Associate Director/Director, Lab Operations & Facilities Management

The Company:
At Sonata Therapeutics, a Boston-based Flagship Pioneering company, we are revolutionizing the world's understanding of the cellular microenvironment and their importance to human biology and disease. Our product-platform creates drugs based on a systematic, comprehensive characterization of the microenvironment in diseases with high unmet medical need. Through our pioneering science, we identify new targets for therapeutics that induce the release of a programmed diversity of signals with the potential for significant patient impact.
Sonata Therapeutics was founded by Flagship Pioneering, an organization dedicated to the origination and development of first-in-category life sciences companies. Since 2000, Flagship has originated and fostered the development of nearly 100 scientific ventures resulting in $20+ billion in aggregate value, 500+ issued patents, and more than 50 clinical trials for novel therapeutic agents.
The Position:
We are on the hunt for a AD/Director, Lab Operations & Facilities Management to serve as an essential piece of our Sonata Team.
As the Associate Director/Director, you will oversee Sonata`s laboratory and office Infrastructure and you will have strong leadership capabilities to help us managing our current processes as well as defining our future state facilities landscape You will work closely with SONATA`s senior leadership, strategic partners, and stakeholders at all levels of the organization to align on Lab Operations and facilities objectives to achieve SONATA`s strategic goals.
You will be asked for both operational and strategic input, and lead a multi-disciplinary team, directing our office and lab expansion initiative and initiating process improvements to enhance our Lab Operations and programs, including but not limited to laboratory space planning, budget planning, inventory management, equipment maintenance and management of vendor relationships.
Sonata Therapeutics offers the challenge and opportunity to work at an early-stage, big concept biotechnology company. You will have a rare opportunity to have a broad impact on improving R&D operations and our capability to deliver life changing therapies to patients.
Crucial Responsibilities

• Manage and develop a small team, as well as you will contribute, to day-to-day operations and facility maintenance:
  • Will be primary interface for scientists in the lab on a day-to-day basis.
  • Coordinate repair and maintenance of entire office including environmental systems, interior fit out, furnishings, equipment, and appliances.
  • Manage equipment inventory and services including calibration, maintenance, service contract renewal, software/hardware upgrades, decommissioning, and moves for existing equipment.
  • Manage and lead inventory management programs.
  • Manage external vendor relationships related to facilities and maintenance and prepare quotes and bid requests for approval.
  • Track facilities operations to uphold contracts for repairs and maintenance, trash and recycling, pest control, security vendors, janitorial and plants as applicable.
  • Maintain site security by providing office and lab access controls and ensuring proper staff and visitor access procedures are followed.
  • Oversee shipping and receiving operations, janitorial, and manage facilities.
  • Maintain up to date records for all state, federal, and local licenses and inspections.
  • Identify opportunities and then establish and lead initiatives to optimize processes and improve service level of Lab Operations.
• Lead and ensure compliance with EH&S requirements, including permits, programs and training:
  • Collaborate with EH&S consultant to manage OSHA safety protocols for lab and office safety.
  • Maintain and oversee emergency action plans.
  • Oversee ergonomic assessments.
  • Manage indoor air quality, water purity and surface safety.
  • Ensure all health and safety guidelines are documented.
• Oversee and manage business relationship with landlord and property management to ensure:
  • Good maintenance of building systems including mechanical, electrical, and fire/life safety, lighting controls, and related systems.
  • Timely communication on general facility and amenity changes and updates.
  • Timely coordination on property insurance, certificate and compliance related matters.
• Partner with Leadership to coordinate and manage the construction of a new facility build and eventual laboratory & office move (estimated January 2024):
  • Monitor and supervise the progress of the construction to ensure timely and quality delivery.
  • Coordinate with lab teams to ensure all lab equipment is certified, properly installed, and calibrated.
  • Team with IT to ensure timely installation of all AV equipment.
  • Work with executive administration to ensure all office and common areas are properly furnished.

As a top candidate, you will possess:

• Bachelor's degree and 10+ years of Lab operations and Facilities Management in the biotechnology or pharmaceutical industry or equivalent combination of education and experience is required.
• Demonstrated acumen in the bio/pharmaceutical industry and industry R&D processes.
• Proficient with laboratory critical functions and utilities as well as knowledge of mechanical plant systems
• Experience managing multiple vendor relationships is strongly preferred.
• Ability to successfully manage an experienced team as well as train entry-level personnel.
• Excellent interpersonal, verbal and written communication skills.
• Self-motivated, energetic, with a can-do attitude and willingness to go the extra mile to achieve personal and organizational goals.

SonataTherapeutics and Flagship Pioneering are committed to equal employment opportunity regardless of race, color, ancestry, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, citizenship, marital status, disability, gender identity,or veteran status.