Lab Manager Genotypying Molecular Testing in CA

Califesciences; Mountain View (CA); On-site; USD 120,000 - 165,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

401(k)

Paid time off

Job summary

LASO Biotech seeks a Laboratory Manager to lead an end‑to‑end genotyping lab, overseeing DNA extraction, QC, and data delivery. This hands‑on role involves troubleshooting, SOP development, and staff training, ensuring accuracy and compliance in day‑to‑day operations.

You will supervise technicians, manage sample workflows, and work with cross‑functional teams, while building a culture of quality and safety in a new facility.

Qualifications

• Master's degree in Molecular Biology or related field (strong candidates with a Bachelor's degree may also be considered).
• 5+ years of hands‑on experience in molecular biology, genotyping, genomics, or a related lab environment.
• Experience with DNA extraction, DNA QC, PCR/qPCR, SNP genotyping, microarray, or related molecular testing.
• Experience with high‑throughput sample processing and laboratory QC.
• Strong troubleshooting and root‑cause analysis skills.
• Experience training, supervising, or mentoring laboratory technicians.
• Strong organizational, documentation, and communication skills.
• Fluent English required; Mandarin Chinese a plus.

Responsibilities

• Oversee end‑to‑end laboratory workflow from receipt to DNA extraction, genotyping, QC, and result delivery.
• Hands‑on management with participation in lab work and SOP development.
• Establish and maintain SOPs, workflows, traceability, and documentation.
• Monitor testing quality, turnaround time, productivity, and repeat/failure rates.
• Collaborate with China‑based technical/data teams to optimize genotyping methods and data workflows.

Skills

Laboratory management

Troubleshooting

Documentation

Communication

Team leadership

Training

Quality assurance

Education

Master's degree in Molecular Biology or related field

Bachelor's degree acceptable

Tools

LIMS

PCR/qPCR

Genotyping instruments

Job description

About LASO Biotech

LASO Biotech is a global provider of DNA microarray genotyping solutions for animal and plant species, including cattle, swine, poultry, and sheep.

Position Summary

The Laboratory Manager will oversee the end-to-end laboratory workflow, from sample receipt through DNA extraction, genotyping, QC, and delivery of results.

This is a hands‑on management role. The manager will participate in laboratory work, troubleshooting, SOP development, quality management, technician training, and day‑to‑day laboratory operations, particularly during the initial stage of the lab.

Key Responsibilities

Laboratory Operations & Technical
Manage the end-to-end sample receiving and genotyping workflow, including sample registration, DNA extraction/QC, genotyping, data QC, and result delivery.
Perform hands‑on laboratory procedures and troubleshoot assay or equipment issues as needed.
Establish and maintain SOPs, workflows, sample traceability, and laboratory documentation.
Monitor testing quality, turnaround time, productivity, and repeat/failure rates.
Work with LASO's China‑based technical and data teams to implement and optimize genotyping methods and data workflows.

Quality & Compliance

Establish and maintain laboratory QC procedures and acceptance criteria.
Investigate deviations, non‑conformances, and assay failures and implement corrective actions.
Support the development of an ISO/IEC 17025‑compliant quality system, including SOP control, method validation, internal audits, and accreditation activities.
Work with incubator lab to ensure appropriate laboratory safety, waste management, and applicable California and federal compliance requirements.

Team Leadership

Supervise, train, and develop laboratory technicians.
Assign daily work and ensure testing is performed accurately and according to SOPs.
Establish technician competency and training programs.
Build a culture of quality, safety, documentation, and continuous improvement.

Customer, Vendor & Operational Support

Serve as a technical contact for customers regarding sample requirements, testing workflows, panels, and technical issues.
Coordinate equipment installation, maintenance, vendors, and laboratory supplies.
Coordinate with logistics providers, customs brokers, and relevant regulatory parties for compliant receipt of biological samples.

Required

• Master's degree or equivalent in Molecular Biology, Genetics, Biology, Biotechnology, or a related field; strong candidates with a Bachelor's degree may also be considered.
• 5+ years of relevant hands‑on experience in molecular biology, genotyping, genomics, or a related laboratory environment.
• Practical experience with DNA extraction, DNA QC, PCR/qPCR, SNP genotyping, microarray, or related molecular testing.
• Experience with high‑throughput sample processing and laboratory QC.
• Strong troubleshooting and root‑cause analysis skills.
• Experience training, supervising, or mentoring laboratory technicians.
• Strong organizational, documentation, and communication skills.
• Fluent English required; Mandarin Chinese is a plus.

Preferred

Commercial or contract testing laboratory experience.
Experience with LIMS or laboratory sample‑tracking systems.
Experience with ISO/IEC 17025 or another formal laboratory quality system.
Experience with method validation, internal audits, CAPA, or accreditation.
Experience working with animal or agricultural genetic testing.

Ideal Candidate

The ideal candidate is a hands‑on laboratory professional who can independently operate a small commercial genotyping laboratory, while also managing technicians, maintaining quality standards, troubleshooting problems, and working effectively with customers, vendors, and the China‑based technical team.

Experience building a laboratory or testing workflow from the ground up is highly valued.

What We Offer

Opportunity to build and manage a new genotyping laboratory from the ground up.
High autonomy and direct impact on LASO's North American operations.
Competitive compensation and benefits, including health insurance, 401(k), and paid time off.
Opportunity to work with advanced DNA microarray and genotyping technologies in an international environment.