Laboratory and Facility Operations Manager | HOPO Tx 

Job Title: (Senior) Manager, Laboratory and Facility Operations 

Initially Reporting To: CEO 

Base Salary Range: $90K - $135K 

Anticipated Start Date: Jan – Feb 2024 

Location: On-site in Emeryville, CA 

About HOPO Therapeutics

HOPO Therapeutics is a privately-held, clinical-stage pharmaceutical company developing treatments for heavy metal poisoning and pioneering novel methods for directed radioisotope delivery. Leveraging world-class expertise in the chemistry and biochemistry of heavy metals and technology licensed from Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, HOPO’s mission is to safeguard all people throughout the world from the harmful effects of heavy metal contamination while utilizing the power of metals in medicine to cure disease and improve lives.  

Our Values 

As a growing company, we strive to be a workplace where every member of our community feels welcome and included. We value integrity, authenticity, and curiosity; we treat others equitably, and we value the impact we have on the world. If these values do not resonate with you, or you feel you cannot grow alongside us, please consider not applying to work with us. 

About the Role 

HOPO Therapeutics is seeking a (Senior) Manager, Laboratory and Facility Operations to oversee operations in our 6,600 sqft mixed lab and office space in Emeryville, CA. The primary objective for this role will be to proactively and efficiently manage safety, compliance, procurement, maintenance, and other operational needs, in order and to ensure a safe and productive working environment for our 10-15 person on-site team. This is a new facility for the Company and as such there will be significant opportunity for creativity, input, and ownership of new operational processes and workflows as we grow. This role will interface with both laboratory and operations groups, as well as leadership, and play a key role in facilities and laboratory decision-making, shaping the culture and functionality of our workplace, and day-to-day operations. The ideal candidate should be highly organized, adaptable, creative, motivated, and skilled in operating in a dynamic startup environment.   

Key Responsibilities 

• Oversee all aspects of daily laboratory and facility operations, including scheduling, budgeting, chemical and consumables inventory, permitting, and storage management. 
• Together with laboratory and operations groups, develop and implement systems, protocols, and standard operating procedures to ensure a safe, efficient, and compliant workplace 
• Oversee handling and disposal of chemical and biological waste including vendor management, and  
• Ensure all facility and laboratory waste streams, trainings, and permits meet regulatory requirements  
• Take on high-level strategy & policy creation for the facility, as well as day-to-day operational tasks 
• Oversee inventory and procurement of laboratory and facility equipment and consumables, such as balances, gloves, office equipment / supplies, kitchen / food, coffee, recreation, etc., and receive and track deliveries 
• Together with the laboratory group, manage the procurement, installation, and maintenance of major/specialty laboratory equipment and instrumentation including management of service contracts and equipment upgrades 
• Own the scheduling of and provide resource support for maintenance and other service to optimize work and minimize disruptions, including communication to and anticipation of stakeholder needs 
• Maintain complete and current documentation for all areas of responsibility 
• Provide resources and infrastructure to support special projects and initiatives.  
• Support office function, including occasional basic low-level IT support 
• Anticipate, troubleshoot, manage and resolve wet-lab problems, develop and execute strategy for any off-hours emergency responses 
• Oversee internal training to ensure safety and participate in onboarding of lab members   

Technical Qualifications 

• BS/MS in Life Sciences in biology, chemistry, or a related field
• 8+/6+ years of working experience, including a minimum of 4 years in a laboratory operations / facilities management role in the chemistry / life science industry (a lab manager role in a university/academic setting may be considered equivalent, however at least 2 years of non-academic / industry experience is required) 
• Expert knowledge of general scientific principles, laboratory equipment, and research techniques 
• Strong knowledge of building, environmental, laboratory, and hazardous materials permitting, waste stream management, and waste collection vendor management 
• Strong knowledge of chemical hygiene, EH&S, and BSL standards and practices 
• Experience planning and leading laboratory and facilities moves or buildouts is a major plus, including experience in the design and organization of laboratory and office spaces to maximize efficiency and productivity  
• Experience with inventory management systems (e.g. Quartzy, Benchling Inventory, etc.) is a plus  

Interpersonal & Other Qualifications 

• Strong organizational and project leadership experience demonstrated by: 
• Responsibility for project timelines, resources, and outcomes 
• Independent management of complex projects with varied stakeholders 
• Ability to adjust and adapt in response to unplanned obstacles 
• Ability to exercise good judgment, work effectively under time constraints, prioritize work, multi-task, and adapt to changing work demands 
• Excellent analytical, computer, writing, and record-keeping skills 
• Ability to communicate and collaborate with others effectively and constructively, including with people from varied academic and professional backgrounds 
• Experience initiating and leading difficult conversations 
• Openness to receiving feedback from colleagues, including peers, more junior, and more senior team members 
• Ability to clearly set, maintain, and collaboratively readjust expectations 
• Willingness to ask for help, support, and input from others when needed 
• Understanding of equity and inclusion and why it is essential for teams 
• Willingness to acknowledge, be accountable, and take responsibility for mistakes, failures, and interpersonal harm, and learn from each experience    

Applicants for this role are encouraged to address and provide examples of both their technical AND their interpersonal qualifications in their cover letters and should be prepared to discuss them during their interview. 

Company Perks & Benefits 

• Competitive pay, equity, and bonus offerings 
• Comprehensive health benefits, including Medical, Dental, Vision, and Life Insurance 
• Paid parental leave 
• 401K with company matching 
• Flexible paid time off, including 15 paid company holidays and sick leave 
• Opportunity to engage in a wide range of projects in a collaborative environment with a small team  

HOPO Therapeutics is an equal opportunity employer and values diversity in our workforce. We encourage applications from all qualified individuals regardless of race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, national origin, marital status, disability, or veteran status. 

We are not currently accepting recruitment support or services for this role.