Lab Manager

Position Overview

Centivax is seeking a detail‑oriented, service‑minded Lab Manager to keep our laboratories running smoothly day‑to‑day. In close partnership with the Director of Laboratory Operations, this role is responsible for executing routine operational tasks that enable scientists to focus on research: preparing labware, autoclaving materials, maintaining inventory and freezer maps, processing orders and invoices, and coordinating shipping and receiving—including temperature‑controlled logistics. The ideal candidate brings strong organizational skills, reliable follow‑through, and comfort working in a regulated biotech environment.

Key Responsibilities

1) Daily Lab Operations & Sterilization

• Prepare and autoclave labware and reagents; glassware, equipment components, liquid media, buffers, and consumables for regular use.
• Maintain general lab housekeeping and organization (benches, stockrooms, common equipment and common areas).
• Consolidate lab waste for pickup and maintain manifest recordkeeping.
• Participate in compliance checks and upgrading facilities to meet/maintain EHS standards

2) Freezer Maps, Sample Tracking & Inventory

• Update and maintain accurate freezer/fridge/cryo-storage maps and location tracking.
• Perform routine cycle counts; track lot numbers/expiry; maintain minimum/pars and reorder points.
• Receive and store incoming reagents and supplies; ensure proper storage and documentation in LIMS/inventory software.

3) Purchasing, Receipts & Invoice Support

• Create POs, onboard new vendors, place orders, track deliveries and expedite backorders.
• Collect and reconcile receipts; match invoices to POs and receiving (3‑way match); submit to Accounts Payable and resolve discrepancies with vendors.
• Manage and track invoices against purchasing platform to keep payments within net terms

4) Shipping, Receiving & Logistics

• Coordinate daily shipping/receiving; inspect and store new packages, including cold‑chain receipts.
• Prepare compliant domestic/international shipments for biologics, reagents, and equipment (dry ice, gel packs, UN/IATA/DoT labeling and documentation as applicable) for outgoing packages, when needed.
• Ensure room temp, cold and ultracold materials are stored correctly and buyers are notified

5) Equipment & Facilities Support

• Perform routine checks (e.g., -80°C/-20°C/4°C temperature logs, CO₂ tank changes, LN2 fills, eyewash/shower tests).
• Help coordinate preventive maintenance, calibrations, and service visits; maintain equipment logs and certificates.
• Manage gas cylinders, liquid nitrogen/dry ice replenishment, and basic facility tickets.

6) EHS, Biosafety & Compliance

• Maintain SDS library, chemical inventory, and proper equipment and hazard labeling; support hazardous and biohazardous waste segregation and pickups.
• Conduct and document regular safety walk‑throughs; update eyewash maintenance tags, re-stock PPE and spill kits; post required signage.
• Support onboarding/training logistics (e.g., EHS trainings, SOP sign‑offs) and assist during internal/external audits and building emergency drills.

7) Organizational Systems & Space Set‑Up

• Keep stockrooms, cabinets, and common equipment areas clearly labeled and organized.
• Support bench moves and new lab area set‑ups: unpack, asset‑tag, label, and stage equipment/consumables in a changing lab space.

8) Data Entry & Documentation

• Enter and verify data in LIMS/inventory and equipment maintenance systems; maintain accurate logs, checklists, and SOP adherence.
• Generate simple reports (inventory levels, spend summaries, receiving/usage logs) for the Director.

Qualifications

Required

• Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree in a relevant scientific field or 1+ years of hands‑on lab operations/stockroom experience (biotech, pharma, or academic core facility).
• Proficiency with standard lab equipment and routine lab prep (media / buffer / consumables).
• Experience with inventory/LIMS or lab procurement tools; confident with G-suite and Microsoft Office.
• Familiarity with shipping/receiving processes; handing dry ice/LN2 and cold‑chain materials.
• Strong attention to detail, organization, documentation, and communication.
• Ability to lift/move up to ~60 lbs, stand for extended periods, and work safely in BSL‑2 environments with appropriate PPE.
• Must be on‑site for the role.

Preferred

• 2–4 years in laboratory operations within biotech or a regulated environment.
• Experience with IATA/DoT hazardous goods shipping (biological substances, dry ice) or willingness to obtain certification.
• Working knowledge of EHS practices (SDS, chemical inventories, waste streams) and equipment calibration/PM scheduling.
• Familiarity with common lab procurement/ERP systems (e.g., Coupa, NetSuite, SAP, Quartzy, Prendio) and ticketing tools.
• Valid driver’s license for occasional local pickups.

Compensation

• $80-120k annual salary, depending on experience
• Health, dental, vision benefits

About Centivax
Centivax is a mission-driven biotechnology company developing broad-spectrum vaccines and therapeutics to protect against current and future biological threats.