Lab Manager, Connect Labs Wexford

Location:San Jose, CA
Reports To: Director, Connect Labs San Jose
Type:Full-Time | In-Person

Overview & Description

In the role of Lab Manager, Connect Labs San Jose, you will be the linchpin of our laboratory operations. Your mission is to ensure the seamless and safe functioning of both private and shared lab spaces, facilitating success for our resident tenants. Ideal for a self‑driven, organized professional who thrives in a team environment, this role is perfect for those with a passion for supporting entrepreneurial scientists and their advanced scientific and technical requirements.

With at least five years of experience in biotechnology process development, biomanufacturing, or lab facility management, you’ll find this role both challenging and rewarding. The position will report directly to the Director, Connect Labs San Jose.

Responsibilities

Management & Operations

• Oversee laboratory operations, including equipment and safety management.
• Administer the lab’s operational budget, encompassing daily, monthly, and annual financial planning.
• Develop and implement equipment and safety training plans.
• Manage both shared and private lab facilities.
• Establish maintenance protocols and usage best practices for a multi-user environment.
• Create technical training programs and lab policies for resident scientists.
• Act as an emergency coordinator, promoting a culture of safety.
• Manage Environmental Health & Safety (EHS) activities to ensure compliance with all regulations.
• Coordinate the onboarding of new resident companies and the offboarding of graduating ones.
• Collaborate with resident company scientists and leaders to meet their needs.
• Organize events to enhance interaction and value for member companies.
• Maintain client relationships and track site/member metrics.
• Facilitate access to University Core Facilities and Instrumentation Cluster for tenant benefit.
• Handle lab exhaust maintenance, EHS reporting, compliance, training, and hazardous waste removal.
• Oversee procurement of lab consumables, supplies, and equipment.
• Certify fume hoods and biological safety cabinets.
• Conduct de-commissioning between clients and training on lab equipment use.
• Maintain regular lab cleanliness and equipment monitoring.
• Develop and enforce SOPs for equipment use, training, and site operations.
• Manage preventative maintenance and service for lab and safety equipment.
• Negotiate vendor contracts and maintain relationships for equipment and consumables.

Preferred

Skills and Abilities

• Bachelor’s degree or demonstrated experience in a relevant field (e.g., lab management, biomanufacturing, incubator management)
• Proven expertise in lab management and operations.
• Strong budgeting and financial management skills.
• Excellent organizational and planning abilities.
• Proficiency in creating and implementing training programs.
• Knowledge of EHS standards and regulatory compliance.
• Ability to establish strong client relationships and address tenant needs effectively.
• Expertise in lab safety protocols and emergency coordination.
• Proficient in managing multi-user lab environments.
• Strong negotiation skills for vendor contracts and procurement.
• Effective communication skills for team collaboration and event planning.
• Technical knowledge of lab equipment and maintenance procedures.
• Ability to foster a collaborative and safe working environment.

Connect Labs by Wexford is a flexible, scale-in-place lab and innovation infrastructurelocatedwithin Wexford’s portfolio of Knowledge Communities. Specifically created for emerging and growth companies in the life sciences, computational, engineering, and energy industries, Connect Labs offers pre-built and furnished lab, support, and office space with a purposefully curated set of amenities, services,…