Lab Manager

Job Description

Cajal is seeking a Lab Manager motivated by Cajal's mission to develop new medicines for patients suffering with neurodegenerative disorders. We are a multi-disciplinary team of experienced scientists, combining state-of-the-art approaches in computational biology, functional genomics, high-throughput imaging, translational models, and drug discovery. In a short time, we have assembled a terrific team of talented, innovative, and passionate individuals to transform the field of neurodegeneration drug discovery. We aim to identify novel drug targets based on a deeper understanding into the spatiotemporal progression of disease and translate those discoveries into therapeutics that change the course of neurodegeneration. Cajal is now expanding to establish a world-class drug discovery organization.

As the Lab Manager, reporting to the Director, Facilities, EHS & Ops, you will own day-to-day operations management of the Cajal Neuroscience laboratory. You will work closely with the Director, Facilities, EHS & Ops to develop and implement policies geared at maintaining a laboratory environment where Cajal's scientific staff can thrive.  

Responsibilities:

• Ensuring an effective, organized, and clean lab. This includes responsibilities such as:
• Managing lab equipment life-cycle activities, with an emphasis on maintenance. This entails both coordinating service visits from external vendors and completing tasks in-house.
• Responding to and troubleshooting general lab maintenance requests and on-demand issues affecting lab operations, including equipment monitoring/alarm systems
• Organizing documentation and files, including equipment service records, manuals, and use instructions
• Working with scientific staff and management to facilitate implementation and maintenance of sample/freezer inventory systems
• Managing lab service providers e.g. lab coat laundering and gas and cryogenics suppliers
• Lab organizational, tidying and cleaning efforts, including freezer defrosts/cleanouts, glasswashing/autoclaving, and coordinating regular all-team lab cleaning events
• Working closely with management and vendors to facilitate a safe and compliant lab environment, including:
• Maintaining chemical inventory, chemical SOP, and SDS records
• Collaborating with scientific staff and waste management contractors to ensure hazardous materials and lab wastes are effectively labeled, stored, handled, and disposed of
• Performing regular checks of essential lab safety equipment such as eye washes and safety showers
• Serving on the safety committee and promoting a culture of safety in the lab
• Collaborating with scientific staff and finance team members for effective lab-related procurement and supply inventory management. Ensuring common supply inventory is adequate and appropriate to support evolving scientific staff needs.
• Maintaining/obtaining training certification as needed to ship hazardous materials per DOT and IATA regulations. Working closely with couriers and shipping services to facilitate outgoing shipment success. 
• Ensuring lab-based teams are informed and supported by expertly communicating logistical and administrative activities and issues in the lab. 

This job might be great for you if you:

• Are service-oriented and collaborative
• Are enthusiastic about operational excellence, and enjoy problem solving and process improvement
• Love working in the lab and take pride in your work and the environment you create 
• Have strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to build collaborative relationships
• Have strong time management and planning skills, with the ability to manage multiple tasks efficiently
• Have a B.S. or higher, preferably in Life Sciences or Engineering
• Have 3-5+ years lab management experience, including experience with procurement
• Are able to work on-site full-time
• Are available to work off-hours/to be on-call as needed for incident response
• Are able to lift up to 30lbs and stand/walk for extended periods of time

Important Considerations

• This is an on-site role at our Eastlake (Seattle) headquarters.
• This opportunity does not offer visa sponsorship.
• The annual base salary range for this role is $100,000 - $120,000*

*Final salary depends on qualifications, experience, and level of skills relevant to the role, along with location, where applicable.

Company & Benefits

Cajal is a team of people-first individuals, motivated by our shared mission to advance the field of neurodegeneration. We are committed to ensuring that all our team members feel supported, connected, and energized at work. Our team members eagerly navigate the uncertainty and fast-paced environment of an early-stage biotech company and thrive on getting things done. We value creativity and curiosity in our work, and we take pride in the generosity, sincerity, and kindness of our team members.

Benefits include:

• Competitive compensation based on experience level
• Health insurance: 100% coverage of premiums for employee, partner, & all dependents
• Dental insurance: 100% of premiums
• Vision insurance: 100% of premiums
• Life insurance: 100% of premiums for 2x salary coverage
• Access to Flexible Spending Account
• 401(K) Plan with matching contributions
• 5 weeks paid time off plus 13 company holidays (2 floating)
• 8 weeks parental leave for primary caregiver or 4 weeks for secondary caregiver in addition to WA Paid Family & Medical Leave (up to 12 additional weeks)
• Generous commuter benefits including free metro cards, on site locker rooms/showers/towel service, modern bike cage and free bike tunes

Located in the Eastlake neighborhood of Seattle, Cajal sits at the heart of a vibrant biotech community, directly between research giants such as the Allen Institute and the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center. We are surrounded by fellow innovative biotech companies and startups and within a stone's throw of the beautiful Lake Union and the University of Washington. Our newly renovated office and labs offer ample natural light and stunning views of the Space Needle downtown. Our kitchen is fully stocked with coffee, tea, and snacks. All desks are sit-stand for maximal comfort and our meeting rooms seamlessly support hybrid teams.

Cajal is an equal opportunity employer that guarantees a work environment that respects and values diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, sex, gender, gender expression, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status. If you require any accommodations during the recruiting process, please coordinate with your recruiting contact.

To the extent permitted by applicable law, employment is conditioned upon full vaccination (per CDC guidelines) from the COVID-19 virus, including submission of documented proof thereof, as of the start date. Cajal will comply with applicable law regarding the reasonable accommodation of individuals who are not vaccinated because of a disability and/or sincerely held religious belief.

To Apply

Please apply with your CV/resume and cover letter via Greenhouse.