Lab Manager, R&D/Process Development

Watchmaker Genomics; Colorado; On-site; USD 90,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

Watchmaker Genomics is seeking a Lab Manager, R&D/Process Development to lead day-to-day laboratory operations and equipment management in Boulder, CO. The role reports to Facilities Manager, ensuring safety, accuracy, and efficiency across R&D activities.

The ideal candidate holds a Bachelor’s degree with 5 years of biotech lab experience, strong organizational skills, and team collaboration abilities to support R&D and process development initiatives.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree and 5 years of experience.
• Experience in biotech and a start-up environment desirable.
• Strong organization and communication skills required.

Responsibilities

• Manage day-to-day R&D and PD laboratory operations.
• Coordinate laboratory organization and workspace management.
• Support ad hoc laboratory and equipment needs for R&D and PD teams.
• Approve standard level purchase orders within company’s ERP system.
• Manage R&D and PD equipment inventory in CMMS; coordinate maintenance schedules.
• Schedule external service providers and perform in-house maintenance when appropriate.

Skills

Laboratory operations management

Biotech lab experience

Team collaboration

Communication skills

Organization & multitasking

Education

Bachelor’s degree

Tools

CMMS

ERP system

Google Workspace

Job description

Position: Lab Manager, R&D/Process Development

Position Type: Full-time, permanent

Department: Facilities/R&D

Location: Boulder, Colorado (onsite)

Experience: Bachelor’s degree and 5 years of experience

Position Summary

Watchmaker is inviting applications for the full-time position of Lab Manager, R&D/Process Development, reporting to the Facilities Manager.

This individual would operate within the R&D organization while maintaining close alignment with Facilities. The Facilities Manager would continue to provide strategic oversight and support, while day-to-day laboratory operations would be owned and managed by the Lab Manager, R&D/Process Development. The Lab Manager, R&D/Process Development would serve as the primary owner of laboratory operations within R&D and Process Development spaces.

Responsibilities

Laboratory Operations

• Manage day-to-day R&D and PD laboratory operations


• Coordinate laboratory organization and workspace management


• Support ad hoc laboratory and equipment needs for R&D and PD teams


• Approve standard level purchase orders within company’s ERP system

Equipment Management

• Manage R&D and PD equipment inventory within the CMMS system


• Coordinate preventative maintenance and calibration schedules


• Schedule and manage external service providers


• Perform select equipment maintenance activities in-house when appropriate (autoclaves, sequencers, and other instrumentation)


• Support troubleshooting and service coordination for laboratory equipment

Consumables & Supply Management

• Manage laboratory consumables and supplies, utilizing Kanban where applicable


• Coordinate inventory levels and ordering


• Act as requisitioner and first tier approver for R&D and PD groups


• Support distribution and organization of laboratory materials

Freezer & Cold Storage Oversight

• Manage freezer organization and storage standards


• Coordinate preventative maintenance and defrost schedules, and assist with defrost activities


• Monitor freezer performance


• Assist with freezer alarm response and escalation processes

Safety & Compliance

• Oversee R&D laboratory chemical inventory management


• Support R&D laboratory EHS initiatives and compliance activities


• Ensure laboratories maintain safe and organized operating conditions

Budgeting & Capital Planning

• Support R&D and PD CapEx planning and requests


• Assist with equipment evaluations, procurement, and implementation


• Support budgeting activities related to laboratory operations and equipment

Please note: The above responsibilities are not exhaustive and other similar duties may be required from time to time.

Skills and Requirements

The candidate should have a Bachelor’s degree and 5 years experience. Experience in biotech and a start-up environment are highly desirable.

The following skills and experience are requirements for the position:

• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.


• The ability to multitask, be able to work at a high standard, perform consistently under pressure along with pre-determined deadlines and work without supervision.


• Strong interpersonal skills and an ability to work as an effective member of a team.


• Good communication and personal task management skills and a high level of self-motivation and initiative.


• A creative and disciplined approach to problem-solving.


• Time management and prioritization under deadlines


• High level of accuracy in documentation, record-keeping, and reporting.


• Previous experience with a computerized maintenance management system (CMMS) is desirable


• Experience with the Google Office suite of tools is desirable


• Familiarity of standard laboratory equipment and consumables is desirable

Education and Experience

• Bachelors degree


• 5 years experience

Compensation

The base compensation for the Lab Manager, R&D/Process Development starts at $90,000 - $100,000 + bonus + equity; actual pay will be adjusted based on skills and experience. Employees are eligible for Flexible Time Off, Holidays, employer covers 75% of base medical plan with buy-up options, EAP (employee assistance program), employer paid dental with a buy-up option, employer paid vision, employer paid $25,000 life/AD&D policy, paid parental leave, and a 401(k) retirement plan with a 4% match.

NO RECRUITMENT AGENCIES PLEASE

We are only accepting direct applications for this position. We are not working with external recruiters or agencies at this time. Unsolicited resumes or candidate submissions from third-party recruiters will not be considered and will be deemed the property of Watchmaker Genomics.

WE ARE AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY/AFFIRMATIVE ACTION EMPLOYER

Watchmaker Genomics is committed to being an equal opportunity employer and creating a culturally diverse environment. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability status, age, or veteran status or any other characteristics as protected by applicable law.

All applicants will be asked if currently eligible to work in the United States of America; and if now or in the future will require visa sponsorship to continue working in the United States.

This position may be subject to pre-employment checks, including driving history check, drug screening and a background check for any convictions directly related to its duties and responsibilities. All pre-employment checks will comply with all applicable federal, state, and local laws.