Laboratory Operations and Vivarium Manager

Laboratory Operations and Vivarium Manager

Job Title: Laboratory Operations and Vivarium Manager

Location: San Francisco, CA

Type: Full-Time (on-site)

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Coherence Neuro is a highly interdisciplinary neurotechnology company solving some of the most challenging biological and medical problems that remain unmet. Our goal is to develop technologies that significantly increase the quality and length of life for those with debilitating and deadly cancers in the brain and body. We are backed by the best global venture capital firms, and are scaling our team across multiple sites to bring our products to those who need it as quickly and safely as possible. If you're driven to push the boundaries of engineering and science and want to help build something that genuinely changes lives, we want to hear from you. We value diversity and encourage applicants from all backgrounds to join us in our mission. Learn about our team here!

We are establishing an integrated biology laboratory, rodent vivarium, and engineering workshop space and are looking for a detail-oriented, hands-on Laboratory Operations and Vivarium Manager to bring them fully into operation. This person will set up equipment, establish stock and inventory systems, and design and implement all safety procedures and legal/regulatory requirements needed to house animals and run a compliant lab and workshop — then own the day-to-day operational infrastructure going forward: animal husbandry coordination, laboratory and workshop safety, inventory and procurement, equipment maintenance, vendor management, and documentation. This is an ideal role for someone who enjoys building systems from the ground up in a fast-paced startup environment, and who is equally comfortable in a vivarium, a BSL-2 lab, and a machine shop.

Key Responsibilities

Install and commission equipment across the biology laboratory and rodent vivarium and establish initial stock and consumables inventory

Design and implement all safety procedures, SOPs, and legal/regulatory requirements needed to house and work with research animals, including supporting IACUC protocol development and approval

Plan space allocation and access control across biology, engineering, and research teams as the facility scales

Ensure appropriate standards of animal care and husbandry; serve as the operational point of contact for IACUC-related compliance

Coordinate animal ordering, receipt, housing, and associated record keeping

Coordinate with contract veterinarians, veterinary technicians, and other external vivarium partners

Establish and maintain inventory systems for biolaboratory, vivarium, and engineering lab supplies and consumables

Manage purchasing across lab and workshop stock, ensuring critical supplies remain stocked

Maintain service records for lab equipment and workshop/machine shop tools; oversee preventative maintenance, calibration, and repair across both

Support engineering lab space bring-up, including tool inventory and equipment upkeep

Design and implement BSL-2 laboratory safety and biosafety programs

Design and implement laboratory safety protocols, training, and PPE programs for engineering staff

Establish and maintain chemical inventory and hazardous/biohazardous/e-waste disposal programs across all three facilities

Track required safety, animal-use, biosafety, and occupational health training/certifications for all lab and workshop personnel

Coordinate occupational health requirements for animal research personnel

Support inspection readiness and maintain audit-ready records and facilities

Maintain centralized records of permits, registrations, certifications, inspections, and renewal dates

Identify operational gaps across all facility areas and proactively develop practical solutions

Help establish effective organizational systems as the lab and workshop grow

Required Qualifications and Skills

Bachelor's degree in biology, animal science, biomedical/mechanical engineering, or a related discipline, or equivalent relevant professional experience

Prior experience in laboratory operations, vivarium operations, or facilities/lab operations at a biotech, medtech, or similar R&D environment

Experience with rodent husbandry and vivarium operations

Familiarity with IACUC-regulated animal research environments and laboratory animal welfare requirements, including protocol development

Experience coordinating with contract veterinarians, IACUC resources, occupational health providers, and external EHS consultants

Experience supporting BSL-2 laboratory operations

Experience with lab/workshop inventory, purchasing, equipment maintenance, and vendor coordination

Working knowledge of bio and engineering lab safety practices: chemical handling, hazardous waste, biological safety, and engineering lab safety

Strong organizational and documentation skills with exceptional attention to detail

Ability to manage multiple operational priorities independently across biology, vivarium, and engineering spaces

Strong written and verbal communication skills

Comfortable working hands-on in vivarium, lab, and workshop/shop-floor environments

Bonus Skills

Experience setting up a new lab, vivarium, or engineering/prototyping space from scratch

Familiarity with LIMS, inventory/purchasing, or compliance software

AALAS certification (ALAT, LAT, LATG) or other relevant laboratory animal science training

Experience maintaining equipment traceability and lifecycle records to support design controls and regulatory submissions

Prior experience in an early-stage biotech/medtech/hardware startup

Benefits

Healthcare, dental, and vision

401(k) with company match

20 days PTO/year + federal holidays

Daily meals and snacks on-site

Professional development support

A chance to work on impactful, life-changing technologies in a dynamic, innovative environment.

If you are passionate about innovation in healthcare and translation research, we would love to hear from you! Please submit your application here.