Lab Manager
About Biotia
Biotia is a Cornell Tech–launched biotechnology company harnessing artificial intelligence (AI) and next-generation sequencing (NGS) to enable rapid, precision infectious disease diagnostics. Operating from our New York State Department of Health–approved CLIA/CLEP clinical laboratory in New York City, we work with clinicians, health systems, and researchers to develop advanced diagnostic assays that guide patient treatment and improve health outcomes. Our team specializes in next-generation sequencing and molecular diagnostics, combining deep laboratory expertise with proprietary bioinformatics software to detect pathogens and antimicrobial resistance directly from clinical samples.
Position Summary
Biotia is seeking an experienced Lab Manager to lead daily operations of our Clinical and R&D laboratories, ensuring efficient workflows, regulatory compliance, and effective resource management while supporting the development and validation of molecular diagnostic assays. The ideal candidate is a seasoned molecular scientist with hands-on experience in NGS workflows, high-complexity laboratory operations, and LDT validation, including NYSDOH regulatory requirements. This role will oversee laboratory systems, including LIMS and automation platforms, and reports to the Director of Research & Development, and will mentor and coordinate laboratory staff while fostering a culture of operational excellence, scientific rigor, regulatory compliance and continuous improvement.
Key Responsibilities
Laboratory Operations & Management
• Oversee daily operations of Biotia’s clinical and R&D laboratories, including infrastructure management, equipment maintenance, service contracts, vendor relationships, and compliance with BSL-1 and BSL-2 safety protocols
• Manage inventory, forecast resource needs, and oversee procurement processes to ensure cost-effective purchasing and uninterrupted laboratory operations
• Implement scalable systems and processes to streamline laboratory workflows and improve efficiency, quality, turnaround time, and cost per sample
Regulatory Compliance & Assay Validation
Lead the execution and documentation of validation studies for laboratory-developed tests (LDTs) in accordance with NYSDOH and CLIA requirements, including drafting and reviewing validation reports and standard operating procedures (SOPs), supporting regulatory submissions and laboratory approvals, and ensuring ongoing compliance with CLIA, NYSDOH, Good Laboratory Practice (GLP), Good Documentation Practice, HIPAA, and all applicable quality and regulatory standards.
Laboratory Systems, Automation & LIMS
• Lead implementation, validation, and optimization of the Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS) to ensure accurate sample tracking, workflow transparency, and process efficiency
• Identify bottlenecks and implement automation solutions (e.g., liquid handlers) to increase throughput, reproducibility, and scalability
• Collaborate with scientific and engineering teams to integrate laboratory workflows with bioinformatics pipelines
Scientific & Technical Responsibilities
• Process clinical and environmental specimens and perform molecular workflows, including DNA/RNA extraction, PCR/qPCR, and NGS library preparation (metagenomics, amplicon, hybrid capture, RNA-seq)
• Operate and maintain Illumina NGS sequencing platforms and contribute to the development and optimization of novel microbial detection assays
• Generate and document experimental data to support scientific reports, regulatory submissions, and publications
• Stay current on emerging technologies in sequencing, automation, and molecular diagnostics to inform laboratory innovation
Team Leadership & Communication
• Participate in the hiring, training, and supervision of laboratory personnel and mentor junior scientists and laboratory staff to support technical development and operational excellence.
• Communicate regularly with the Director of R&D regarding laboratory operations, project progress, and resource planning
• Foster a collaborative, organized, and high-performance laboratory environment
Qualifications
PhD in Molecular Biology, Microbiology, Genetics, Biochemistry, Biology, or a related field with 3+ years of laboratory leadership or operational management is preferred. Candidates with an equivalent combination of advanced education and significant relevant experience will be considered. Demonstrated experience managing laboratory operations or coordinating scientific staff in a research, genomics, or clinical laboratory setting.
Regulatory & Technical Expertise
• Direct experience executing and documenting LDT validation studies
• Direct experience executing and documenting LDT validation studies and working knowledge of NYSDOH regulatory requirements and clinical laboratory approval processes
• Extensive hands-on experience in genomics, molecular biology, and microbiology workflows, including DNA/RNA extraction, PCR/qPCR, and NGS library preparation, and experience operating Illumina sequencing platforms
• Experience implementing or managing Laboratory Information Management Systems (LIMS) and managing reagent procurement, supply chain logistics, and vendor relationships
• Experience with laboratory automation technologies (e.g., liquid handlers), strong knowledge of GLP, BSL-2 safety procedures, Good Documentation Practice, and HIPAA compliance
Core Competencies
• Ability to independently manage complex laboratory operations in a fast-paced environment with strong project management, planning, and prioritization skills
• Exceptional organizational skills, attention to detail, and strong troubleshooting/problem-solving abilities for laboratory protocols and workflows
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including technical documentation and presentations
• Ability to work effectively in a collaborative, interdisciplinary team and foster a high-performance laboratory environment
Compensation & Benefits
Salary is commensurate with experience within a target range of $115,000 – $135,000 per year, plus stock options. This is a full-time, on-site position and includes a comprehensive benefits package.
To Apply:
Please send CV, cover letter, and contact information for three references to humanresources@biotia.io.
Biotia is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We value diversity and do not discriminate based on Race, Color, Religion, Sex, Sexual Orientation, Gender Identity, National Origin, Age, Genetic Information, Disability, Protected Veteran Status, or any other legally protected group status.