Laboratory Manager

Context of the Job:

The Innovation Space is an established non-profit entrepreneurial support organization for scientific start-ups that was enabled through collaboration and support from the University of Delaware, the State of Delaware and DuPont. The Innovation Space is seeking a Senior Scientist committed to drive superior reliability, quality, and operational efficiency of shared laboratory equipment and operations.

The Senior Scientist will lead operations of DISI’s analytical chemistry, analytical biology, and materials characterization core lab facilities. This individual is responsible for identifying and coordinating analytical laboratory testing based on clients’ technical objectives and serve as the subject matter expert for both in-house and external analytical laboratory testing. The Senior Scientist will provide guidance and technical oversight to other staff members, portfolio company employees, and third-party service providers related to laboratory equipment selection, operation, and ongoing support to ensure operational integrity and quality assurance. Beyond operational responsibilities, the Senior Scientist will play a strategic role in evaluating and expanding DISI’s core lab capabilities, benchmarking against industry standards, and identifying growth opportunities to attract and support startups in targeted sectors.

The Senior Scientist will be seconded from the University of Delaware to The Innovation Space and will receive day to day guidance from the Chief Operations Officer of The Innovation Space and overall strategic guidance from the CEO/President of The Innovation Space as well as administratively from UD for UD specific matters. 

Major Responsibilities:

Technical subject matter expert

·       Serve as a lead technical advisor across analytical chemistry, biology, and materials characterization labs, assisting clients in experimental design, testing methodologies, and data analysis.

·       Coordinate cross-disciplinary support for client projects, ensuring that lab experimental capabilities align with clients' scientific and technical objectives.

·       Keeps abreast of development in area of expertise and related scientific fields through reading of scientific journals and technical papers; adapts new technology as appropriate to meet changing laboratory needs or improve effectiveness or efficiency.

Core-Lab operational management

·      Oversee daily operations of all analytical core labs, including equipment maintenance, lab safety protocols, and facility organization.

·      Implement and manage standard operating procedures, ensuring compliance with safety and operational standards across all lab areas.

·      Supervise vendor management, service schedules, and inventory control to maintain seamless and efficient lab operations.

·      Provide technical oversight and direction to DISI Facilities Coordinator for vendor management and maintenance, repairs, and calibration scheduling related to core-lab equipment.

Strategic Planning

·      Collaborate with DISI leadership to identify and address gaps in analytical lab capabilities, conducting benchmarking to ensure competitiveness.

·      Develop proposals for equipment acquisition and facility enhancements, seeking external funding to support growth in analytical chemistry, biology, and materials science.

·      Develop and implement strategic growth initiatives that attract clients in advanced materials, life sciences, clean technologies, and related fields, aligning lab capabilities with market trends.

Training & Mentorship

·       Provide comprehensive training to lab personnel and clients on safe and effective use of lab equipment and facilities.

·       Serve as a mentor to junior scientists and lab technicians of portfolio companies, guiding them in advanced analytical techniques, data interpretation, and scientific communication.

·       Create and maintain user manuals, safety guides, and training modules to support efficient and safe client access to lab resources.

Safety and Compliance

·       Act as the primary Chemical Safety Officer and/ or Radiation Safety Officer, ensuring adherence to regulatory and safety standards across all core labs.

·       Maintain and regularly update the Chemical Hygiene Plan, conducting audits and reviews to ensure compliance.

·       Develop & lead training sessions on chemical safety and best practices related to core-lab operations, fostering a safe working environment for all lab users.

·       Performs other job-related duties as assigned.

Qualifications:

·       Education: Ph.D. in Chemistry, Biochemistry, Material Science, or a related field with 4 years of relevant postdoctoral or industry experience, or equivalent.

·       Technical Expertise: Demonstrated expertise in analytical techniques spanning chemistry, biology, and materials science, with hands-on experience managing equipment such as NMR, mass spectrometry, and microscopy systems.

·       Lab Management Experience: Proven experience overseeing multi-disciplinary lab environments, including equipment maintenance, safety protocols, and operational procedures.

·       Research and Problem-Solving Skills: Skilled in experiment design, troubleshooting, and resolving complex technical issues across diverse scientific disciplines.

·       Communication and Collaboration Skills: Strong interpersonal skills for engaging with clients and staff, with proven experience in interdisciplinary collaboration.

·       Software Skills: Proficient in Microsoft Office and analytical software, with experience in ChemStation, Topspin, or related platforms.

·       Committed to fostering a workplace culture of belonging, where diversity is celebrated, and equity is a core value.

Special Requirements:

·      Ability to support general facility and tenant activities as necessary.

·       Ability to stand for extended periods of time.

·       Occasionally may be required to lift, push, pull or maneuver moderately heavy objects (up to 40 pounds) with or without assistance during the workday.

The position will be based at The Innovation Space on the DuPont Experimental Station campus and employed through the University of Delaware. It is expected to be classified at UD Grade 32E, which currently has a published salary range of $68,693–$137,385 for its 37.5-hour structure. Final compensation will depend on qualifications, experience, and UD approval.