Lab Manager

• Phoenix Agrotech LLC

Tissue Culture Lab Manager

Job Description

About the Role

Lead and scale day-to-day operations of a Date Palm tissue culture laboratory to support research, process development. Ensure aseptic excellence, biosafety compliance, reliable throughput, and high-quality data while managing people, equipment, inventory, and continuous improvement.

Position Details

• Title: Tissue Culture Lab Manager

• Department: Lab

• Reports To: COO

• Location: 2880A S Fairview St Santa Ana, CA

• Employment Type: Full-time, exempt

• Direct Reports: Lab, Media and QC Supervisor

Key ResponsibilitiesLab Operations & Compliance

• Biosafety procedures, PPE, waste handling, and incident reporting.

• Own SOPs, work instructions, forms; implement change control, deviations, CAPA, and periodic reviews.

• Ensure ALCOA data integrity, documentation accuracy, and audit readiness (internal).

Cell Culture & Assays

• Contamination control, Mite control and sterility checks.

Equipment & Facilities

• Own qualification and maintenance schedules of biosafety cabinets, freezers, Media Claves, Auto Claves, Distillers, RO System and other automated systems.

• Manage calibrations, PMs, service contracts, and equipment logs; lead equipment lifecycle planning.

• Coordinate space planning, and environmental monitoring.

People & Training

• Hire, train, schedule, and mentor staff; maintain a competency matrix and training records.

• Set daily/weekly priorities, allocate resources, and ensure on-time task completion.

• Quality control of lab processes

• Foster a culture of safety, accountability, and continuous improvement.

Inventory & Vendors

• Manage media supplies and media

• Manage container inventory

• Track and Manage Inventory of tissue and plants

Quality Systems

• Draft/own SOPs, batch records, forms; ensure good documentation practices.

• Lead investigations, root-cause analysis, and CAPA; drive deviation reduction.

• Prepare for and host audits; close findings on schedule.

Planning & Communication

• Build weekly schedules, and report KPIs (throughput, OTD, right-first-time, contamination rate).

• Partner with R&D, PD, QA/RA, Facilities, and EHS to align priorities and timelines.

Qualifications

• Education: BS/BA in Biology, Biotechnology, Bioengineering, or related; MS preferred.

• Experience: 5–8 years in mammalian tissue culture; 2–3 years in lab leadership or supervision.

• Technical: Strong aseptic technique; incubation/bioreactor basics.

• Quality: Familiarity with GLP/GMP principles, ALCOA , change control, deviations, and CAPA.

• Tools: Proficiency with LIMS/ELN, inventory systems, and MS Office/Google Workspace.

• Soft Skills: Excellent organization, scheduling, communication, and cross-functional coordination.

Nice to Have

• Experience with GMP or GMP-readiness, tech transfer, and batch record execution.

• Familiarity with single-use systems, small-scale bioreactors, and automation/liquid handling.

• Experience with environmental monitoring programs and cleanroom behavior.

Physical & Schedule Requirements

• Able to stand for extended periods, lift up to ~11 kg (25 lb), and work in PPE within BSL-2.

• Onsite role with occasional off-hours/weekend support for critical operations.

EEO & Notes

[Company] is an Equal Opportunity Employer. This description outlines key duties and qualifications; responsibilities may evolve with team needs.

How to Apply

Please send your resume/CV to nick@phoenixagrotech.com with the subject "Tissue Culture Lab Manager — Application."

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $150,000.00 - $250,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• Health insurance
• Paid time off
• Relocation assistance
• Vision insurance

Work Location: In person

Salary : $150,000 - $250,000