B-On Biotech Prototyping lab is established and powered by the Foundation for Armenian Science and Technology (FAST) in collaboration with the Government of Armenia and the Armenian National Agrarian University (ANAU). B-On is established with a vision of transforming Armenia into a regional biotech hub. B-On’s mission is to help biotech teams bring their innovations to life and develop world-changing technologies. B-On provides access to biotech laboratory equipment and a coworking space. The lab is enhanced with incubation programs to help build biotech startups, as well as special programs for mentorship, training, and workshops for students, researchers, and startups.

Role Overview

The Lab Operations Manager/Director will embody excellent customer service, spark innovation in every task, seek information resourcefully, and drive to create an energetic and safe atmosphere where B-On tenants thrive. We are looking for a dynamic science lead with a proactive approach to launch the co-working lab space and manage it successfully. Successful candidates must possess extensive lab experience in a top-notch environment from the leading biotech countries.

Key Areas of Responsibility Include

  • Launch and manage the biotech prototyping lab space of ~645.45 sq. m. in tandem with the FAST’s team in compliance and implication of relevant regulations.

  • Manage and oversee the general co-working laboratory environment supporting multiple startups - service as lab main point of contact, bench science mentor, equipment tracker/maintainer, and Environment and Health Safety officer.

Laboratory Operations

  • Familiarity with the regulatory requirements specific to the lab and ensures all users are always following those standards.

  • Overseeing all aspects of lab instruments/equipment – installation, repair, quality control, scheduling, etc.

  • Tracking of all facility equipment to maintain accurate records, stay abreast of regular maintenance/ quality control and maintain an inventory for auditing purposes.

  • Owning complete responsibility for users of the lab – safety training, equipment training, compliance, organization, etc.

  • Manage facilities and IT infrastructure.

Site Safety, Environmental Health & Safety

  • Obtaining and maintaining all health and safety permits – be ready to pass inspection at any time to remain compliant with all local, state, and international regulations.

  • In cases where non-compliance is found, document the instances as well as how they were abated.

  • Owning site environmental and health safety program – waste collection/disposal, safety compliance, sharps/waste containers, etc.

  • Managing and updating chemical inventories and/or risk group agent inventories.

  • Communicating and enforcing laboratory safety rules to researchers working in the lab.

  • Updating and maintaining the lab safety plan/manual and the material safety data sheets manual.

  • Accompany the environmental and health safety consultant and/or auditors during lab inspections.

Training

  • Ensuring lab users have been trained on the correct use of the lab equipment and meet environment and health safety training requirements.

  • Establishing guidelines and rules for navigating/operating within the facility and in particular the laboratory spaces.

Qualifications

  • An advanced degree (Master's or equivalent, Ph.D.) is desired, BS or BA degree, preferably in the life sciences is required.

  • Proven lab experience.

  • Familiarity with environment and health safety regulatory requirements.

  • A basic understanding of essential wet lab equipment.

  • Ability to troubleshoot basic IT infrastructure (printers, wireless connectivity, Conference room systems, SAAS subscriptions, etc.), demonstrated ability to be tech-savvy.

  • Strong critical thinking, proven customer-centric mindset, and creative problem-solving skills

  • Highly organized and structured while working in a dynamic environment.

  • Proficient in English and working knowledge of Armenian is an advantage.

  • Ability to work independently.

  • Strong communication and community-building skills can be an advantage.

  • Experience with CRM systems is an advantage.

All interested candidates are kindly requested to submit this form. We at FAST, are grateful to all interested applicants for sending their applications; however, only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for the interview.