Research Laboratory Manager

Allarta Life Science is a pre-clinical life science company based in Hamilton, Ontario, Canada, developing next generation biomaterials for immune-privileged delivery of cells, stem cells and biologics.

We are looking for a highly motivated individual to lead and maintain a strong foundation in the laboratory environment. The day-to-day duties for this position will focus on lab management/administrative duties with some scientific duties as required.

Responsibilities:

Reporting to the Project Manager, the Research Laboratory Manager will play a crucial role in overseeing and optimizing the day-to-day operations of Allarta’s research activities and projects with industry partners. This role involves managing laboratory resources, ensuring compliance with regulations, and facilitating effective communication within the research team. The ideal candidate will have experience working in fast-paced lab research and industry management, a strong understanding of chemistry, cell and stem cell therapy processes, and a passion for advancing the field of regenerative medicine, in particular T1D.

• Maintain the lab environment to effectively support evolving research needs as directed by management.
• Coordinate and allocate laboratory space, equipment, and supplies to support research projects efficiently.
• Manage and track laboratory inventory, keep electronic records updated in a timely manner, determine value of inventory monthly and in coordination of year end audits and inventory processes.
• Perform activities associated with resource management:
• Ordering, tracking, receiving, stocking, and providing suitable alternatives for out-of-stock or higher cost items.
• Associated documentation is collected and organized in a timely manner.
• Evaluate upcoming needs versus current stock level.
• Serve as primary contact for lab vendors, including deliveries of gas cylinders and cryogens, equipment maintenance and demos, and waste management.
• Oversee and maintain general laboratory policies and Health and Safety requirements, facilitate audits to ensure compliance.
• Ensure that SOPs are kept up-to-date and organized.
• Management of lab technicians, overseeing duties such as maintaining common media & buffers, autoclaving supplies, and ensuring regular equipment maintenance is performed.
• Identify training needs for team members, and lead general lab-based on boarding for all new team members.
• Identify opportunities to streamline research operations and implement processes to improve efficiency.
• Assist scientists with technical work as required.
• Work in collaboration with finance department to prepare Scientific Research and Experimental Development claims.

Requirements:

• Master’s degree in a relevant field (e.g., Chemical Biology, Biology, Biochemistry, or related disciplines).
• Proven experience in research operations management in industry, preferably in cell therapy and cell therapy devices, and regenerative medicine.
• Proactive self-motivated work experience managing a lab or similar environment without daily supervision.
• Ability to effectively operate and maintain laboratory instruments such as centrifuges, CO2 incubators, freeze dryers, pH meters, and related instruments.
• Strong knowledge of laboratory equipment, protocols, and safety procedures.
• Familiarity with regulatory requirements e.g. GLP, GMP environment.
• Strong attention to detail and excellent organizational skills.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a team-based environment and alongside external partners.
• Effective communication and meticulous record keeping and documentation skills.
• Ability to adapt to a fast-paced and evolving start-up pre-clinical biotech environment.
• Strong problem-solving and decision-making abilities.
• Excellent working capabilities on Power Point, e-lab book software, and scientific lab software platforms.