Operations Manager - R&D

Vitri Vax, Inc. is creating thermostable, single-injection vaccines using an innovative technology platform called ALTA®. Fundamentally, ALTA® products are formulations of antigens that use an innovative manufacturing process that combines particle engineering technologies from the pharmaceutical and semiconductor industries. Thermostable, single-injection products will revolutionize the vaccine industry and have attracted significant industry, government, and philanthropic interest. Vitri Vax is a fast-growing, preclinical company that is transitioning to an early clinical phase, with an R&D team and onsite pilot scale manufacturing.

Learn more about Vitri Vax by visiting our website at  If you are interested in joining Vitri Vax, Inc., we are always looking for talented individuals. Below is one opportunity to help make vaccines accessible to everyone. Vitri Vax is seeking an Operations Manager, R&D, to manage and continuously improve the operational infrastructure supporting our research and development organization. This role is responsible for the effective execution and coordination of laboratory operations, equipment lifecycle management, procurement and supply chain activities, logistics, EHS compliance, and operational processes.

The Operations Manager will manage key operational systems and processes, establish priorities within their areas of responsibility, resolve cross-functional operational challenges, and partner closely with R&D, CMC, Facilities, Finance, and other functions to ensure research activities are supported safely, efficiently, and cost-effectively. This position reports to the VP of Operations. This is an onsite, full-time position based in Boulder, Colorado.

Eliminating Barriers to Global Vaccination Vitri Vax , Inc. is a formulation technology company engineering innovative solutions to maximize global accessibility and utility of human and animal vaccines – vaccines that save lives and protect our world from preventable disease.

R&D Operations

• Manage laboratory infrastructure to support current and future R&D and CMC needs
• Establish and manage operational priorities to support R&D and CMC groups
• Partner with R&D and CMC leadership to anticipate operational requirements and develop practical solutions to support research activities
• Identify opportunities to improve operational scalability, efficiency, reliability, and cost effectiveness
• Manage the safe, efficient, and compliant operation of laboratory space, equipment, and supporting infrastructure
• Manage equipment lifecycle activities, including planning, procurement, installation, qualification, preventive maintenance, calibration, and retirement of R&D equipment
• Develop and continuously improve laboratory workflows, systems, and SOPs to enhance productivity and support research outcomes
• Partner with Facilities to maintain oversight of critical utilities and systems, including liquid nitrogen, cold chain, and cryostorage, to support continuity of research operations
• Coordinate equipment and infrastructure needs across R&D groups to support effective resource utilization and planning

Supply Chain, Procurement, & Vendor Strategy

• Manage vendor strategy and negotiation for laboratory supplies, equipment, and services
• Manage procurement processes (i.e. ordering and receiving), budget alignment, and cost-tracking across projects and departments
• Build and maintain vendor relationships that ensure supply chain transparency, reliability, and cost-effectiveness
• Monitor purchasing activity and identify opportunities for vendor consolidation, improved terms, standardization, and cost savings.
• Oversee inventory management for consumables, chemicals, samples, and materials, and drive continuous improvement in supply chain reporting
• Identify supply continuity risks and coordinate mitigation strategies with scientific and operational stakeholders

Logistics & Shipping

• Oversee domestic and international shipping and receiving of biological materials, samples, and equipment in compliance with applicable regulations
• Ensure accurate documentation, on-time delivery, and strong coordination with couriers and shipping vendors
• Maintain shipment records to support audits and regulatory reporting

Safety, EHS, & Compliance

• Manage and coordinate the company's EHS program in partnership with Facilities, external EHS resources, and company leadership, including SDS management, training records, inspections, and safety documentation
• Coordinate laboratory safety inspections, audits, and internal reviews and ensure identified corrective actions are appropriately tracked to completion
• Maintain working knowledge of biological, chemical, and general laboratory safety requirements and coordinate hazardous chemical and medical waste management
• Maintain accurate, audit-ready EHS records and support development and implementation of safety procedures and training

• Bachelor's degree in life sciences,…