Lab Manager / Cell Maintenance Research Associate

Initial Therapeutics, Inc.; San Francisco (CA); Hybrid; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Initial Therapeutics, Inc. in San Francisco is seeking a hands-on Lab Manager / Cell Maintenance Research Associate to support daily lab operations and maintain healthy mammalian cell cultures for discovery and preclinical programs.

This hybrid role balances bench work with operational oversight. You will manage inventories, equipment maintenance, SOPs, and ensure safety/compliance while supporting multiple research teams.

Qualifications

• Must hold a Bachelor's degree in Biology, Cell Biology, Molecular Biology, Biotechnology, or a related field.
• 2–5 years of lab experience in biotech, pharmaceutical, or academic settings.
• Demonstrated experience with mammalian cell culture and aseptic technique.

Responsibilities

• Oversee day-to-day laboratory operations to maintain a safe, organized lab environment.
• Maintain mammalian cell lines, perform routine culture tasks and quality checks.
• Prepare media, buffers, and reagents; support multiple research projects.
• Maintain notebooks and electronic records; ensure biosafety and quality compliance.
• Collaborate with scientists, facilities, EHS, and vendors to resolve issues.

Skills

Mammalian cell culture

Laboratory operations

Inventory management

Documentation and record-keeping

Independent work and teamwork

Education

Bachelor's degree in Biology or related field

Tools

ELNs / LIMS

Inventory management software

MS Office

Job description

Position Summary

We are seeking a highly organized, hands-on Lab Manager / Cell Maintenance Research Associate to support the daily operations of our research laboratories while maintaining healthy, reproducible mammalian cell cultures for discovery and preclinical research programs. This hybrid role is ideal for someone who enjoys balancing laboratory operations with bench work in a fast-paced biotechnology environment.

The successful candidate will be responsible for ensuring efficient laboratory function, maintaining laboratory equipment and supplies, overseeing safety and compliance activities, and performing routine cell culture to support multiple research projects. This position works closely with scientists across research and development and plays a critical role in enabling high-quality experimental outcomes.

Key Responsibilities

Laboratory Operations

Manage day-to-day laboratory operations to ensure a safe, organized, and efficient research environment. Coordinate procurement of laboratory supplies, reagents, consumables, and equipment. Maintain laboratory inventory and establish inventory tracking systems. Coordinate equipment maintenance, calibration, repairs, and vendor service visits. Develop, maintain, and update laboratory SOPs and documentation. Monitor laboratory safety practices, chemical inventories, waste disposal, and regulatory compliance. Coordinate onboarding and laboratory training for new employees. Interface with facilities, EHS, vendors, and service providers to resolve laboratory operational issues. Support laboratory inspections, audits, and compliance activities. Maintain shared laboratory resources and ensure common workspaces remain clean and functional.

Cell Culture & Research Support

Maintain mammalian cell lines, including routine passaging, cryopreservation, thawing, and expansion. Perform routine quality control of cell cultures, including mycoplasma testing and cell authentication as appropriate. Prepare cell stocks and distribute cultures to research teams. Maintain accurate records of cell line provenance, passage history, and inventory. Assist scientists with routine laboratory experiments involving cell-based assays. Prepare media, buffers, and common laboratory reagents. Support implementation of best practices for aseptic technique and cell culture quality. Participate in optimization of laboratory workflows and operational efficiencies.

Documentation & Quality

Maintain accurate laboratory notebooks and electronic records. Ensure compliance with company policies, biosafety guidelines, and quality standards. Contribute to continuous improvement initiatives across laboratory operations.

Qualifications

Required

Bachelor's degree in Biology, Cell Biology, Molecular Biology, Biotechnology, or a related scientific discipline. 2-5 years of laboratory experience in biotechnology, pharmaceutical, or academic research. Demonstrated experience with mammalian cell culture. Strong organizational and multitasking skills. Experience maintaining laboratory inventories and coordinating laboratory operations. Excellent written and verbal communication skills. Proficiency with Microsoft Office and electronic inventory or laboratory management systems. Ability to work independently while supporting multiple research teams.

Preferred

Experience working in a biotechnology startup or small company environment. Experience with stem cell or primary cell culture. Familiarity with biosafety regulations, chemical hygiene, and laboratory safety programs. Experience with electronic laboratory notebooks (ELNs), LIMS, or inventory management software. Experience coordinating laboratory equipment qualification and preventive maintenance. Familiarity with mycoplasma testing, cell banking, and cell line authentication.

Core Competencies

Exceptional attention to detail Strong organizational and project management skills Collaborative team player with a service-oriented mindset Ability to prioritize competing demands in a dynamic environment Problem-solving and continuous improvement mentality Commitment to maintaining high scientific and operational standards

Physical Requirements

Ability to stand for extended periods while performing laboratory work. Ability to lift and move laboratory supplies up to approximately 30 pounds. Ability to work safely with biological materials and laboratory chemicals while wearing appropriate personal protective equipment.