Manager, R&D Laboratory Operations

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Position Overview

The Manager, R&D Laboratory Operations interacts daily with R&D staff, facilities, procurement, metrology, environmental health and safety, IT, and other departments including external vendors to ensure smooth laboratory operations. This position has accountability for the performance and results of a team of R&D Laboratory Technician(s) to ensure the R&D laboratory is running smoothly by working to define clear and realistic goals, clearing barriers to success, developing a general management view of the project and how it fits into the strategic landscape, and understanding of all the requirements and tasks associated with successful project execution which are complex in scope. This position is responsible for implementing continuous improvement initiatives, and also supporting a collaborative environment that promotes positive teamwork where all members are working for the good of Exact Sciences.

This position is onsite in San Diego.

Essential Duties

Include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Collaborate with senior leaders, scientists, and technicians by managing day-to-day laboratory operations and ensuring successful, effective, efficient, and safe laboratory practices.
• Partner with Environmental Health and Safety Department to promote safety and ensure that the laboratory is compliant with all requirements.
• Coordinate logistics and manage inventory of laboratory supplies and equipment. Evaluate new product options and cost savings and takes proactive measures to mitigate supply risks.
• Manage laboratory equipment including installation, maintenance, calibration and cleaning. Ensure equipment is fit for purpose and equipment records are maintained according to applicable SOPs.
• Manage lab instrument service contracts with external vendors.
• Work with metrology, instrument services, and external vendors to ensure the process for handling equipment malfunctions and maintenance is sufficient to minimize the impact to the workflow.
• In partnership with the facilities team, contribute to design and set up of laboratory infrastructure to support the use of a variety of equipment such as centrifuges, biological safety hoods, freezers, thermal cyclers, and automated liquid handlers, including various technology platforms such as immunoanalyzers and genome sequencers.
• Work closely with IT to manage laboratory computers and networks.
• Identify and solve technical and operational problems, as necessary.
• Effectively manage, support, and guide your team, including, but not limited to delegating tasks and responsibilities, assessing employee performance and provide helpful feedback and training opportunities.
• Consistent demonstration of exceptional leadership qualities, including, but not limited to the ability to attract and retain the best team, foster a culture of high performance, lead with integrity, humility, accountability, and courage, and set a clear vision to energize teams towards the future.
• Utilize excellent verbal and written communication skills to convey important messages and drive focus through a variety of communication methods.
• Strong documentation, attention-to-detail and procedure writing skills suitable for a GMP environment.
• Proven work ability to work effectively in team situations as well as independently.
• Proven ability to partner effectively with colleagues across multiple functions and at all levels of the enterprise.
• Excellent organizational, oral and written communication and interpersonal skills.
• Uphold company mission and values through accountability, innovation, integrity, quality, and teamwork.
• Support and comply with the company's Quality Management System policies and procedures.
• Maintain regular and reliable attendance.
• Ability to act with an inclusion mindset and model these behaviors for the organization.
• Ability to work designated schedule.
• Ability to work nights and/or weekends, as needed.
• Ability to work on a mobile device, tablet, or in front of a computer screen and/or perform typing for approximately 75% of a typical working day.
• Ability to lift up to 40 pounds for approximately 10% of a typical working day.
• Ability to grasp with both hands; pinch with thumb and forefinger; turn with hand/arm; reach above shoulder height.
• Ability to comply with any applicable personal protective equipment requirements.
• Ability to use various types of laboratory equipment; including microscopes, microtomes, blades, strainers, and pipettes for extended periods of time.
• May perform repetitious actions using both lab and workshop tools.
• Ability to use near vision to view samples at close range.
• Ability and means to travel between Exact Sciences locations.
• Ability to travel 10% of working time away from work location, may include overnight/weekend travel.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree in Life Sciences or field as outlined in the essential duties.
• 5+ years of experience in medical device/IVD, biotech, or life science industry.
• 1+ years of supervisory experience with demonstrated ability to hire, lead, develop and train direct reports effectively.
• Demonstrated experience and expertise in working with facilities, logistics and laboratory support systems.
• Demonstrated organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Demonstrated ability to effectively communicate ideas and document progress.
• Basic computer skills to include Internet navigation, Email usage, and word processing.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office programs, such as: Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook.
• Demonstrated ability to perform the essential duties of the position with or without accommodation.
• Authorization to work in the United States without sponsorship.

Preferred Qualifications

• 7+ years of experience working in a research, clinical, or molecular diagnostics laboratory setting.
• Hands-on lab management experience.
• Experience with SAP/Coupa and computerized maintenance management systems.
• Experience with inventory systems like Kanban and/or inventory management software.
• Hands-on experience with lab instrumentation including PCR platforms, centrifuges, and liquid handling platforms.
• Extensive knowledge of common chemicals utilized in a laboratory setting.
• Experience using facilities and instrument monitoring systems.
• High mechanical aptitude

Salary Range:

Exact Sciences is proud to offer an employee experience that includes paid time off (including days for vacation, holidays, volunteering, and personal time), paid leave for parents and caregivers, a retirement savings plan, wellness support, and health benefits including medical, prescription drug, dental, and vision coverage. Learn more about our benefits.

Our success relies on the experiences and perspectives of a diverse team, and Exact Sciences fosters a culture where all employees can develop personally and professionally with a sense of respect and belonging. If you require an accommodation, please contact us here.

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We are an equal employment opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to disability, protected veteran status, and any other status protected by applicable local, state, or federal law.

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