Biotech Lab Operations Lead – Onsite & EHS Champion

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

Job summary

Switch Bioworks in San Carlos, CA is seeking an experienced Lab Manager to lead laboratory operations, safety, and asset management in a fast-paced biotech environment.

You will oversee EHS programs, equipment maintenance, purchasing, vendor relations, and lab IT, while directly mentoring a Lab Technician. The role requires hands-on leadership to keep the lab clean, compliant, and well supplied so researchers can focus on science.

Qualifications

• BS or MS in Molecular Biology, Microbiology, Biotechnology, Bioengineering, Chemistry, or a related field.
• 7+ years of hands-on laboratory experience, with at least 3 years in lab management or senior lab operations roles.
• Proven track record running lab operations in a commercial biotech setting.
• Deep understanding of standard molecular biology and microbiology equipment, aseptic technique, and routine microbial workflows.
• Demonstrated experience with hazardous material handling, chemical hygiene plans, biosafety protocols, and regulatory compliance.
• Hands-on experience owning lab purchasing, inventory systems, and equipment maintenance and calibration programs.
• Comfortable administering lab computers and instrument software, managing software licenses and updates.
• Location: authorized to work in the US and available full-time on-site in San Carlos, CA.
• Ability to stand for extended periods and lift up to 25-40 lbs.

Responsibilities

• Run daily laboratory operations across molecular biology, microbiology, bioprocessing, growth rooms, and autoclave areas.
• Oversee workspace design, bench allocation, workflow optimization, and physical facility expansion or reconfigurations as the R&D team scales.
• Standardize and implement digital tools (LIMS, ELN, electronic inventory tracking, equipment booking) to streamline operations.
• Own lab purchasing and procurement, working with Finance and Ops, from requisition to receipt and payment; manage vendor relations, pricing agreements, procurement software integrations, and inventory replenishment.
• Maintain inventory for general consumables, reagents, chemicals, and media components, setting reorder points.
• Manage shipping and receiving, including hazardous materials and cold-chain shipments, and coordinate dry ice, liquid nitrogen, and compressed gas supply.
• Manage the lab operations budget (consumables, service contracts, and equipment), track spend, and find cost savings through vendor negotiation and startup pricing programs.
• Set and enforce lab housekeeping standards to keep the lab clean and organized; lead periodic clean-outs and disposal.
• Respond to lab safety emergencies.
• Oversee monthly laboratory floor cleaning and maintenance.
• Support R&D project work as required during crunch time.

Skills

Lab management

Vendor relations

EHS compliance

Procurement

Lab IT

Staff supervision

Education

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

Tools

LIMS

ELN

Quartzy

Benchling

Job description

Switch Bioworks in San Carlos, CA is seeking an experienced Lab Manager to lead laboratory operations, safety, and asset management in a fast-paced biotech environment.

You will oversee EHS programs, equipment maintenance, purchasing, vendor relations, and lab IT, while directly mentoring a Lab Technician. The role requires hands-on leadership to keep the lab clean, compliant, and well supplied so researchers can focus on science.