Lab Operations Manager

BioLabs is a global innovation infrastructure company creating the physical and community backbone that powers life science discovery worldwide. Through a growing network of premium shared laboratories and coworking spaces, BioLabs provides turnkey access to state-of-the-art research facilities, entrepreneurial programming, and deep industry and capital connections. These integrated ecosystems enable innovators - from early-stage founders to established R&D teams - to rapidly translate ideas into impact without the constraints of traditional lab ownership. The BioLabs network now spans major innovation hubs across the United States, Europe, and Asia, serving as a catalyst for collaboration and a launchpad for breakthroughs that advance human health and sustainability. Learn more at www.biolabs.io. 

ROLE OVERVIEW

BioLabs is seeking a Lab Operations Manager for our Tokyo site, reporting to the Site Director, Biolabs Tokyo. This is a hands-on, fully on-site position supporting life science entrepreneurs in a vibrant, collaborative environment. The Lab Operations Manager will play a key role in ensuring the smooth operation of our shared laboratory and facilities while contributing to the success of early-stage biotech companies. This position requires a highly capable, self-directed individual who thrives in a fast-paced, entrepreneurial setting and can balance independent execution with collaborative teamwork.

RESPONSIBITIES

• Manage the daily operations of the lab and facility, including emergency responses.
• Oversee laboratory and facility equipment management, including purchasing, installation, preventative maintenance, repairs, and cleaning; manage relationships with equipment vendors.
• Act as the site EHS officer, ensuring chemical inventories, SDS databases, and hazardous waste protocols are up to date.
• Ensure compliance with relevant regulations and safety protocols.
• Lead the resident onboarding and offboarding process, including equipment training.
• Foster a collaborative and safe lab environment; ensure all spaces and infrastructure are kept clean and in good repair.
• Manage lab supply inventory, ordering supplies, and maintaining space allocation.
• Respond to and be available for site and lab-related issues outside regular business hours as part of the on-call rotation, identify potential issues and apply independent judgment and discretion to solve issues without immediate supervision. 
• Participate in network teams to explore, create, and enact best practices across the network.
• Other duties as needed.

QUALIFICATIONS 

• Minimum bachelor’s degree in biology/chemistry, genetics, or related life sciences discipline; master’s degree preferred.
• Minimum of five (5) years’ lab management experience in academic and/or commercial laboratory environment.
• Minimum of two (2) years of supervisory or managerial experience leading technical or operations staff. 
• Advanced knowledge of cellular, molecular, and microbiology techniques, safety and chemical & biological waste management, equipment decontamination and maintenance.
• Willingness to be on-call for site-related issues and attend after-hours events, ability to handle emergencies with independent judgment. 
• Ability to understand the mission and goals of resident companies, scientific milestones, and the commercialization process.
• Customer service focused, with an excellent work ethic and an optimistic attitude.
• Detail oriented with specific attention to quality control.
• Strong interpersonal and teamwork skills, an effective listener and proactive relationship builder.
• Self-motivated, routinely initiate and deliver projects successfully with minimal supervision.
• Outstanding organizational skills and ability to prioritize multiple tasks and/or projects, experience with billing, budgeting, and reporting.
• Professional fluency in both English and Japanese is required.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office applications.
• Must be able to lift over 50 pounds and be able to stand for multiple hours at a time.
• Ability to travel to other BioLabs locations (domestic & international).