Research Scientist III​/Lab Manager – K2 Biolabs

Location:

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

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.

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.

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

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

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.

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.

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…