Lab Operations Manager

BioLabs is a global innovation infrastructure company creating the physical and community backbone that powers life science discovery worldwide. Through a growing network of premium shared laboratories and coworking spaces, BioLabs provides turnkey access to state-of-the-art research facilities, entrepreneurial programming, and deep industry and capital connections. These integrated ecosystems enable innovators - from early-stage founders to established R&D teams - to rapidly translate ideas into impact without the constraints of traditional lab ownership. The BioLabs network now spans major innovation hubs across the United States, Europe, and Asia, serving as a catalyst for collaboration and a launchpad for breakthroughs that advance human health and sustainability. Learn more at www.biolabs.io.

ROLE OVERVIEW 

BioLabs is seeking a Lab Operations Manager for our new Toronto site, BioLabs University of Toronto, reporting to the Regional Site Director. This is a hands-on, fully on-site position supporting life science entrepreneurs in a vibrant, collaborative environment. The Lab Operations Manager will play a key role in ensuring the smooth operation of our shared laboratory and facilities while contributing to the success of early-stage biotech companies. This position requires a highly capable, self-directed individual who thrives in a fast-paced, entrepreneurial setting and can balance independent execution with collaborative teamwork. 

RESPONSIBITIES 

Manage the daily operations of the lab and facility, including emergency responses. 

Oversee laboratory and facility equipment management, including purchasing, installation, preventative maintenance, repairs, and cleaning; manage relationships with equipment vendors. 

Act as the site EHS officer, ensuring chemical inventories, SDS databases, and hazardous waste protocols are up to date. 

Serve as the primary site Biological Safety Officer by:  

Ensuring ongoing compliance with all relevant biosafety and environmental health regulations across all tenant companies, biosafety levels, and technologies, and maintaining audit-ready documentation and safe research practices. 

Lead company-tailored biosafety risk assessments, containment oversight, certification, and emergency response coordination and investigation for diverse technologies and biosafety levels. 

Deliver tailored biosafety training, verify staff competency, and foster a strong safety culture through collaboration and continuous program improvement. 

Lead the resident onboarding and offboarding process, including equipment training. 

Foster a collaborative and safe lab environment; ensure all spaces and infrastructure are kept clean and in good repair. 

Manage lab supply inventory, ordering supplies, and maintaining space allocation. 

Respond to and be available for site and lab-related issues outside regular business hours as part of the on-call rotation, identify potential issues and apply independent judgment and discretion to solve issues without immediate supervision.  

Participate in network teams to explore, create, and enact best practices across the network. 

Other duties as needed. 

QUALIFICATIONS  

Minimum bachelor’s degree in biology/chemistry, genetics, or related life sciences discipline; master’s degree preferred. 

Minimum of five (5) years’ lab management experience in academic and/or commercial laboratory environment. 

Minimum of two (2) years of supervisory or managerial experience leading technical or operations staff.  

Advanced knowledge of cellular, molecular, and microbiology techniques, safety and chemical & biological waste management, equipment decontamination and maintenance. 

Willingness to be on-call for site-related issues and attend after-hours events, ability to handle emergencies with independent judgment.  

Ability to understand the mission and goals of resident companies, scientific milestones, and the commercialization process. 

Customer service focused, with an excellent work ethic and an optimistic attitude. 

Detail-oriented with specific attention to quality control. 

Strong interpersonal and teamwork skills, an effective listener, and a proactive relationship builder. 

Self-motivated, routinely initiate, and deliver projects successfully with minimal supervision.