Biosurgery R&D Lab Operations Manager - MedTech Surgery

Johnson & Johnson • Raritan, NJ

17d • Hybrid

About The Position

The Biosurgery R&D Lab Operations Manager will run day-to-day laboratory operations that support both chemistry, pilot process, and mechanical device development. This hands-on leader will maintain safe, efficient lab environments, oversee lab systems and instrumentation, manage consumables and vendor relationships, and partner with Facilities and Procurement to build and commission new capabilities that enable research teams. The ideal candidate is collaborative, excellent at documentation and change control, and well-versed in environmental health & safety (EHS) practices.

Requirements

• Associates or Bachelors Degree in a relevant scientific, engineering, or technical field (e.g., chemistry, mechanical engineering, biomedical engineering, biology) or equivalent experience required.
• At least 5+ years of progressive experience managing laboratory operations in an R&D environment supporting chemistry and/or mechanical device development.
• Demonstrated knowledge of environmental health & safety requirements: chemical safety, hazardous waste management, biosafety principles, and lab risk assessments required.
• Strong documentation skills: experience writing and maintaining SOPs, equipment logs, and electronic lab records required.
• Proven vendor and facilities liaison experience: planning and executing lab build-outs, equipment procurement, and installations.
• Excellent organizational and project-management skills with the ability to prioritize multiple concurrent tasks.
• Assertive, decisive, and effective communicator capable of influencing cross-functional stakeholders.
• Proficiency with common laboratory and operations software (MS Office, inventory systems, LIMS or ELN preferred, CMMS beneficial).

Nice To Haves

• Experience in regulated environments (GLP/GMP/QSR) or formal quality systems.
• Hands-on experience with a broad range of lab instrumentation for chemistry and mechanical testing (e.g., analytical instruments, test rigs, force/torque sensors).
• Certification or formal training in lab safety, hazardous materials handling, or biosafety (e.g., CHP, CIH, biosafety/bloodborne pathogens training).
• Experience supervising technical staff and managing contractors.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage daily laboratory operations for multidisciplinary R&D labs supporting chemistry, pilot process equipment, and mechanical device projects.
• Maintain laboratory readiness: equipment calibration, preventive maintenance, instrument qualification, and service scheduling.
• Develop, implement, and maintain lab policies, standard operating procedures (SOPs), work instructions, and records to ensure reproducible research and audit readiness.
• Manage consumable, chemical, and spare parts inventory; forecast needs and coordinate with Procurement to ensure timely availability.
• Coordinate with Facilities and Procurement to plan, scope, and oversee installation of new lab capabilities, benches, utilities, HVAC modifications, and capital equipment.
• Serve as EHS focal point for the lab: implement chemical hygiene, biosafety, hazardous waste handling, spill response, PPE programs, and ensure compliance with internal and external EHS requirements.
• Train and coach lab staff, enforce safe work practices, oversee lab access for staff and maintain training records and competency documentation.
• Facilitate cross-functional collaboration among research scientists, mechanical engineers, chemists, quality, and operations to remove logistical barriers and accelerate development.
• Maintain laboratory documentation systems and ensure version control and data integrity.
• Manage contracted services and vendor relationships for instrument service, calibration, and facility modifications.
• Lead continuous improvement initiatives to improve throughput, reduce downtime, and enhance lab safety and efficiency.
• Support budgeting and expense tracking for lab supplies, equipment, and facility changes.
• Participate in project meetings, contribute to risk assessments, and escalate issues where appropriate.

Benefits

• Vacation –120 hours per calendar year
• Sick time - 40 hours per calendar year; for employees who reside in the State of Colorado –48 hours per calendar year; for employees who reside in the State of Washington –56 hours per calendar year
• Holiday pay, including Floating Holidays –13 days per calendar year
• Work, Personal and Family Time - up to 40 hours per calendar year
• Parental Leave – 480 hours within one year of the birth/adoption/foster care of a child
• Bereavement Leave – 240 hours for an immediate family member: 40 hours for an extended family member per calendar year
• Caregiver Leave – 80 hours in a 52-week rolling period
• Volunteer Leave – 32 hours per calendar year
• Military Spouse Time-Off – 80 hours per calendar year

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: Associate degree