Technical Lab Manager

Department: Network Planning and Operational Structure

Employment Type: Full Time

Location: Maple Grove, MN

Reporting To: Pilot Plant Manager

Compensation: $105,000 - $145,000 / year

Job Description Summary The Technical Lab Manager is responsible for establishing, managing, and continuously improving Laboratory functions within a Biomanufacturing Contract Development and Manufacturing Organization (CDMO) based in Maple Grove, MN. This pilot plant will help bridge a gap in the domestic biotech industry (non-pharma), providing clients with emerging fermentation technologies the ability to demonstrate upstream and downstream processes at a scale which supports future commercial scale design.

The facility is currently under construction, with expected mechanical completion in October 2027. This role will be instrumental in establishing laboratory systems, hiring and developing staff, and standing up operational readiness for first customer runs. This role plays a critical part in enabling successful scale-up by leading laboratory operations with a strong technical focus on microbial culture management, seed train propagation, and aseptic fermentation support.

The role ensures laboratory capabilities effectively support process development, pilot-scale production, and customer tech transfer programs. The analytical chemistry functions fall under the Technical Lab Manager’s oversight, so expertise in analytical chemistry or quality systems is preferred but it is not the technical focus of this role. The Technical Lab Manager will be supported by a Lead Analytical Chemist, who—along with the rest of the laboratory staff—will report directly to the Technical Lab Manager.

This person will strongly support and advocate a “zero harm” safety culture, proactively engaging employees in this culture. This position reports to the Pilot Facility Manager and works closely with Operations, Process Engineering, Maintenance, and EHS teams.

• Build and manage day-to-day laboratory operations with a strong focus on reliability, responsiveness, and operational readiness
• Recruit, hire, train, and develop laboratory staff.
• Manage laboratory personnel responsible for analytical testing, microbiological testing, seed train / culture propagation, and benchtop fermentation support.
• Ensure laboratory operations support process development, fermentation and downstream operations, and product quality requirements.

• Lead all microbiology laboratory activities supporting benchtop fermentation operations, including:
  • Culture handling, storage, and propagation, including transfer from Lab to Pilot Plant
  • Aseptic techniques and contamination control
  • Seed train development and scale-up support, including setting up and running bench-scale fermenters
• Partner with Process Engineering and Operations to ensure robust and reliable fermentation performance
• Establish best practices for microbial control, sterility assurance, and contamination response

• Develop, implement, and maintain Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for:
  • Microbiology and Fermentation laboratory equipment
    
    Sampling and in-process testing procedures
• Culture handling and aseptic practices
• Laboratory data management and reporting
• Support development and provide oversight for Food Safety and Quality systems
• Ensure SOPs are regularly reviewed and updated, while provide training on:
  • laboratory procedures
  • aseptic techniques food safety and quality protocols
  • laboratory safety
• Establish competency and qualification programs for laboratory personnel

• Establish preventive…