Lab Operations Manager

Location: Berkeley, CA (Bakar Labs, 2625 Durant Avenue)

Reports to: CEO/CSO

Why Join Azalea?

At Azalea Therapeutics, you'll be at the forefront of developing cutting-edge science in a fast-paced, collaborative environment. Our team of world-class scientists and entrepreneurs works together with a shared mission: to bring a revolutionary new therapeutic modality to patients who need it most. Born from Nobel laureate Jennifer Doudna's lab, we're scaling rapidly as we advance our breakthrough platform from bench to bedside. If you're passionate about making precision medicine accessible and want to be part of a team that's redefining what's possible in cell and gene therapy, Azalea is the place for you.

Position Summary

We are seeking a highly organized and proactive Lab Operations Manager to join our growing team. This role will be critical in ensuring smooth laboratory operations as we scale from 20 employees and prepare to move to a new laboratory space. The Lab Operations Manager will lead laboratory management responsibilities and will play a key role in coordinating our facility transition while maintaining day-to-day laboratory efficiency and safety.

Key Responsibilities

Laboratory Operations

• Oversee daily laboratory operations across our Berkeley facility and Alameda vivarium location
• Manage laboratory safety programs, including biosafety, chemical safety, and IACUC compliance
• Coordinate equipment maintenance, calibration, and certification schedules
• Maintain inventory management systems and coordinate with vendors for supplies and services
• Ensure compliance with all regulatory requirements and company policies
• Manage laboratory space allocation and optimize workflow efficiency
• Coordinate deliveries and pickups from external vendors (e.g. compressed gas cylinders, waste pickups, shipping and receiving from CDMOs etc.)

Facility Transition & Space Planning

• Lead coordination of Azalea's move to a new laboratory space
• Work with leadership to plan new space layout and infrastructure requirements
• Coordinate equipment moves, installations, and qualifications
• Ensure minimal disruption to ongoing research activities during transition
• Establish laboratory organization systems in the new facility

Vendor & Procurement Management

• Serve as primary point of contact for laboratory vendors and service providers
• Coordinate procurement activities and manage relationships with purchasing services
• Review and approve purchase requests and manage laboratory budgets
• Negotiate contracts and service agreements
• Managing software licenses

Team Support & Training

• Provide training on laboratory equipment, safety protocols, and standard operating procedures
• Coordinate onboarding for new laboratory personnel
• Support the research team in optimizing laboratory workflows and processes (e.g. restocking/managing consumables/putting packages away/autoclaving (water flasks waste)
• Foster a culture of safety, organization, and efficiency

Required Qualifications

• BS/BA in life sciences, laboratory management, or related field with 2 years of laboratory management experience, or MS/MA with 1 years of experience
• Demonstrated experience managing laboratory operations for teams of 10 scientists
• Knowledge of laboratory safety regulations and biosafety practices
• Proven project management skills, particularly related to laboratory moves or facility transitions
• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills especially the ability to enforce protocols while maintaining a positive team culture
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced startup environment
• Proficiency with inventory management systems and laboratory software

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in biotechnology or pharmaceutical laboratory settings
• Knowledge of BSL-2 laboratory requirements
• Experience coordinating laboratory relocations or new space build-outs
• Background in flow cytometry, cell culture, or molecular biology techniques
• Experience working in early-stage biotech startups

What We Offer

• Competitive salary commensurate with experience
• Equity participation
• Comprehensive healthcare plans
• Employer-sponsored 401(k) with 4% matching
• Opportunity to shape laboratory operations at a growing biotech company
• Collaborative and innovative work environment
• Professional development opportunities

Azalea Therapeutics is committed to equal employment opportunity and non-discrimination for all employees and qualified applicants without regard for a person's race, color, religion, gender identity or expression, age, sexual orientation, national origin, ancestry, genetics, disability, veteran status, or any characteristic protected under applicable law.