Lab Manager

Watchmaker Genomics, Inc.; Cape Town; Vor Ort; ZAR 600.000 - 900.000; Vollzeit

Zusammenfassung

Watchmaker Genomics, Inc. in Cape Town, South Africa, invites applications for the full-time R&D Lab Manager based in Salt River.

You will help run the laboratory efficiently and safely, report to the Senior R&D Lab Manager, and have scope to grow into supervising a small lab support team and shaping capacity planning and equipment strategy. The role combines biology, engineering and data insight to support genomics projects.

Qualifikationen

• BSc or higher in Microbiology or Biochemistry with 5+ years in a lab management role.
• South African work eligibility and valid work permits before applying.
• Proven ability to lead a laboratory, plan capacity and resources.

Aufgaben

• Contribute to lab capacity, resource and equipment planning.
• Organize lab space, inventory, and procurement records.
• Maintain SOPs and ensure SHE compliance.
• Manage calibration and maintenance of equipment.
• Train staff on SOPs, equipment use, and safety.
• Oversee lab waste disposal and general cleaning.

Kenntnisse

Organizational skills

Computer literacy

Communication skills

Procurement systems

Vendor knowledge

NGS / genomics tech

Ausbildung

BSc or higher in Microbiology/Biochemistry

Jobbeschreibung

Position: R&D Lab Manager

Position Type: Full time, permanent

Department: Research and Development

Location: Salt River, Cape Town (onsite)

Experience: BSc or higher qualification with 5+ years relevant experience

Watchmaker Genomics is a global life science company based in Boulder, Colorado with an R&D and Production facility in Cape Town, South Africa. Our team is passionate about innovation and values collaboration, creativity, and scientific rigor. We believe that the intersection of biology, engineering, and computer science presents exciting opportunities for developing novel technologies that promote research and improve human health. Watchmaker Genomics specializes in the design, development, and production of DNA- and RNA-modifying enzymes that enable high-growth applications in genomics, molecular diagnostics, and personalized medicine.

Position Description

Watchmaker is inviting applications for the full-time position of R&D Lab Manager based in Cape Town, South Africa. The successful candidate will thrive in a dynamic, fast-paced working environment and contribute directly to our company culture and success. This position reports to the Senior R&D Lab Manager and provides an opportunity to ensure that the R&D laboratory runs efficiently and safely. We see this as a role with real scope for growth. As our Cape Town operation develops, the successful candidate will have the opportunity to take on supervision of a small lab support team and to assume broader responsibility for the strategic aspects of lab management, including capacity and resource planning, equipment and capital planning, and shaping how our R&D laboratories evolve to support the company's roadmap.

Responsibilities

• Contribute to lab capacity, resource and equipment planning in support of R&D priorities
• General lab organization, space, and resource allocation
• Own and maintain organized, up-to-date R&D inventories - including fridge and freezer stock, chemicals, reagents, and other lab consumables
• Monitor usage of routine consumables, chemicals and reagents, and raise procurement requisitions to help avoid delays to critical projects.
• Support procurement of specialized and general lab equipment and instruments
• Support receiving of incoming orders and ensure they are accurately logged against procurement records
• Manage the maintenance and calibration of lab equipment and instruments, including keeping equipment clean and ensuring maintenance schedules and best practices are followed
• Document and manage Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) where appropriate to ensure that routine procedures, assays and experiments are performed reliably
• Ensure good Safety, Health and Environment (SHE) practices, including waste disposal
• Provide regular training on SOPs, equipment usage, SHE compliance, etc.
• Manage general lab cleaning, glassware reprocessing (washing, autoclaving and drying), etc.
• Preparation of standard solutions, reagents, agar plates, etc.
• Optionally, carry out routine lab procedures and/or research
• Carry out other ad hoc tasks as required

Skills And Requirements

• Strong organizational skills, with the ability to plan analytically, logically, and practically
• Excellent computer literacy including applications skills, especially with spreadsheets
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
• Experience with procurement management systems, ERP systems, and/or accounting systems will be an advantage
• A good knowledge of local vendors of laboratory equipment, consumables, chemicals, and reagents etc. will be an advantage
• Experience with automated liquid handling systems, NGS sequencing platforms, or other specialist protein or genomics technologies will be an advantage

A proven track record of laboratory management and/or a strong willingness to learn the role is important.

Applicants must be South African or be eligible to work in South Africa and already possess the necessary work permits or visas, or be able to obtain them before responding to this vacancy.

Education

BSc or higher qualification in Microbiology, Biochemistry, or a related field, with 5+ years of experience working in a similar role. Remuneration will be commensurate with experience and skills.

Personal Attributes

• Interested in developing leadership and people-management skills over time
• Proactive, structured, and highly reliable
• Comfortable operating with autonomy and accountability
• Able to work effectively across disciplines and seniority levels
• Practical, solutions‑oriented, and calm under pressure
• Meticulous and detail-orientated

SOUTH AFRICA - 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 they are currently eligible to work in South Africa. South African citizens are preferred.

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 laws.