Technical Lab Manager

BioMADE•Maple Grove, MN

6d•$105,000 - $145,000•Hybrid

About The Position

The Technical Lab Manager establishes, manages, and continuously improves laboratory functions at BioMADE’s biomanufacturing CDMO pilot plant in Maple Grove, Minnesota. The facility is under construction, with mechanical completion expected in October 2027. This role will establish laboratory systems, hire and develop staff, and prepare laboratory operations for initial customer runs. The pilot plant will support emerging fermentation technologies by enabling clients to demonstrate upstream and downstream processes at a scale that informs future commercial-scale design. The role leads laboratory operations with a technical focus on microbial culture management, seed train propagation, and aseptic fermentation support. It ensures laboratory capabilities support process development, pilot-scale production, and customer technology-transfer programs. Analytical chemistry functions also fall under the manager’s oversight, supported by a Lead Analytical Chemist and other laboratory staff, who report directly to this role. The position advocates for a “zero harm” safety culture and works closely with Operations, Process Engineering, Maintenance, and EHS teams. It reports to the Pilot Plant Manager. The position begins with a hybrid arrangement: three days in the office and two days remotely. As the Maple Grove facility approaches construction completion in October 2027, the role will transition to full-time work at the facility.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Microbiology, Biochemistry, Analytical Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, or Food Science.
At least 7 years of laboratory experience supporting fermentation technology, biotechnology, or food manufacturing, including at least 3 years of laboratory management experience.
Experience with typical microbiology and bench-scale fermentation laboratory operations, aseptic techniques, and culture propagation.
Strong safety mindset and demonstrated commitment to safe work practices.
Excellent communication and collaboration skills.

Nice To Haves

Familiarity with analytical chemistry techniques and instrumentation and a working understanding of food safety and quality systems.
Experience supporting commercial plants, pilot plants, process development facilities, or multi-site operations.
Working knowledge of downstream separations and purification, including centrifugation, filtration, and drying.

Responsibilities

Build and manage day-to-day laboratory operations, emphasizing reliability, responsiveness, and operational readiness.
Recruit, hire, train, and develop laboratory staff.
Manage staff responsible for analytical and microbiological testing, seed train and culture propagation, and benchtop fermentation support.
Ensure laboratory operations support process development, fermentation and downstream operations, and product quality requirements.
Lead microbiology activities supporting benchtop fermentation, including culture handling, storage and propagation; transfer from the lab to the pilot plant; aseptic techniques and contamination control; and seed train development and scale-up.
Set up and run bench-scale fermenters and partner with Process Engineering and Operations to support reliable fermentation performance.
Establish best practices for microbial control, sterility assurance, and contamination response.
Develop, implement, maintain, review, and update SOPs for laboratory equipment, sampling and in-process testing, culture handling and aseptic practices, and laboratory data management and reporting.
Support development of and provide oversight for food safety and quality systems.
Train staff on laboratory procedures, aseptic techniques, food safety and quality protocols, and laboratory safety; establish competency and qualification programs.
Establish preventive maintenance and calibration programs for laboratory equipment, including calibration intervals and maintenance procedures consistent with quality standards.
Maintain vendor relationships for laboratory equipment service and calibration.
Work with the Reliability Team Lead to ensure laboratory equipment is entered into the CMMS and spare parts and critical components are tracked in the maintenance system.
Identify and maintain inventory levels for laboratory consumables, reagents, microbiological media, culture supplies, PPE, and other laboratory standards; implement processes to prevent interruptions to laboratory operations.
Promote a “Zero Harm” safety culture, engage employees about safety concerns and improvement opportunities, and ensure laboratory operations meet facility safety standards and best practices.

Benefits

Employer-paid medical insurance options, with low-cost buy-up options available for employees.
Medical insurance cost-sharing for spouses and children.
Health Savings Account option for medical insurance.
Employer-paid dental and vision insurance for employees, with dependent coverage options.
Dental coverage options for spouses and children, including child orthodontia coverage.
Section 125 Flexible Spending Plan options for medical, dependent care, and commuter pre-tax benefits.
Employer-paid life insurance.
Employer-paid short-term disability insurance and low-cost voluntary long-term disability insurance.
401(k) retirement plan with up to a 6% match and no vesting period.
Discretionary incentive plan based on organizational and individual performance.
Paid time off accruing from the hire date.
13 paid holidays, including a winter break between Christmas Eve and New Year’s Day.
Up to 8 weeks of paid parental leave for new parents.
Access to LinkedIn Learning for professional development.
Free parking.
Casual dress code.
Free snacks and beverages at California and Minnesota office locations.
Employee activities sponsored by the Employee Engagement Committee.