Ops Manager​/Sr. Ops Manager

About Meridial

Meridial is a Focused Research Organisation (FRO) with a mission to bring connectomics into the living brain. We are building a platform for longitudinal, synapse-resolution mapping of functional neural circuitry in preclinical models. Our aim is to deploy this platform for translational projects and improve drug development outcomes for disorders of the Central Nervous System.

Meridial is a new not-for-profit FRO in the Convergent Research Ecosystem and funded by the Advanced Research and Invention Agency (ARIA).

Meridial is seeking an entrepreneurial Operations Manager to join as one of the first hires. This is a hands-on role spanning laboratory operations, compliance coordination, and administrative support. Early on, the role will be weighted toward day-to-day execution. Over time, it will expand to include recruiting/mentoring operations support, management of workflows, and increasing responsibility. A large part of the role will be interfacing with our parent organisation Convergent Research, which will provide operational support.

Success requires a flexible and startup-friendly mindset, strong operational judgment, the ability to anticipate needs, unblock work, and keep operations moving in a fast-paced environment.

• Coordinate equipment installs, moves, repairs, and preventative maintenance; serve as primary point of contact for vendors and service calls.
• Run consumables purchasing and inventory (ordering, receiving, organisation, stocking).
• Support lab readiness: space organisation, shared equipment stewardship, room readiness, and coverage planning.
• Design and maintain accurate operational records (service logs, inventories, vendor contacts, SOP folders).
• Onboard new lab members in regulatory and safety practices; ensure group members receive and maintain required training for laboratory operations; assist with exit procedures.

• Support coordination of regulated animal-research workflows (communications with animal facilities teams, maintaining official training records, colony/breeding/genotyping tracking, and related administrative documentation), in partnership with leadership and the relevant oversight bodies.
• Coordinate risk assessments, safety documentation, and required training records; help keep the lab audit-ready.
• Coordinate hazardous waste workflows, gas cylinder ordering.
• Schedule and track routine lab inspections; follow up on corrective actions.
• Interface with building/facilities teams and external stakeholders as needed to support safe and sustainable operations.

• Manage laboratory calendars, internal and external (partners, vendors) meeting logistics, agendas, and follow-ups and action-item tracking for leadership.
• Draft and manage routine communications (emails, memos) and maintain organised internal documentation.
• Assist with recruitment processes.
• Support grant operations and coordination with parent organisation: assist with reporting, budgeting, audit readiness, and document version control (in collaboration with leadership).
• Identify operational gaps and propose improvements; implement changes with leadership approval.
• Alert parent organisation to operational changes that may impact insurance needs.
• In time, recruit and supervise operational support staff.

• 5+ years in life science laboratory operations, research administration, executive administrative support, or a combined role in a life‑science environment.
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple concurrent priorities with high attention to detail and follow-through.
• Experience coordinating vendors, purchasing, and basic lab logistics.
• Strong written and verbal communication; can produce clear notes, status summaries, and action tracking.
• High discretion and comfort handling confidential or sensitive information.
• Proficiency with common productivity tools (Google Workspace, Microsoft Office, calendars, spreadsheets, shared drives).

• Experience in research lab operations and leadership support in a startup environment.
• Ability to operate…