Laboratory Operations Manager

At Loam, we have the earth in our hands. Our team of scientists and entrepreneurs is united in a mission to realise the potential of microbes to address climate change.

We are dedicated to developing solutions that boost agricultural productivity and benefit the environment. We are developing soil carbon sequestration technology that uses the power of microbes to remove CO2 from the atmosphere and store it long term in soil. Our approach will help remove gigatonnes of CO2 from the atmosphere while also helping farming businesses prosper.

As a start-up with ambitious founders and investors, our work is fast-paced and multidimensional. We foster a supportive and diverse workplace, where every team member is encouraged to learn and grow beyond their area of expertise.

This is more than just a job — this is our life’s work.

About the Role

Loam Bio is growing rapidly and in the process of expanding our laboratory footprint in Maine. We are seeking a Laboratory Operations Manager to join our team to help us fully transition into our new space and address any unexpected challenges we discover following the move in addition to driving day-to-day operations. Reporting to the Head of Bioproduction, this role will be responsible for driving the logistical planning of Loam's new laboratory while supporting strategic planning and execution, budget management, review/approval flows, and resource planning.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate laboratory permits and license renewals, and laboratory operations deliveries/shipments inside and out of labs, including waste removal
• Coordinate the design and build-out of laboratory space at a new location and oversee laboratory relocation from the current space
• Order, receive, and distribute general lab supplies and track stock level
• Manage shipping for domestic and international shipments of lab materials, including the preparation of material for shipment and receiving from external vendors
• Establish lab procedures; create and manage lab-related documentation, and organizational processes such as annual laboratory cleanouts and micropipette calibrations
• Collaborate regularly with scientists and laboratory associates to identify and address any workflow bottlenecks, inefficiencies, opportunities for process improvement, and logistical or administrative issues in the lab
• Oversee lab safety and regulatory compliance, including tracking of biologics, chemicals, and hazardous materials, and enforcing PPE policy and lab safety rules
• Maintain and optimize processes within the lab to increase efficiency and effectiveness, including managing biologics inventory, lab consumables, and chemicals.
• Anticipate, troubleshoot, and resolve problems associated with work within the laboratory setting, including occasional off-hours responses to laboratory emergencies
• Serve as the primary point of contact with vendors and laboratory service providers
• Assist project teams on general operational and coordination issues, as needed.

Requirements

• 4+ years of laboratory management experience
• High level of commitment
• Attention to detail with the ability to shift focus and priorities when necessary
• Strong verbal and written communication skills; ability to inform and engage through written communications
• Excellent interpersonal and relationship-building skills
• Strong work ethic and an entrepreneurial spirit
• Energetic, enthusiastic, and interested in learning within a fast-paced, fast-growth organization
• Proficiency in MS Office Suite
• Must be willing to come in off hours to deal with lab emergencies

Benefits

• Collaborative work environment with engagement across the Loam international R&D, product and commercial team
• Ability to have a significant impact and grow with the organisation
• Competitive package on offer, including base salary and participation in the Employee Share Option Package (ESOP)
• Paid time off, 401K with company match, short-term/long-term life insurance
• Health, dental and vision insurance