotiation.
• Set housekeeping standards; lead periodic clean-outs and waste disposal.
• Respond to lab safety emergencies and oversee safety training and audits.
• Supervise Lab Technician and grow the team as needed.
• Collaborate with R&D leads to anticipate operational needs for pipelines.
• Track and report lab metrics to leadership.

Skills

Lab management

Vendor relations

Procurement

Equipment maintenance

LIMS/ELN

Lab IT

Safety compliance

Mentoring

Education

BS or MS in Molecular Biology, Microbiology, Biotechnology, Bioengineering, Chemistry, or related field

Tools

Quartzy

Benchling

LIMS

ELN

Job description

Switch Bioworks is seeking a Lab Manager in San Carlos, CA to lead laboratory operations, EHS, equipment lifecycles, purchasing, and vendor relationships. You will manage a Lab Technician and ensure a safe, well-supplied environment for rapid R&D work.

The role requires 7+ years of lab experience with 3+ years in management, strong procurement and facility oversight, and hands-on expertise with LIMS/ELN, Quartzy, and Benchling. On-site position with growth opportunities.