Lab & Safety Manager

Atom Computing • Boulder, CO

2d • Onsite

About The Position

The Lab & Safety Manager oversees the daily operations of a high-performance physics research facility, ensuring a safe, organized, and efficient environment. This role is the operational backbone of the laboratory bridging the gap between technical research needs and administrative excellence. The Lab & Safety Manager will be a proactive, detail-driven professional with deep experience in Environmental Health & Safety (EHS), regulatory compliance, sophisticated procurement, and meticulous inventory and facility management. They will partner closely with quantum and optical engineers to maintain a facility that meets the highest standards of safety and reliability.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Physics, Applied Physics, Engineering, or a related field
• 5+ years of hands-on experience working in a professional physics research laboratory
• Experience in high-performance physics, engineering, or advanced instrumentation environments.
• Familiarity with cryogenics, vacuum systems, lasers, or other complex research equipment.
• Exceptional organizational and multitasking abilities
• Excellent communication skills
• Ability to handle sensitive equipment with precision and care.

Nice To Haves

• Advanced degree a plus
• Specialized certifications (e.g., CHO, CSP, CIH), a plus

Responsibilities

• Serve as the primary point of contact for all EHS matters, ensuring full compliance with federal, state, and institutional regulations.
• Develop, implement, and maintain safety protocols, lab safety manual, SOPs, hazard assessments, and emergency response procedures.
• Conduct regular safety audits, inspections, and incident investigations; track corrective actions to completion.
• Oversee training programs for laboratory personnel, including onboarding, annual refreshers, and specialized safety certifications.
• Manage chemical hygiene, laser safety coordination, waste disposal, and environmental monitoring programs and ensure personnel are trained accordingly.
• Maintain accurate documentation for regulatory bodies (OSHA, EPA, etc.) and support external audits.
• Lead all aspects of laboratory inventory, including chemicals, optical components, tools, and gas cylinders.
• Coordinate space planning, lab layout optimization, and infrastructure upgrades in collaboration with engineers and facilities teams.
• Organize laboratory workspaces to optimize workflow and ensure a professional, clutter-free environment.
• Ensure proper storage, labeling, and handling of hazardous materials and controlled substances.
• Negotiate with vendors to secure competitive pricing and manage service contracts for high value equipment.
• Coordinate the arrival and installation of large-scale capital equipment.
• Oversee the maintenance and calibration schedules for sensitive analytical instruments.
• Liaise with facilities management for utility repairs (HVAC, specialized power, chilled water).
• Maintain inventory and ordering of consumables PPE for cleanrooms (hairnets, gowns, gloves etc…).

Benefits

• Fully paid medical, dental, and vision insurance for employees and their dependents
• Unlimited paid time off
• 401K company matching
• Short- and long-term disability
• FSA
• Dependent care benefits
• Life insurance
• Drinks, snacks, and catered team lunches in offices, every day

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior