Technical Lab Manager

Job Duties

Laboratory Operations and Management

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.

Microbiology & Benchtop Fermentation Program Development

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

Lab Systems & SOP Development

Develop, implement, and maintain Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for:

Microbiology and Fermentation laboratory equipmentSampling 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

Equipment Maintenance, Calibration, and Reliability

Establish preventive maintenance and calibration programs for all laboratory equipment, implementing calibration intervals and maintenance procedures consistent with quality standards.

Develop and maintain vendor relationships for laboratory equipment servicing and calibration.

Work closely with the Reliability Team Lead to ensure:

all analytical, microbiology, and fermentation laboratory equipment is properly entered into the CMMS system

spare parts and critical components are tracked within the maintenance system.

Laboratory Inventory Management

Identify and maintain inventory levels for all laboratory consumables, including:

analytical reagents

microbiological media

culture supplies

PPE and other laboratory standards

Implement inventory management processes to ensure uninterrupted laboratory operations.

Safety Leadership

Actively promote and advocate for a “Zero Harm” safety culture throughout laboratory and plant operations.

Proactively engage employees regarding safety concerns and improvement opportunities.

Ensure laboratory operations meet facility safety standards and best practices.

Minimum Education Required

Bachelor’s degree in one of the following fields: Microbiology, Biochemistry, Analytical Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, or Food Science

Minimum Experience Required

Bachelor’s degree in one of the following fields: Microbiology, Biochemistry, Analytical Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, or Food Science

Minimum 7 years of experience working in a laboratory supporting fermentation technology, biotechnology, or food manufacturing, including at least 3 years of lab management experience.

Experience with typical microbiology and bench-scale fermentation laboratory operations, aseptic techniques and culture propagation

Strong safety mindset with demonstrated commitment to safe work practices

Excellent communication and collaboration skills

Shift

First (Day)

Number of Openings

1

Veterans Encouraged to Apply

Yes

Physical Required

No

Drug Test Required

Yes

Compensation

$105,000.00 - $145,000.00 / Annually

Additional Compensation

Incentive Plan

Postal Code

55369

Job Type

Full Time

Place of Work

On-site

Requisition ID

0129

Job Benefits

100% Employer paid options for medical insurance for BioMADE employees. Low-cost buy-up options also available.

Generous cost-sharing for medical insurance for spouse and child(ren).

Health Savings Account option for medical insurance.

100% Employer paid Dental and Vision insurance for BioMADE employees.

Low-cost Dental insurance for spouse/child(ren) and with child ortho coverage.

100% employer paid Vision for employee, and spouse/child(ren) coverage.

Section 125 Flexible Spending Plan options for Medical, Dependent Care, and Commuter Pre-Tax benefits.

100% Employer paid Life insurance with a 1x Annual Salary for Exempt staff and a Flat $50,000 benefit for hourly staff.

100% Employer paid Short Term Disability insurance and low-cost Voluntary Long Term Disability insurance available.

401(k) retirement plan with up to 6% match on plan compensation (no vesting period!).

Discretionary Incentive Plan based on organizational and individual performance.

Paid Time Off (PTO) that begins to accrue from your hire date.

13 Paid holidays, including a winter break between Christmas Eve Day and New Year’s Day.

Paid Parental Leave- Up to 8 weeks of paid leave for new parents.

Full access to LinkedIn Learning’s Suite for professional development.

Free Parking.

Casual Dress Code.

Free snacks and beverages at CA and MN office locations.

Fun on and off-site employee activities sponsored by the Employee Engagement Committee