Laboratory Management Leader

Novonesis; Davis (CA); On-site; USD 100,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health, Dental, Vision, Life insurance

401(k) with company match

Paid vacation and holidays/Wellness

Wellness time

Job summary

Novonesis in Davis, CA is seeking a Lab Management Leader to oversee operations across research laboratories, shared spaces, and Lab Services. You will drive safety programs, regulatory compliance, and the performance of procurement and site support functions to enable scientists to innovate.

You will partner with Research, Quality, Facilities, IT, and Site Leadership to improve laboratory effectiveness, manage equipment lifecycles, and lead a small Lab Services team as the role evolves.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in relevant field with a focus on EH&S or life sciences
• Safety certifications or equivalent industry credentials preferred
• Experience in laboratory operations, safety, and regulatory compliance

Responsibilities

• Lead day-to-day laboratory operations and support activities across research laboratories and shared spaces.
• Drive a strong EH&S culture by ensuring compliance with OSHA, Cal/OSHA and biosafety requirements.
• Manage laboratory equipment programs, including maintenance, calibration, certification, asset tracking, and lifecycle planning.
• Conduct risk assessments, inspections, audits, and incident investigations to maintain a safe environment.
• Partner with researchers, Quality, Facilities, Procurement, IT, and Site Leadership to improve lab effectiveness and compliance.
• Oversee purchasing of consumables, chemicals, equipment, and service contracts.

Skills

Lab operations

EH&S

Regulatory compliance

Project management

Vendor management

Stakeholder management

Communication

Independent work

Education

Bachelor's degree in related field

Safety certifications

Tools

LIMS

Procurement systems

Calibration management

Job description

Interested in a career that matters?Are you passionate about creating safe, efficient, and compliant laboratory environments that enable scientific innovation? At Novonesis, we are looking for a Lab Management Leader to play a critical role in supporting our Davis R&D site and the talented scientists who are helping create biological answers to some of the world's biggest challenges.You will join a collaborative team responsible for Facilities, Maintenance, Safety, Quality, Lab Services, and Administrative support functions. As a trusted operational partner across the site, you will help ensure our laboratories, facilities, and support services operate safely and effectively, allowing researchers to focus on innovation and discovery. Working closely with colleagues across multiple functions, you'll contribute directly to an environment where science can thrive and where continuous improvement is part of everyday work.The Role & Your ImpactThis is a highly visible role with a combination of operational, tactical, and continuous improvement responsibilities. The Lab Management Leader is responsible for overseeing laboratory operations, leading environmental health and safety programs, supporting regulatory compliance, and ensuring the overall effectiveness of laboratory support services across the Davis site.Key responsibilities include:Lead day-to-day laboratory operations and support activities across research laboratories and shared laboratory spaces.Drive a strong EH&S culture by ensuring compliance with OSHA, Cal/OSHA, environmental, biosafety, and company requirements.Manage laboratory equipment programs, including maintenance, calibration, certification, asset tracking, and lifecycle planning.Conduct risk assessments, inspections, audits, incident investigations, and corrective action follow-up to maintain a safe and compliant environment.Partner with researchers, Quality, Facilities, Procurement, IT, and Site Leadership to improve laboratory effectiveness, operational efficiency, and compliance.Manage laboratory purchasing activities, including consumables, chemicals, laboratory supplies, equipment, and service contracts.What You'll Need to Be SuccessfulBachelor's degree in Environmental Health & Safety, Biology, Chemistry, Engineering, Life Sciences, or a related field.5+ years of experience supporting laboratory operations, EH&S, compliance, or research support organizations.Experience managing safety and regulatory compliance programs.Working knowledge of laboratory safety, chemical safety, biosafety, emergency preparedness, and occupational health and safety principles.Experience conducting risk assessments, inspections, incident investigations, and corrective-action management.Experience with purchasing, inventory management, and vendor relationships.Strong project management, organizational, communication, and stakeholder management skills.Ability to work independently while building strong partnerships across multiple functions.Strong commitment to safety, compliance, operational excellence, and customer service.Proven ability to prioritize and manage multiple activities in a dynamic R&D environment.Additional Skills & Interests We ValueExperience within biotechnology, life sciences, pharmaceuticals, food ingredients, fermentation, or research environments.Knowledge of Cal/OSHA regulations, California workplace violence prevention requirements, hazardous materials management, biosafety principles, and laboratory compliance requirements.Experience managing laboratory equipment programs and service contracts.Professional certifications such as ASP, CSP, CHMM, CIH, OSHA 30, or similar.Previous supervisory or team leadership experience.A continuous improvement mindset combined with strong problem-solving and decision-making capabilities.What We OfferAt Novonesis, you'll have the opportunity to support groundbreaking research and make a meaningful impact on how our scientists work every day. You'll collaborate with a diverse group of professionals, contribute to operational excellence initiatives, and help shape the future of laboratory management and safety at the Davis site.We offer an environment built on collaboration, trust, and continuous learning, where employees are encouraged to bring ideas forward, develop professionally, and contribute to sustainable innovation. As the laboratory management function evolves, this role also offers the opportunity to help shape future processes and potentially lead a small Lab Services team.Ways of Working / Working ConditionsThis is primarily an on-site position based in Davis, California. Regular on-site presence is essential to support laboratory operations, employees, equipment, and facilities.The team works a full-time Monday through Friday schedule. Some flexibility may be required to respond to urgent laboratory, safety, equipment, or site operational needs.The role may occasionally involve handling or moving laboratory supplies, equipment, or materials, using appropriate assistance or material-handling equipment when needed.Travel requirements are limited and generally include occasional training events, conferences, vendor meetings, regional meetings, or visits to other Novonesis locations. Expected travel is typically less than 10% of working time.Compensation & BenefitsStarting pay: $100,000-$120,000 based on experience401(k) with up to a 9% company contributionMinimum of 3 weeks of vacation plus 12 holidays and 2 weeks of Wellness TimeHealth, Dental, Vision & Life insuranceHealthcare savings account optionEmployee assistance programParental leaveTuition reimbursementAll benefits begin on your first dayRelevant InformationApplication deadline: 11/6/26Our purpose guides the wayIn Novonesis, we know that solutions rooted in biology can help solve humanity’s biggest challenges. Since we began more than a century ago, this has been our guide. It’s how we've gotten so far. And it’s how we'll impact the future. Now, more than ever, the world needs change. And with biosolutions, the possibilities for transformation are endless. If our purpose resonates with you, we encourage you to apply.Opportunities for everyoneWe are committed to an inclusive recruitment process and equal opportunity for all applicants. Therefore we ask you to apply without a cover letter or photo and instead include a few sentences in your CV explaining your motivation for applying.We make all employment decisions based on business needs and welcome candidates with a wide range of backgrounds, including ethnicity, religion, gender, sexual orientation, age, disability, or veteran status.Explore other openingsIf this position isn’t the right fit, you may still find other opportunities with us. You’re welcome to explore open roles or create a job agent to stay connected with future opportunities at novonesis.com/Career