Laboratory Manager

At the Vitrolife Group, we work every day to unlock the full potential of science and technology to reduce the barriers towards building a family. Together we help our customers and their patients to fulfill the dream of having a baby.

The role focuses on overseeing laboratory operations, ensuring compliance with quality standards and driving continuous improvement through effective personnel management, process optimization, and collaboration on transformative projects.

MAIN RESPONSABILITIES

Must be willing to work occasional evenings and weekends, as required. Being able to work independently and having experience in genetics and molecular biology techniques.

Operational Oversight:

• Inform the Laboratory Director of significant day-to-day operational issues and oversee laboratory operations and personnel.
• Monitor, coordinate, and support all aspects of laboratory operations, including inventory, equipment maintenance, and training of laboratory personnel.
• Plan workloads, implement continuous improvement methodologies, and oversee efficiency controls.

Personnel Management:

• Supervise, orient, and instruct laboratory personnel.
• Assist in performance evaluations.

Project Management:

• Act as a key stakeholder in laboratory transformation projects, including the launch of new services, equipment upgrades, automation initiatives, and system enhancements.
• Acquire and share technical knowledge, plan, and execute project deployments.

Documentation and Quality Management:

• Administer, organize, and maintain laboratory documentation, including audit trails for Quality and Finance.
• Review and oversee laboratory Quality Management and Quality Assurance programs.
• Ensure compliance with quality standards, including CLIA, ISO, and other relevant regulatory requirements.
• Ensure that all Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and policies are updated and reviewed annually. Assist in the maintenance of chemical, emergency, safety, and waste management protocols.

Troubleshooting and Client Support:

• Troubleshoot equipment issues.
• Support clients and the sales team with consultations when needed.

Collaboration:

• Ensure close collaboration with the R&D department, Tech office, and Diagnostics departments to achieve common objectives and maintain efficiency in the company’s strategy.
• Ensure compliance with all quality standards.

Other Duties:

• Serve as the Biosafety Officer.
• Perform other duties and projects as assigned.

EXPERIENCE

• Laboratory science degree from an accredited institution.
• PhD and/or Master’s degree in biomedical or biotechnology disciplines.
• Minimum of two years of laboratory operations experience, preferably in a supervisory or management role.
• Demonstrated history of successfully managing a laboratory is a strong advantage.

Laboratory Skills:

• Proficient in standard biology lab techniques (e.g., laboratory math, pipetting, protocols preparation).
• Relevant molecular skills, including RNA and DNA extraction (manual and automated), nucleic acids quantification, PCR, RT-PCR, MLPA, and sample library preparation for Next Generation Sequencing (NGS).
• Experience with NGS platforms (Thermo Fisher and Illumina) and Fragment Analyzer systems is preferred.
• Hands-on experience with automated liquid handling equipment is a plus.

Operations and Equipment:

• Experience in daily setup and maintenance of laboratory equipment and supplies.
• Proven ability to implement efficiency controls, develop continuous improvement plans, and manage transformation projects involving new protocols, products, equipment, or system upgrades.

Reporting and Interpretation:

• Ability to explain experience with specific instrument platforms, including test principles, controls, and result interpretation.

Technology and Languages:

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office programs (Excel, Word, PowerPoint).
• Proficiency in English and Spanish (written and spoken).

Key Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Highly organized with a strong work ethic.
• Deep understanding of national and international accreditation programs (CLIA, CAP, ISO) and experience with inspections for compliance.
• Familiarity with regulatory, quality assurance, quality control, standard operating, and safety procedures.
• Excellent organizational and communication skills.
• Strong attention to detail and precision in laboratory tasks.
• Ability to multitask and work in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment.
• Demonstrated skills in communication, process improvement, change management, and team building.
• Ability to function independently with demonstrated leadership experience.
• Critical thinking skills and project management experience.
• Ability to work in a biohazard environment and comply with safety policies and standards.

What We Offer:

• Opportunity to work in a leading global organization in healthcare and genetic services.
• Supportive and collaborative work environment.
• Medical insurance.
• Flexible compensation options.
• Free coffee at the workplace.
• Discounts on our platform and gym memberships.
• Job stability in a growing and innovative company.

We look forward to receiving your application!

Vitrolife Group is a global provider of medical devices and genetic services. Based on science and advanced research capabilities, we develop services and products for personalised genetic information and medical device products. We support our customers by improving their clinical practice for the patient's outcome of a fertility treatment.