What are the responsibilities and job description for the Laboratory Operations Director position at Texas Medical Center?
Laboratory Operations Director, Therapeutic Labs @TMC
Role Overview
The Laboratory Operations Director is a key leadership role at Therapeutic Labs @TMC, responsible for ensuring operational excellence in a multi-company life science incubator. This role combines oversight of scientific/laboratory operations (ensuring lab safety, regulatory compliance, and facility management) with business operations (managing financial processes, vendor contracts, and resident startup engagement). The position is accountable for maintaining a safe, compliant, and efficient incubator environment that enables innovative ventures to thrive while protecting the organization’s interests and reputation. This role typically requires 24/7 on-call availability for critical issues.
Key Responsibilities
Scientific Operations
- Oversee laboratory facilities and scientific resources.
- Ensure compliance with Environmental Health & Safety (EHS) programs and biohazard protocols.
- Manage lab equipment maintenance, calibration, and procurement.
- Administer vendor relationships and enforce service-level agreements.
- Implement Corporate Risk Mitigation Plan and conduct safety audits.
- Act as primary contact for lab-related emergencies and inspections.
Business Operations
- Lead onboarding and offboarding of resident companies.
- Facilitate occupancy agreements and onboarding processes in coordination with the leasing team, providing oversight to ensure alignment with operational goals
- Oversee customer relationship management and daily support systems.
- Manage operational budget and reporting in alignment with TMC Innovation leadership
- Ensure administrative compliance: insurance, permits, and record-keeping.
- Supervise front-desk and facility services.
- Drive continuous improvement initiatives across lab and business operations.
- Plan and execute community events and strategic programs.
- Develop and manage business continuity and emergency preparedness plans.
- Act as crisis manager for both lab and business incidents.
Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in life sciences, engineering, or business (advanced degree preferred).
- 7–10 years of combined experience in scientific and business operations within biotech/pharma.
- Proven track record in laboratory management and business process oversight.
- Deep knowledge of lab safety regulations, EHS standards, and facilities management.
- Strong financial management and vendor negotiation skills.
- Project management certification (PMP or equivalent) preferred.
- Excellent communication and leadership skills.
- Experience in fast-paced, entrepreneurial environments.
Expected Impact
The Laboratory Operations Director at Therapeutic Labs @ TMC plays a pivotal role in ensuring the incubator functions as a premier innovation hub. By unifying scientific and business operations, this role fosters a safe, compliant, and supportive environment for resident startups. It mitigates operational risks, enhances tenant satisfaction, and accelerates the development of transformative healthcare therapeutics. Through integrated leadership, the position enables agile decision-making and ensures alignment between incubator operations and broader organizational objectives.
Texas Medical Center is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All applicants will receive consideration without regard to race, color, age, religion, gender, national origin, disability or Veteran status. If you require assistance or reasonable accommodation in the application process, please contact Human Resources at talent@tmc.edu.