What are the responsibilities and job description for the Lab Operations Manager position at e184?
About us
e184 Repro is a biotechnology research company with the mission of advancing in vitro gametogenesis to solve one of biology’s most profound challenges: returning the fundamental right to procreate.
We work at the frontier of cutting-edge technology, integrating cellular reprogramming, machine learning-guided optimization, multi-omics analysis, and automated experimental workflows to enable gamete development for individuals facing reproductive challenges.
Role overview
As a Lab Operations Manager, you will be the primary driver of our physical R&D environment during a period of rapid scaling. Your mission is to establish excellence across our operational workflows from the ground up, identifying and solving bottlenecks before they impact the science. You will drive the strategy for facility maintenance, vendor relationships, and inventory systems, ensuring our science never slows down. We are looking for a proactive "owner" who excels at immersing themselves in new technical challenges to ensure we implement the right approach the first time. This is a role for a meticulous professional who thrives on technical autonomy and is excited to lead our transition into a new facility while growing in responsibility as the company expands.
What you´ll do
- Build from zero: Establish and own the foundational SOPs for building operations, equipment maintenance, and lab safety and training.
- Master the supply chain: Own the end-to-end purchasing lifecycle, managing high-level vendor relationships and negotiating contracts.
- Drive the move: Be highly involved with logistics and spatial planning for our transition to a new facility, designing workflows for maximum efficiency and throughput.
- Digitize operations: Implement modern, tech-forward inventory and equipment management systems (such as RFID and/or Airtable) to ensure seamless tracking and zero downtime.
- Own the environment: Manage the full building lifecycle, ensuring all lab spaces, utilities, and high-end equipment are operating at peak performance.
- Coordinate parallel initiatives: Manage multiple projects simultaneously with strong organizational rigor, maintaining clear oversight of shared spaces, resources, and cross-functional dependencies to ensure smooth and uninterrupted operations.
Core requirements
- 5 years of lab operations experience in a high-growth biotech or fast-paced industrial setting.
- A proven track record of creating systems and SOPs where none existed before, rather than just maintaining the status quo.
- Demonstrated ability to juggle building maintenance, procurement, and large-scale projects like equipment installations or facility upgrades.
- Confident in managing high-volume purchasing and building strategic partnerships with scientific vendors.
- You are proactive, resourceful, reliable, and ready to tackle the unpredictable challenges of a scaling startup.
You´ll stand out with
- Prior involvement in a lab relocation or the design and build-out of new scientific spaces.
- Advanced proficiency in using Airtable, LIMS, or relational databases to automate operational tracking.
- A history of identifying cost-saving efficiencies and managing operational budgets without sacrificing scientific quality.
Why e184?
- Unrivaled impact: Your work directly enables technology that transforms human fertility and reproductive medicine.
- Full-spectrum growth: Gain exposure to the entire lifecycle of discovery. From screening to mechanistic validation.
- Best of both worlds: Experience the creative chaos of an early-stage startup with the stability of a well-capitalized company.
- Elite collaboration: Work alongside a world-class team who are as driven as you are.
What we offer
- Competitive salary equity participation is considered
- State-of-the-art facility in Portland metro area
- Comprehensive Medical, Dental, Vision, and 401(k) with company match
- 20 days PTO 11 paid holidays
Disclaimer
The above job description is intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by individuals assigned to this position. It is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities, and skills required. Responsibilities and duties may change or be adjusted to meet the needs of the company, and additional duties may be assigned as necessary. The job description is subject to change at any time at the discretion of e184.