Lab Manager - Laboratory Facilities

Corden Pharma - A Full-Service CDMO; Boulder (CO); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

The Lab Manager at CordenPharma Colorado is responsible for overseeing the daily operations of the Development Laboratory, ensuring high efficiency, strict safety compliance, and adherence to GMP to meet department needs and client timelines. They coordinate with chemists, chromatographers, and vendors while guiding 6S/compliance efforts and instrument scheduling.

Responsibilities include overseeing lab activities, hiring and mentoring staff, managing inventory and budgets, and leading safety

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree in Chemistry or related field.
• 6+ years analytical pharma experience or lab management.
• Hands-on lab operations and equipment knowledge.
• Ability to read technical and regulatory documents.

Responsibilities

• Oversee day-to-day lab activities; ensure equipment remains qualified.
• Hire, train, and supervise lab staff; enforce safety and compliance.
• Manage inventory and budget for reagents and supplies.
• Lead Lab Safety Programs and ensure proper waste handling.

Skills

Lab management

Leadership

Safety compliance

HPLC/UPLC

Education

Bachelor's degree in Chemistry or related field

Tools

SAP

HPLC/UPLC

Laboratory equipment

Job description

CordenPharma is a leading full-service Contract Development and Manufacturing Organization (CDMO) specializing in active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs), excipients, drug products (DPs), and packaging. With around 3,000 employees worldwide, we help pharmaceutical and biotech companies manufacture medicines with the ultimate goal of improving people’s lives.

Our network, spanning Europe and the U.S., provides flexible and specialized solutions across six technology platforms: Peptides, Lipids & Carbohydrates, Injectables, Highly Potent & Oncology, Small Molecules, and Oligonucleotides. We strive for excellence in supporting this network and are committed to delivering the highest quality products for patient well-being.

Our People Vision

We strive for excellence. We share our passion. Together, we make a difference in patients' lives.

Summary

The Lab Manager at CordenPharma Colorado is responsible for overseeing the daily operations of the Development Laboratory, ensuring high efficiency, strict safety compliance, and adherence to GMP (Good Manufacturing Practices) to meet department needs and client project timelines. They act as a critical bridge between laboratory staff, the departments we interact with, and the various external vendors that we rely on.

Serves as the coordinator for laboratory operations. Works with process Development Chemists, Analytical Chemists, Chromatographers and/or Process Specialists. Manages materials and supplies in the labs, 6S/compliance efforts, instrument scheduling, etc.

Essential Duties And Responsibilities

Include the following. Other duties may be assigned

• Operational Management: Oversee day-to-day lab activities, ensuring equipment maintains qualified status (through I&E Group and external vendors), scheduling, and troubleshooting; 6S/lean lab efforts are effective, etc.
• Team Leadership & Training: Hire, train, mentor, and supervise lab administrators, ensuring high performance and adherence to safety and compliance protocols
• Inventory & Budget Control: Manage laboratory inventory (reagents, consumables) and maintain stock levels to prevent downtime, while managing the lab budget and purchasing
• Safety & Security: Lead Lab Safety Programs (SHE), including chemical hygiene, waste disposal, and safety training

Leadership & Budget Responsibilities

Demonstrates positive attitude. Supports a positive, healthy, and flexible work environment that encourages employees and coworkers to develop their full potential and expand their horizons.

Safety & Environmental Responsibilities

Every individual is personally responsible for the safety and environmental aspects of his or her activities in the workplace. Each employee is expected to perform their job duties in a safe manner utilizing all their knowledge, training, ability, and experience.

Qualifications

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

EDUCATION And/or EXPERIENCE

Bachelor’s Degree (BS) in Chemistry or related scientific field and 6 years analytical pharmaceutical experience or related laboratory management, or an equivalent combination of education and experience. Current knowledge of laboratory equipment, and a proven track record of hands-on operations in the laboratory or equivalent experience.

Language Skills

Ability to read, analyze, and interpret common scientific and technical journals, financial reports, and legal documents. Ability to effectively present information to management and peers.

Mathematical Skills

Ability to comprehend and apply principles of mathematics applicable to the position, including algebra, and basic calculus.

REASONING ABILITY

Ability to apply principles of logical or scientific thinking to a wide range of intellectual and practical problems. Ability to deal with nonverbal symbolism (chemical formulae, scientific equations, graphs, etc.). Ability to deal with a variety of abstract and concrete variables.

CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS

None.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to stand; walk; sit; work with hands; talk or hear; and recognize odors. The employee is occasionally required to reach above shoulder height; climb or balance; and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. This position requires essentially 100% of working hours to be on-site, with the potential for occasional after-hours responsiveness for critical activities. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is occasionally exposed to moving mechanical parts, fumes or airborne particles, acceptable levels of toxic or caustic chemicals, outside weather conditions, and risk of electrical shock. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.

CORE COMPETENCIES

• Technical Knowledge: Deep understanding of lab equipment (e.g., HPLC/UPLC, GC, prep chromatography) and lab practices (hazardous chemical handling, safe storage practices, waste handling, etc.)
• Procurement Processes: Experience with standard procurement practices (SAP, etc.)
• Leadership Skills: Proven ability to manage a team, foster a collaborative cross-departmental environment, and work under pressure
• Soft Skills: Strong communication, organizational, and problem-solving skills

SALARY

Actual pay will be based on your skills and experience.

Benefits

• 401(k) matching - Corden Pharma will contribute 100% of the first 6% - 100% vested after 2 years of service
• Accident Plan
• Critical Illness Insurance
• Dental Insurance
• Disability Insurance
• Employee Assistance Program
• Flexible Spending Account
• Health Insurance PPO/HSA
• Hospital Indemnity Plan
• ID Theft Protection
• Life Insurance
• Paid Parental Leave
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Wellness Program
• Vacation - Three Weeks 1st Year
• Vision Insurance

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

Corden Pharma provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws. Corden Pharma embraces fair hiring practices.

This post will expire September 12, 2026