Research Scientist III/Lab Manager – K2 Biolabs

BioHouston; Houston (TX); On-site; USD 110,000 - 150,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

Opportunities for professional development

Job summary

A biotech incubator in Houston is seeking a highly skilled Research Scientist III/Lab Manager. The successful candidate will develop and execute in vitro assays and support laboratory management. Responsibilities include maintaining laboratory operations, collaborating with teams, and ensuring compliance with regulatory standards. Candidates should have 4+ years of related experience and a PhD or MS in a scientific field. The role offers a competitive salary and opportunities for professional development.

Qualifications

• 4+ years of hands-on bench experience in industry, CRO, or academic lab.
• Experience in developing or validating analytical methods.
• Hands-on experience with cell-based assays and mammalian cell culture.
• Strong organizational skills with ability to multitask and meet project timelines.
• Experience training others in proper laboratory technique and safety.

Responsibilities

• Support development and optimization of in vitro assays.
• Maintain laboratory readiness, inventory, and organization.
• Analyze data, interpret results, and present findings to stakeholders.
• Support price quotes and procurement for client projects.
• Maintain lab readiness, inventory and organization.
• Perform routine maintenance and calibration of equipment and troubleshoot issues.
• Draft, review and implement SOPs and work instructions.
• Analyze data, interpret results, and present findings to internal teams and senior management.

Skills

Laboratory techniques

Data analysis

Problem solving

Communication skills

Organizational skills

SOPs & compliance

Regulatory compliance

Communication

Education

PhD or MS degree in a scientific field

Tools

Laboratory equipment

Aseptic techniques

Job description

Location: K2 BIOLABS (On-site) - 2710 Reed Road Suite 160, Houston, TX 77051

Company Summary

K2 Biolabs is a hybrid Contract Research Organization and biotech incubator that strives to enable promising early-stage life science companies to develop the next generation of innovative therapies to improve the lives of patients. K2 Biolabs offer a comprehensive range of services from in vivo and in vitro pre‑clinical studies and drug discovery to clinical trial biomarker assay development. We are committed to excellence, innovation, and customer satisfaction.

K2 Biolabs is seeking a highly skilled and motivated cross‑functional Research Scientist III/Lab Manager to join our development lab. The successful candidate will play a critical role in developing and executing in vitro assays as well as support biomarker assay development and laboratory management. The successful candidate will collaborate with cross‑functional teams to a wide range of non‑clinical and pre‑clinical research projects, ensuring that regulatory requirements and industry standards are met. In addition, the successful candidate will be responsible for supporting a complex and multifaceted lab, including but not limited to supporting routine lab operations, workflows, and laboratory equipment maintenance and troubleshooting equipment issues as needed, providing in vitro and in vivo services to clients and licensees, and ensuring lab safety and training compliance.

Job Description

Assay Development

Support development and optimization of in vitro assays to ensure they meet regulatory and industry standards.

Collaborate with cross‑functional teams, including data analysis, and operations to advance assay development.

Validate assays according to ICH guidelines and ensure reproducibility and reliability of results.

Support price quote generation and procurement as needed for client projects.

Quality Assurance Compliance

Adhere to regulatory and quality guidelines to ensure high‑quality laboratory practices.

Implement and follow standard operating procedures (SOPs) for all laboratory activities.

Laboratory Operations

Maintain laboratory readiness, inventory, and organization.

Perform routine maintenance and calibrate laboratory equipment, ensuring it is in optimal working condition for both development and clinical labs as per SOPs.

Troubleshoot equipment errors independently and communicate solutions and problem‑solving steps with users.

Coordinate with external companies to provide high‑level equipment maintenance and communicate equipment malfunctions and coordinate repairs as needed.

Be a front‑line resource to those needing support or guidance in the lab and act as a liaison between K2 and tenants, outside vendors and service providers.

Communicate the status and needs of the lab and lab staff effectively with leadership.

Provide guidance for handling and best practice of laboratory reagents, including biologics and chemical compounds.

Collaborate with various departments to ensure laboratory needs are met.

Be a liaison between the lab and K2 staff, including outside vendors and service providers.

Onboard new employees, new tenant companies and orient them to the laboratory space and safety training.

Manage inventory of laboratory supplies, reagents, and consumables, and ensure timely procurement.

Support the organization and cleanliness of the development laboratory space, maintaining a safe and compliant working environment.

Draft, review and edit SOPs, work instructions and forms as required.

Data Analysis & Reporting

Analyze data, interpret results, and present findings to internal teams, external stakeholders and senior management.

Prepare technical reports, scientific publications, and presentations as needed.

Collaborate with cross‑functional teams to ensure data integrity and accuracy.

Work Experience Requirements

4+ years of hands‑on bench experience working in industry, a CRO or an Academic Core lab environment.

Experience in the development and/or validation of analytical methods and execution of routine test methods.

Hands‑on experience with a variety of laboratory techniques including cell‑based assays, mammalian cell culture and aseptic techniques.

Proven track record and strong organizational skills and attention to detail with the ability to multitask and prioritize tasks effectively to ensure project deliverables are performed to meet project timelines.

Expertise in the function, routine maintenance of common laboratory equipment.

Experience training others in proper laboratory technique and safety requirements.

Ability to communicate with clients, service providers and vendors.

Self‑motivated, ability to work well with cross‑functional teams or independently in a dynamic and collaborative environment.

Strong troubleshooting and problem‑solving skills.

Solid technical, written, and verbal communication skills, and computer skills.

Established knowledge of industry standards, regulatory and safety guidelines.

Self‑motivated, ability to work well with cross‑functional teams or independently in a dynamic and highly collaborative environment.

Well‑organized with solid technical, written, and verbal communication skills, computer skills, and proven ability to multitask.

Attention to detail and strong quality ethos.

Strong troubleshooting and problem‑solving skills.

Preferred Qualifications

Flexibility to a rapidly evolving research space.

Expertise in the function, routine maintenance, and repair of laboratory equipment.

Experience training others in proper laboratory technique and safety requirements.

Ability to communicate with service providers and vendors to supply and maintain the lab space.

Education Requirements

PhD or MS degree in a scientific field preferred, additional experience may be substitute for degree. A minimum of 4 years in the biotechnology or CRO industry preferred.

Competitive salary and benefits package, including health, dental, and vision insurance.

Opportunities for professional development and career growth.

Collaborative work environment.

K2 Biolabs is an equal opportunity employer. As an equal opportunity employer, we are committed to a diverse workforce. Employment decisions regarding recruitment and selection will be made without discrimination based on race, color, religion, national origin, gender, age, sexual orientation, physical or mental disability, veteran status or other non‑job‑related characteristics or other prohibited grounds specified in applicable federal, state and local laws.