Lab Operations Manager - St. Louis, MO

Are you excited to create an incredible environment and experience for users of a shared wet lab, care for a dynamic lab space every day including making changes and improvements, and work in a fast-paced and collaborative environment?

CIC seeks a highly capable, action-oriented and team-motivated individual to support the day-to-day operations of shared wet lab space and equipment on behalf of many users and projects. This is a great opportunity for you if you have at least three years of hands-on experience in a lab environment, offer solutions to the problems you see, like to test approaches to make continuous improvements, want to make a difference in an operational role with the opportunity for growth, and are motivated by exceeding the expectations of those around you.

YOUR DAY-TO-DAY WORK

You will join our team as the operational expert for our wet labs. Your work is a mix of managing operations, equipment, and facilities, as well as being responsible for our clients’ experience while partnering with our shared workspace teams.

Responsibilities will include, but are not limited to:

• Maintain all equipment and facilities to a high standard: troubleshoot issues, train staff and clients, coordinate preventative maintenance, certifications, and service.
• Oversee inventory and vendor relationships, and research new services and community improvements.
• Serve as the primary EHS point person (Biosafety Officer/Emergency Lead), ensuring regulatory compliance and leading client safety training.
• Lead client-facing operations including move-ins/move-outs, lab setup, decontamination, and timely communications.
• Support external engagement efforts, including prospective client tours, community events, and sponsor relationships in partnership with Sales, Events, and leadership teams.
• Assist in developing and implementing SOPs.

ABOUT YOU

It’s not expected that you’ll know everything that we do on day one, but you should be ready to train with us, learn on the job, seek new information, and learn independently.

 As our ideal candidate, you are:

• Technically grounded, service-minded, and experienced with standard lab equipment in a fast-paced environment.
• A collaborative team player who builds positive relationships, communicates effectively with clients and colleagues, and treats everyone with equal respect.
• Detail-oriented and quality-focused, with a knack for anticipating problems before they arise.
• Eager to blend technical lab work with client-facing responsibilities, and driven to continuously master new skills.

YOU HAVE

• A college degree in laboratory science, chemistry, biology or another life science, or equivalent work experience; advanced degree a plus.
• At least 3-4 years of hands-on lab experience.
• Strong understanding of good laboratory practices concepts and lab safety practices.
• The ability to lift over 40 pounds and work on your feet for several hours at a time.
• Experience working with biohazardous material and/or working in a Biosafety Level 2 lab are a big plus.
• Certifications in EHS, management/supervision a plus.
• 5 S training a plus.
• Availability to work 9AM-5PM Monday through Friday, as well as rotating week-day holiday coverage and on-call weekend coverage.
• An interest in a long-term role  - we are a growing company, and we like folks to grow with us.

If you don't meet all the requirements or qualifications but bring some other unique skills and experience that would be valuable in this role, please apply and highlight those attributes for us in your cover letter.

OUR OFFER

• Starting compensation is commensurate with experience.
• 100% company paid premium healthcare and dental benefits.
• 100% company paid long and short-term disability, and life insurance.
• 401k (must be 21+).
• Three weeks of vacation (more with seniority) plus thirteen holidays from the start.

ABOUT CIC 

CIC builds and connects thriving innovation communities around the world. Founded in 1999 in Cambridge, MA, we were one of the first companies to offer flexible office space and coworking. We manage a global network of innovation-focused workspace, laboratories, and event space across North America, Europe, and Asia, and continue to expand globally.

ABOUT CIC ST. LOUIS

CIC St. Louis officially opened in fall 2014 and now manages more than 160,000 square feet across three buildings.Surrounded by nationally ranked universities and medical centers, CIC is located in the Cortex Innovation District — a 200-acre urban hub of innovation and entrepreneurship situated in St. Louis’ Central Corridor. 

CIC St. Louis is home to over 200 organizations, ranging from early-stage BioTech and AgTech startups to established Geospatial leaders. We offer coworking, office, lab, and event space for the growing innovation community and ecosystem filled with dynamic programming, unique culture, and opportunities to connect.

Learn more about us here.

ABOUT OUR SHARED WET LABS

Our shared wet labs provide science start-ups a way to get to work and leave the operational details with us. With ample space, a wide range of equipment, our clients can keep their focus on the critical parts of their business while we do the rest. We staff our shared wet lab space to support and consolidate logistics, to enforce environmental health and safety protocols, and to provide access, orientation, and guidance on the proper handling of all our shared lab equipment.

WHO WE ARE 

At CIC, our values aren't a poster on the wall - they shape how we work, how we hire, and how we show up for each other every day. You'll hear about them throughout our recruitment process:

• We are good humans — respect, kindness, and accountability in every interaction
• We are happy to help — we step forward with care, energy, and pride in our work
• We are problem solvers — curious, growth-minded, and always looking for a better way
• We are resilient — steady under pressure and adaptable in the face of change
• We deliver — dependable and results-driven, balancing speed with quality.

CIC is committed to building teams that reflect the fabric of the cities we support. We welcome all candidates regardless of race, color, ancestry, gender identity or expression, religion, national origin, sexual orientation, age, citizenship, marital status, disability, Veteran status, or any other legally protected status. Any other human expressions and experiences not mentioned here are equally welcome. If you require an accommodation please let us know. We are proud to be an equal opportunity employer.