Laboratory Operations & Facilities Manager

Laboratory Operations & Facilities Manager

Role Overview

SiPhox is seeking a Laboratory Operations & Facilities Manager to own the day‑to‑day execution, safety, and reliability of our BSL‑2 laboratory and associated facilities. This is a hands‑on role at the intersection of laboratory operations, biosafety, facilities management, and regulatory compliance.

You will be responsible for ensuring that laboratory and facility systems operate safely, efficiently, and in full compliance with regulatory and quality requirements. This includes laboratory equipment lifecycle management, biosafety and chemical safety programs, facility infrastructure, environmental controls, vendor coordination, audits, and future facility changes or relocations.

The ideal candidate combines deep operational rigor
, strong biosafety instincts
, and a pragmatic, sleeves‑rolled‑up mindset
. You are comfortable leading through complexity, responding to urgent issues, and supporting scientists and engineers in a fast‑moving diagnostic development environment.

• Own day‑to‑day laboratory operations for a BSL‑2 environment, ensuring uninterrupted, compliant, and safe execution of diagnostic and R&D activities.
• Manage the full lifecycle of laboratory equipment, including procurement, installation, qualification (IQ/OQ/PQ as applicable), calibration, maintenance, and decommissioning.
• Oversee laboratory inventory, consumables, reagents, and supplies, maintaining appropriate stock levels and traceability.
• Ensure proper handling, storage, and disposal of diagnostic samples, biohazardous materials, and chemicals in accordance with all standards and regulations.
• Maintain and improve laboratory SOPs, work instructions, and operational documentation in collaboration with Quality Assurance.
• Support laboratory IT and data systems, including LIMS, equipment software, and data management tools, to enable efficient and compliant lab workflows.
• Manage laboratory budgets, purchasing, service contracts, and vendor relationships for critical equipment and environmental systems.

• Own facility operations supporting the laboratory, including HVAC, electrical, plumbing, environmental monitoring, access control, and security systems.
• Serve as the primary point of contact and first responder for facility issues, ranging from routine maintenance to urgent incidents (e.g., power outages, alarms, system failures).
• Coordinate and oversee external vendors and contractors for maintenance, repairs, inspections, and renovations.
• Manage internal equipment moves, space planning, and lab reconfigurations as needs evolve.
• Oversee logistics for incoming and outgoing shipments, including temperature‑sensitive or regulated materials.
• Support planning and execution of future facility expansions or relocations as the company grows.

• Own BSL‑2 biosafety compliance, including biosafety protocols, training, incident response, and continuous improvement.
• Develop, implement, and maintain laboratory safety, chemical safety, and environmental health programs.
• Ensure compliance with applicable regulations and standards, including FDA, ISO, local/state requirements, and City of Burlington regulations.
• Prepare for and participate in internal audits, external inspections, and regulatory reviews.
• Partner closely with Quality Assurance and Regulatory Affairs to support documentation, inspections, and corrective actions.

• Act as a trusted operational partner to scientists, engineers, and leadership, enabling safe and efficient lab execution.
• Lead by example with a service‑oriented mindset—no task is too big or too small when it comes to safety and uptime.
• Provide clear, proactive communication to leadership regarding operational status, risks, incidents, and improvement initiatives.
• Build strong working relationships with regulators, inspectors, vendors, and service providers.
• Organize and prioritize work effectively in a dynamic, startup environment with shifting priorities.
• Communicate clearly across multiple formats, including written reports, SOPs, presentations, email,…