Manager Lab Operations Jobs in Chula Vista, CA (NOW HIRING)

About Tr1X

Tr1X is a clinical-stage biotechnology company developing engineered Tr1 cell therapies to restore immune balance in autoimmune and inflammatory diseases. Leveraging the unique biology of Tr1 cells, the company is advancing a pipeline of off-the-shelf allogeneic and in vivo CAR-Tr1 therapies designed to deliver targeted immunoregulation and address diseases driven by immune dysfunction, including transplant-related complications. Founded by pioneers in the discovery of Tr1 cells, Tr1X, Inc. is focused on developing durable, potentially curative therapies for conditions with high unmet need. For more information, visit www.tr1x.bio.

Position Summary

The Senior Manager, Lab Operations (Senior Manager) reports to the Executive Director, Operations and performs hands-on and oversight responsibilities in operations, safety, compliance, and the efficient functioning of the Tr1X Bio facility including scientific research laboratories and office space. The role combines laboratory operations and procurement management with Environmental, Health & Safety (EH&S) responsibilities to ensure a safe, compliant, organized, and productive work environment.

The Senior Manager oversees lab purchasing and receiving and develops and implements procedures and processes that ensure the efficient, fiscally responsible and compliant procurement of goods, supplies and services. The position obtains quotes, conducts research on options and pricing, engages new vendors, and develops relationships with vendors and service providers.

The Senior Manager coordinates laboratory activities, manages facilities and equipment maintenance, maintains operational standards, supports regulatory compliance, and serves as a subject matter expert and key point of contact for lab operations and EH&S programs. The Senior Manager has broad exposure and knowledge of lab operations and EH&S compliance, is highly organized, proactive, detail-oriented, and comfortable working cross-functionally with scientists, vendors, and EH&S consultants. The position provides leadership and oversight to operations staff.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage daily laboratory operations, including workspace readiness, supplies, equipment, facilities, and general laboratory support.
• Develop, implement, and maintain laboratory operating procedures, policies, and standards.
• Coordinate laboratory equipment installation, maintenance, calibration, repair, and decommissioning.
• Maintain laboratory supplies, chemicals, consumables, and inventory levels.
• Perform and oversee procurement activities, vendor relationships, service contracts, and maintenance schedules.
• Establish efficient systems for laboratory organization, housekeeping, storage, labeling, and material management.
• Support laboratory and facility moves, expansions, renovations, and projects including relocations of company operations to new facilities.
• Maintain laboratory documentation, records, inventories, and operational databases.
• Identify opportunities to improve laboratory efficiency, workflow, cost control, and resource utilization.
• Respond to facility service requests and partner with property management company as needed.

• Serve as a primary laboratory contact for EH&S programs and requirements and serve as the Tr1X Safety Officer.
• Promote a strong safety culture and ensure laboratory activities are conducted in accordance with applicable company policies and regulatory requirements.
• Conduct routine laboratory safety inspections and follow up on corrective actions.
• Maintain and support laboratory specific EH&S programs, procedures, and documentation.
• Coordinate chemical inventory management, labeling, storage, segregation, and disposal.
• Manage hazardous waste management, including proper collection, labeling, storage, and vendor coordination.
• Coordinate safety training, onboarding, and required refresher training for laboratory personnel.
• Support chemical hygiene, biosafety, or other applicable programs based on laboratory activities.
• Maintain Safety Data Sheets (SDS) and ensure appropriate access to chemical and hazard information.
• Perform incident, accident, near-miss, and exposure investigations and implementation of corrective actions.
• Coordinate emergency preparedness activities, including emergency response procedures, spill response, evacuation, and laboratory-specific emergency plans.
• Ensure appropriate use, availability, inspection, and maintenance of personal protective equipment (PPE) and safety equipment.
• Partner with regulatory agencies and external consultants as needed.
• Serve as company representative for regulatory inspections, audits, permitting, and compliance activities.

• Monitor applicable federal, state, and local EH&S requirements and ensure laboratory practices align with organizational policies and regulatory obligations.
• Maintain required permits, records, inspections, training documentation, and compliance reports.
• Conduct risk assessments and recommend appropriate engineering, administrative, and PPE controls.
• Track corrective and preventive actions through completion.
• Identify operational and safety risks and proactively implement mitigation strategies.

• Lead and coach lab operations personnel and provide training, guidance, and career development opportunities as applicable.
• Manage and oversee the procurement process, procedures, and systems for all lab-related purchasing.
• Communicate operational priorities, safety concerns, and compliance requirements clearly to researchers and laboratory personnel.
• Perform other responsibilities as required based on business needs.

Required Qualifications & Experience

• Bachelor's degree in biology, chemistry, environmental science, or a closely related scientific/technical field.
• Minimum 7 years of experience in laboratory operations, EH&S, facilities, or scientific operations in a research facility, biotechnology, pharmaceutical, chemical, or similar environment.
• Solid knowledge of laboratory safety practices, hazardous materials, chemical hygiene, and hazardous waste management.
• Experience conducting safety inspections, risk assessments, incident investigations, or compliance audits.
• Strong understanding of applicable EH&S regulations and standards including Cal-OSHA, local regulatory agencies and inspections, permitting, and specialized biological laboratory hazards.
• Experience with laboratory chemical inventory and hazardous waste management systems.
• Experience working in immunology or cell biology labs with common equipment like flow cytometer, plate readers, etc.
• Direct, hands-on experience managing laboratory and facility expansion and relocations preferred.
• Experience developing SOPs, safety procedures, and compliance documentation.
• Excellent written and verbal communication, detail-orientation, organizational, customer-service, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and follow-through in a fast-paced laboratory environment.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and laboratory management, inventory, and compliance systems.
• Experience in a regulated environment such as GMP, GLP, ISO, or other quality-controlled laboratory settings preferred.

Other Requirements

• Legally authorized to work for any employer in the U.S.
• Position is on-site in San Diego, CA

The job responsibilities and requirements provided above are intended to describe the general nature of the work performed by individuals assigned to this job classification. It is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties and requirements. Tr1X retains the right to add, change, or delete duties, education, experience or any other requirements of the position at any time.

Working at Tr1X

At Tr1X, our team is united by a singular shared mission: to transform patients' lives through breakthrough science. We are a group of skilled experts driven by urgency, innovation and a collaborative spirit. Our culture thrives on excellence, positivity, persistence and the agility to tackle new challenges head-on. With an unwavering commitment to patients, science and one another, we foster an environment where team members feel engaged, supported and empowered to make a meaningful impact. We envision a world where autoimmune diseases are not just being treated but are cured.

Base Pay Hiring Range Anticipated: $146,000 - $165,000

Tr1X considers a variety of factors to determine salary such as education, years of experience, time in the position level, training, knowledge, skills, geographic location, and the market value of the position.

Compensation and Benefits

Tr1X provides a fair and competitive total rewards program that includes base salary; discretionary annual target bonus; incentive stock options; 401(k) retirement plan with company contribution; health and welfare insurance plans for employees (and their families) that include medical, dental, vision, long-term and short-term disability, and life insurance; paid time off (PTO); and paid holidays.

Tr1X embraces a diverse, open, and inclusive environment and believes a strong culture connection is key to success. Tr1X is committed to fairness in recruitment, hiring, transfer, promotion or any other employment practice without regard to race, color, citizenship, national origin, ancestry, religion, sex, pregnancy, marital status, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity and expression, age, physical and medical disability, medical condition, genetic information, political affiliation, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. If you are an individual needing assistance to complete an employment application or would like to request an accommodation, please contact the Human Resources department at careers@tr1x.bio.

Notice to Employment Agencies

The Tr1X talent acquisition program is managed through internal resources, and unsolicited referrals and resumes are not accepted from employment agencies, unless advance written authorization is granted from the human resources department. Tr1X shall not be liable for any fees arising from any unsolicited or unauthorized candidate information received relative to position vacancies.