Laboratory Management Leader

Novonesis•Davis, CA

4d•$100,000 - $120,000•Onsite

About The Position

Novonesis is seeking a Laboratory Management Leader to support its Davis, California R&D site and the scientists working there. The role is part of a collaborative team responsible for Facilities, Maintenance, Safety, Quality, Lab Services, and administrative support. As an operational partner across the site, the leader helps ensure laboratories, facilities, and support services operate safely and effectively so researchers can focus on innovation and discovery. This visible position combines operational, tactical, and continuous-improvement responsibilities. It oversees laboratory operations, leads environmental health and safety programs, supports regulatory compliance, and ensures the effectiveness of laboratory support services across the Davis site. The role partners with researchers and teams across Quality, Facilities, Procurement, IT, and Site Leadership, and may have the opportunity to help shape future processes and potentially lead a small Lab Services team. The position is primarily on-site in Davis, California, with regular presence required to support laboratory operations, employees, equipment, and facilities. The schedule is full-time, Monday through Friday, with some flexibility potentially required for urgent operational needs. Occasional handling or moving of laboratory supplies, equipment, or materials may be involved. Travel is typically less than 10% of working time and may include training events, conferences, vendor or regional meetings, and visits to other Novonesis locations.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in Environmental Health & Safety, Biology, Chemistry, Engineering, Life Sciences, or a related field.
At least 5 years of experience supporting laboratory operations, EH&S, compliance, or research support organizations.
Experience managing safety and regulatory compliance programs.
Working knowledge of laboratory safety, chemical safety, biosafety, emergency preparedness, and occupational health and safety principles.
Experience conducting risk assessments, inspections, incident investigations, and corrective-action management.
Experience with purchasing, inventory management, and vendor relationships.
Strong project management, organizational, communication, and stakeholder management skills.
Ability to work independently while building strong partnerships across multiple functions.
Strong commitment to safety, compliance, operational excellence, and customer service.
Ability to prioritize and manage multiple activities in a dynamic R&D environment.

Nice To Haves

Experience in biotechnology, life sciences, pharmaceuticals, food ingredients, fermentation, or research environments.
Knowledge of Cal/OSHA regulations, California workplace violence prevention requirements, hazardous materials management, biosafety principles, and laboratory compliance requirements.
Experience managing laboratory equipment programs and service contracts.
Professional certifications such as ASP, CSP, CHMM, CIH, OSHA 30, or similar.
Previous supervisory or team leadership experience.
A continuous-improvement mindset with strong problem-solving and decision-making capabilities.

Responsibilities

Lead day-to-day laboratory operations and support activities across research laboratories and shared laboratory spaces.
Promote a strong environmental health and safety culture and ensure compliance with OSHA, Cal/OSHA, environmental, biosafety, and company requirements.
Manage laboratory equipment programs, including maintenance, calibration, certification, asset tracking, and lifecycle planning.
Conduct risk assessments, inspections, audits, and incident investigations, and follow up on corrective actions.
Partner with researchers, Quality, Facilities, Procurement, IT, and Site Leadership to improve laboratory effectiveness, operational efficiency, and compliance.
Manage laboratory purchasing activities, including consumables, chemicals, laboratory supplies, equipment, and service contracts.