Laboratory Operations Manager

Join us in our mission to bring to market game-changing technology for the real-time detection of pathogens. At Varro Life Sciences, we’re developing devices to detect pathogens from breath, swabs, and indoor air. Our products combine ease of use, cost efficiency, and performance to provide critical information to protect human health. Our platform is designed to change the way we monitor, react to, and prevent the transmission of infectious disease. Motivated by the idea that our products will save lives and create a safer world, we aim to solve real-world problems and maximize global impact. What We Live By Data-Driven Decisions: We search for the best solutions, backed by data, and we optimize for speed, simplicity, and scale. Support Each Other: We celebrate the ideas and contributions of our teammates. Success is a team effort, and everyone deserves to feel heard and valued. Simplify: We build intuitive solutions to create clear, meaningful results that positively impact public health. Job Overview The Laboratory Operations Manager is responsible for the day-to-day operational management of Varro Life Sciences' research and development laboratory. This role oversees the physical laboratory environment, including laboratory operations, equipment, inventory, purchasing, facilities coordination, clean room, environmental health and safety (EHS), security, documentation, and regulatory compliance. The Laboratory Manager ensures the laboratory is organized, well-maintained, and fully equipped to support research and product development while maintaining the highest standards of safety, biosafety, quality, and operational excellence. This position works closely with scientists, engineers, and leadership to build and maintain the infrastructure needed to support Varro's growing laboratory operations. Key Responsibilities Environmental, Health, Safety and Compliance Participate as an active member of the Varro Environmental, Health and Safety Committee. Develop and maintain safety and environmental programs, ensuring adherence to regulations and guidelines. Develop a comprehensive laboratory safety training program for staff, and maintain safety training records. Ensure laboratory security programs are established and implemented. Maintain up-to-date knowledge of state, federal, and industry standards to ensure compliance. Work with building management to understand and implement any additional environmental and safety requirements. Documentation and Records Management Maintain accurate and organized laboratory documentation, including laboratory self-audit documentation. Oversee record-keeping processes to support audits and quality assurance. Inventory and Supplies Management Monitor laboratory supplies, reorder as needed, and maintain inventory systems. Ensure all necessary materials are available for uninterrupted lab operations. Equipment Oversight Evaluate and maintain laboratory equipment to ensure functionality and reliability. Troubleshoot issues and ensure preventive maintenance programs are in place. Ensure that equipment such as biosafety cabinets and fume hood are certified at appropriate intervals. Maintain clear and consistent records of equipment training and maintenance. Research Data Management Ensure the integrity and security of collected data. Implement and manage a secure data backup and archive system. This includes digital and physical data (lab notebooks, etc.). Communication and Collaboration Work closely with department administrators and support staff to align goals and strategies. Keep the team informed of laboratory operations in a timely manner. Qualifications and Skills Baseline Qualifications Bachelor’s Degree in a physical science with laboratory experience, such as Chemistry, Biology, Physics, Biomedical Engineering, or similar. 5+ years of relevant laboratory experience. A working knowledge of Laboratory Biosafety and Biosecurity. Strong written and verbal communication skills. Strong presentation and negotiation skills, with ability to influence internal and external customers on technical issues. Strong leadership and organizational skills. Experience with Google Workplace. Preferred Qualifications Advanced degree in a related discipline. Physical Job Requirements The physical demands described within the responsibilities section of this job description are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations will be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform these essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to be independently mobile. Must be able and willing to lift 40 lbs. Location and Compensation This is an onsite, full-time position located in St. Louis, MO. Compensation will be commensurate with the candidate's experience and qualifications. In addition to salary, we provide a variety of other benefits to employees including but not limited to: Medical, dental, and vision coverage. Annual bonuses, equity options, and other awards. You will have the opportunity to build revolutionary products that can save millions of lives! VARRO Life Sciences is an E-Verify and equal opportunity employer regardless of race, color, ancestry, religion, gender, national origin, sexual orientation, age, citizenship, marital status, disability or Veteran status. All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines. #J-18808-Ljbffr