Principal Operations Manager Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

$28 - $40 an hour

BreezeBio is an early-stage biotech company building a next-generation delivery platform for genetic medicines. Our team integrates chemistry, payload design, formulation, and preclinical science to translate platform innovation into a pipeline of transformative therapies.

As we scale our platform toward the clinic, we need reliable laboratory operations and hands-on support that allow our scientists to stay focused on their research.

BreezeBio is seeking an organized, hands-on Lab Operations Associate to keep our biology, chemistry, and shared laboratory spaces stocked, organized, and running smoothly.

This is an onsite, part-time role centered on laboratory procurement, receiving, and inventory, along with day-to-day support that keeps our lab spaces in good working order. You will work closely with the Principal Operations Manager, who oversees broader laboratory operations, facilities, EHS programs, and regulatory strategy, and who will be your point of escalation for anything outside the scope of this role.

The ideal candidate is detail-oriented, dependable, comfortable working in an active laboratory environment, and willing to take a hands-on approach to keeping laboratory spaces organized and functioning efficiently.

Schedule: Approximately 20-25 hours per week, onsite. Days and hours are flexible and will be set by mutual agreement, with a consistent weekly schedule once established. Additional hours may occasionally be needed depending on operational requirements.

Growth: This role has a clear path to expand in scope or transition to full-time in the future, depending on business needs and performance.

Inventory and Procurement

• Monitor commonly used laboratory supplies, reagents, consumables, chemicals, and shared materials.
• Place approved orders and replenish laboratory supplies based on established inventory levels and requests.
• Support purchasing through Zageno or other procurement platforms.
• Maintain accurate inventory and supply records, and flag shortages, unusual requests, or recurring supply issues to the Principal Operations Manager.
• Collect and upload packing slips and other purchasing documentation for Finance reconciliation.

Receiving and Materials Handling

• Receive, label, store, and distribute incoming laboratory materials.
• Ensure that temperature-sensitive and time-sensitive materials are handled and stored promptly on arrival.
• Keep storage areas, supply rooms, refrigerators, and shared laboratory spaces organized.
• Assist with maintaining laboratory gas inventory and coordinating replenishment.

Laboratory Operations Support

• Support the daily operation and organization of biology, chemistry, and shared laboratory spaces.
• Help keep equipment and service records accurate and up to date.
• Escalate equipment, facilities, or safety issues to the Principal Operations Manager.
• Monitor the laboratory operations inbox during scheduled working hours and route requests appropriately.
• Support special laboratory operations projects as assigned by the Principal Operations Manager.

What You'll Bring Required

• Authorization to work in the United States. This position is onsite and does not offer visa sponsorship.
• Associate's or bachelor's degree in Life Sciences, Chemistry, Biotechnology, or a related field, or equivalent laboratory experience.
• At least 1-2 years of experience working in a laboratory, research, biotechnology, pharmaceutical, or similar technical environment.
• Comfort working around chemicals, biological materials, compressed gases, and laboratory equipment.
• Strong organizational skills and careful attention to detail.
• Ability to manage recurring tasks, follow established procedures, and communicate when priorities conflict.
• Clear written and verbal communication skills.
• A hands-on, service-oriented approach and willingness to assist with physical laboratory tasks.
• Ability to work independently while recognizing when an issue should be escalated.

Preferred

• Previous experience in laboratory operations, inventory management, procurement, or research support.
• Experience using Zageno or a comparable inventory or procurement platform.
• Experience receiving and handling laboratory reagents and consumables, including temperature-sensitive materials.
• General familiarity with laboratory safety practices and proper storage of chemicals and biological materials.
• Experience in a shared, multi-tenant, startup, or incubator laboratory environment.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to lift and carry items weighing up to 50 pounds, with or without reasonable accommodation.
• Work regularly involves walking, standing, bending, reaching, lifting, and carrying laboratory supplies and equipment.
• Ability to safely use carts and other material-handling equipment.
• Ability to perform all duties with appropriate regard for safety, quality, and site procedures.
• Work is performed onsite in an active laboratory environment with potential exposure to chemicals, biological materials, compressed gases, and cryogenic materials, with appropriate PPE and safety controls in place.

Employment Type

• Part-time, approximately 20-25 hours per week
• Onsite, with a flexible weekly schedule set by mutual agreement
• Potential opportunity to expand the role or transition to full-time in the future, depending on business needs and performance

We may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support parts of the hiring process, such as reviewing applications, analyzing resumes, or assessing responses and identifying potential inconsistencies or verification signals in application materials based on available information. These tools assist our recruitment team but do not replace human judgment. Final hiring decisions are ultimately made by humans. If you would like more information about how your data is processed, please contact us.