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Lab Manager, R&D/Process Development

Watchmaker Genomics
Boulder, CO Posted Sep 1, 2026
Full-time

About this role

Position: Lab Manager, R&D/Process Development

Position Type: Full-time, permanent

Department: Facilities/R&D

Location: Boulder, Colorado (onsite)

Experience: Bachelor's degree and 5 years of experience

Position Summary

Watchmaker is inviting applications for the full-time position of Lab Manager, R&D/Process Development, reporting to the Facilities Manager. This individual would operate within the R&D organization while maintaining close alignment with Facilities. The Facilities Manager would continue to provide strategic oversight and support, while day-to-day laboratory operations would be owned and managed by the Lab Manager, R&D/Process Development. The Lab Manager, R&D/Process Development would serve as the primary owner of laboratory operations within R&D and Process Development spaces.

Responsibilities

  • Laboratory Operations

  • Manage day-to-day R&D and PD laboratory operations

  • Coordinate laboratory organization and workspace management

  • Support ad hoc laboratory and equipment needs for R&D and PD teams

  • Approve standard level purchase orders within company’s ERP system

  • Equipment Management

  • Manage R&D and PD equipment inventory within the CMMS system

  • Coordinate preventative maintenance and calibration schedules

  • Schedule and manage external service providers

  • Perform select equipment maintenance activities in-house when appropriate (autoclaves, sequencers, and other instrumentation)

  • Support troubleshooting and service coordination for laboratory equipment

  • Consumables & Supply Management

  • Manage laboratory consumables and supplies, utilizing Kanban where applicable

  • Coordinate inventory levels and ordering

  • Act as requisitioner and first tier approver for R&D and PD groups

  • Support distribution and organization of laboratory materials

  • Freezer & Cold Storage Oversight

  • Manage freezer organization and storage standards

  • Coordinate preventative maintenance and defrost schedules, and assist with defrost activities

  • Monitor freezer performance

  • Assist with freezer alarm response and escalation processes

  • Safety & Compliance

  • Oversee R&D laboratory chemical inventory management

  • Support R&D laboratory EHS initiatives and compliance activities

  • Ensure laboratories maintain safe and organized operating conditions

  • Budgeting & Capital Planning

  • Support R&D and PD CapEx planning and requests

  • Assist with equipment evaluations, procurement, and implementation

  • Support budgeting activities related to laboratory operations and equipment

  • Please note: The above responsibilities are not exhaustive and other similar duties may be required from time to time.

  • Skills and Requirements

  • The candidate should have a Bachelor's degree and 5 years experience. Experience in biotech and a start-up environment are highly desirable.

The following skills and experience are requirements for the position:

  • Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.

  • The ability to multitask, be able to work at a high standard, perform consistently under pressure along with pre-determined deadlines and work without supervision.

  • Strong interpersonal skills and an ability to work as an effective member of a team.

  • Good communication and personal task management skills and a high level of self-motivation and initiative.

  • A creative and disciplined approach to problem-solving.

  • Time management and prioritization under deadlines

  • High level of accuracy in documentation, record-keeping, and reporting.

  • Previous experience with a computerized maintenance management system (CMMS) is desirable

  • Experience with the Google Office suite of tools is desirable

  • Familiarity of standard laboratory equipment and consumables is desirable

  • Education and Experience

  • Bachelors degree

  • 5 years experience

Compensation

The base compensation for the Lab Manager, R&D/Process Development starts at $85,000 - $95,000 + bonus + equity; actual pay will be adjusted based on skills and experience. Employees are eligible for Flexible Time Off, Holidays, employer covers 75% of base medical plan with buy-up options, EAP (employee assistance program), employer paid dental with a buy-up option, employer paid vision, employer paid $25,000 life/AD&D policy, paid parental leave, and a 401(k) retirement plan with a 4% match.

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