Lab Ops Director - Ann Arbor MI

Job Description

Job Description

Kelly® Science & Clinical is seeking a Head of Laboratory Operations for a direct-hire position at an industry-leading biotechnology company in Ann Arbor, Michigan area. 

If you’re passionate about bringing the latest scientific discoveries to life and are ready to take the next step in your career, trust The Experts at Hiring Experts.

Salary/Pay Rate/Compensation: $120,000–$150,000/year (based on experience and qualifications). Full benefits package available. Open to possible relocation. Local candidates urged to apply!

Overview :

This company is a premier biotechnology company focused on advancing human cell engineering and molecular biology innovation. As a software-first company, it leads the world in testing predictive models for cellular reprogramming. In this role, you’ll work closely with senior scientific leadership, Laboratory Managers, Laboratory Scientists, and external subject matter experts to execute mission-critical experiments at the bench, serve as the scientific liaison for all lab operations, and direct the lab’s strategic and day-to-day technical functions. This role offers the opportunity to shape lab processes, mentor team members, and support the company’s mission of delivering reliable, reproducible research.

Schedule: 100% onsite, with standard hours, M–F, and 1–2 national/international trips per quarter. 

Responsibilities :

• Work directly at the bench day-to-day—designing, optimizing, and running experiments while acting as the senior technical authority for all in-house work

• Develop, validate, and refine protocols with deep technical expertise, particularly in human cell culture, viral work, molecular biology (cell culturing, viral vector design, plasmids, protein design, lipid nanoparticles, IP development, transfection/transduction), and project management

• Lead hands-on troubleshooting of experiments as new techniques are introduced

• Provide technical direction and mentorship to lab staff, overseeing execution and ensuring quality, with 2 direct reports currently and up to 5 within a year

• Align scientific approaches with company vision, operating outside traditional academic labs, in a fast-moving startup environment under tight budgets and timelines

• Coordinate and manage external partnerships with CROs, FDA/GMP-cleared labs, and academic partners

• Hold legal responsibility for laboratory compliance, including biosafety, BSL-2, bloodborne pathogen, and recombinant DNA requirements; serve as the senior EHS/regulatory contact

• Manage laboratory safety registrations and protocols

• Actively communicate progress and potential issues to senior leadership promptly

Qualifications :

• PhD in Molecular Biology, Cell Biology, or a related life science with 5+ years of relevant industry experience preferred, or an MS with 10+ years industry experience; experience outside academic-only labs strongly preferred

• Prior hands-on experimentation and wet lab leadership

• Expertise in human cell culture (including stem/primary cell systems), viral vector design, transfection/transduction, and molecular biology required.

• Experience with mmRNA design/synthesis/delivery, sequencing (RNA-seq, scRNA-seq), flow cytometry, PCR/qPCR, Western blot, ELISA (sequencing is a lower priority)

• Proven project management and external partnership (CRO/startup/regulated lab) experience

• Demonstrated ability to lead by influence and authority, manage timelines/budgets, and work collaboratively at all levels

• Strong communicator, proactive problem solver, energetic leader—must not be passive or agenda-driven

• Legal accountability and experience with biosafety and compliance protocols

For more information or to be considered, send resumes to View email address on ziprecruiter.com or call View phone number on ziprecruiter.com.

As part of our promise to talent, Kelly supports those who work with us through a variety of benefits, perks, and work-related resources. Please note: The following benefits reflect Kelly's general offerings. Eligibility may vary by assignment, location, and job type. Kelly offers eligible employees voluntary benefit plans including medical, dental, vision, telemedicine, term life, whole life, accident insurance, critical illness, a legal plan, and short-term disability. As a Kelly employee, you will have access to a retirement savings plan, service bonus and holiday pay plans (earn up to eight paid holidays per benefit year), and a transit spending account. In addition, employees are entitled to earn paid sick leave under the applicable state or local plan. Click here for more information on benefits and perks that may be available to you as a member of the Kelly Talent Community.

Why Kelly® Science & Clinical?

Kelly Science & Clinical is your connection to premier scientific and clinical companies looking to hire industry experts just like you. Our team creates expert talent solutions to solve the world’s most critical challenges. Every day, we match science professionals with dream jobs that fit their skills, interests, and career goals-it’s the way we think job searching should be. Nearly 100 percent of our science recruiters have a professional background and education in science, so we know a thing or two about the science market and how to get your expertise noticed.

About Kelly

Work changes everything. And at Kelly, we’re obsessed with where it can take you. To us, it’s about more than simply accepting your next job opportunity. It’s the fuel that powers every next step of your life. It’s the ripple effect that changes and improves everything for your family, your community, and the world. Which is why, here at Kelly, we are dedicated to providing you with limitless opportunities to enrich your life-just ask the 300,000 people we employ each year.

Kelly is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all qualified employees and applicants regardless of race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, national origin, disability, veteran status, age, marital status, pregnancy, genetic information, or any other legally protected status, and we take affirmative action to recruit, employ, and advance qualified individuals with disabilities and protected veterans in the workforce. Requests for accommodation related to our application process can be directed to the Kelly Human Resource Knowledge Center. Kelly complies with the requirements of California’s state and local Fair Chance laws. A conviction does not automatically bar individuals from employment. Kelly participates in E-Verify and will provide the federal government with your Form I-9 information to confirm that you are authorized to work in the U.S.

Kelly may use AI-powered tools during the recruitment and hiring process. For full details, including how Kelly uses AI, your rights, and how to request a reasonable accommodation, visit the Recruitment Artificial Intelligence Notice.