Lab Manager

ADARx Pharmaceuticals Inc.•San Diego, CA

7d•Onsite

About The Position

ADARx is seeking a qualified and highly motivated individual Lab Manager to join the R&D Department. The Lab Manager will provide operational and scientific support for a fast-paced biotechnology research environment to ensure smooth functioning of the lab while maintaining compliance with safety standards. This role is ideal for a highly experienced professional who can operate independently, proactively manage laboratory operations, and ensure the efficient, compliant, and safe execution of research activities. The Lab Manager will serve as a key partner to scientific teams, requiring minimal supervision and a strong ability to anticipate and resolve issues.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Biology, Chemistry, Biochemistry, or a related scientific field.
Minimum of 5 years of experience managing laboratory operations in a pharmaceutical, biotech, or life sciences environment.
Demonstrated ability to work independently with minimal supervision.
Strong knowledge of laboratory safety, compliance standards, and best practices.
Proven experience managing equipment, vendors, and lab budgets.
Excellent organizational, communication, and problem-solving skills.
Must be able to work independently with supervision as needed.
Must be collaborative and work well with other team members in a matrix team environment.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills are essential for this role.
Strong organizational skills with attention to detail and accuracy.
Ability to maintain a high level of confidentiality and exercise discretion.
Adaptable / Flexible - willing and able to adjust to multiple demands and shifting priorities as well as an ability to meet day-to-day challenges.
Understand project timelines and deliverables and plans/coordinate project work accordingly with departmental, functional, and external stakeholders.
Occasional after-hours availability may be required to respond to critical equipment alarms or other urgent laboratory matters.

Nice To Haves

Experience supporting discovery and/or development-stage research.
Familiarity with electronic lab systems (LIMS, inventory management tools).

Responsibilities

Oversee day-to-day laboratory operations to ensure efficiency, organization, safety, and compliance (e.g., company policies, OSHA, EPA, EHS, local guidelines).
Oversee proper functioning and maintenance of all laboratory equipment, including calibration, maintenance and repairs.
Serve as a liaison with external vendors and landlord, manage service contracts, and operate as the primary point of contact for lab-related issues, troubleshooting independently when possible.
Manage shipping and receiving of laboratory materials, including reagents, and samples, ensuring proper compliance with company’s policies and IATA shipping certificate.
Oversee inventory management, ordering, and stock levels for reagents, consumables, and supplies; maintain equipment inventory.
Lead lab safety programs, including chemical hygiene, waste disposal, emergency procedures, safety inspections and training.
Support onboarding and training new lab personnel on lab protocols and safety practices.
Implement best practices to support a growing and evolving R&D organization, including establishing, maintaining and improving lab processes, SOPs and workflows.
Manage lab scheduling, space utilization, and shared equipment across Discovery Biology and Discovery Chemistry research teams.
Partner closely with scientists, IT, Legal, and external vendors and act as a trusted operational advisor to internal stakeholders and research leadership.
Identify opportunities to streamline operations, reduce costs, and improve productivity.
Anticipate future lab needs based on scientific and business demands.