Biosurgery R&D Lab Operations Manager - MedTech Surgery

About the role

The Biosurgery R&D Lab Operations Manager will lead and manage daily laboratory operations for multidisciplinary R&D labs supporting chemistry, pilot process equipment, and mechanical device projects. This hands-on leader will maintain safe, efficient lab environments, oversee lab systems and instrumentation, manage consumables and vendor relationships, and partner with Facilities and Procurement to build and commission new capabilities that enable research teams.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage daily laboratory operations for multidisciplinary R&D labs supporting chemistry, pilot process equipment, and mechanical device projects.
• Maintain laboratory readiness: equipment calibration, preventive maintenance, instrument qualification, and service scheduling.
• Develop, implement, and maintain lab policies, standard operating procedures (SOPs), work instructions, and records to ensure reproducible research and audit readiness.
• Manage consumable, chemical, and spare parts inventory; forecast needs and coordinate with Procurement to ensure timely availability.
• Cook with Facilities and Procurement to plan, scope, and oversee installation of new lab capabilities, benches, utilities, HVAC modifications, and capital equipment.
• Serve as EHS focal point for the lab: implement chemical hygiene, biosafety, hazardous waste handling, spill response, PPE programs, and ensure compliance with internal and external EHS requirements.
• Train and coach lab staff, enforce safe work practices, oversee lab access for staff and maintain training records and competency documentation.
• Facilitate cross-functional collaboration among research scientists, mechanical engineers, chemists, quality, and operations to remove logistical barriers and accelerate development.
• Maintain laboratory documentation systems and ensure version control and data integrity.
• Manage contracted services and vendor relationships for instrument service, calibration, and facility modifications.
• Lead continuous improvement initiatives to improve throughput, reduce downtime, and enhance lab safety and efficiency.
• Support budgeting and expense tracking for lab supplies, equipment, and facility changes.
• Participate in project meetings, contribute to risk assessments, and escalate issues where appropriate.

Qualifications / Requirements

• Associates or Bachelors Degree in a relevant scientific, engineering, or technical field (e.g., chemistry, mechanical engineering, biomedical engineering, biology) or equivalent experience required.
• At least 5+ years of progressive experience managing laboratory operations in an R&D environment supporting chemistry and/or mechanical device development.
• Demonstrated knowledge of environmental health & safety requirements: chemical safety, hazardous waste management, biosafety principles, and lab risk assessments required.
• Strong documentation skills: experience writing and maintaining SOPs, equipment logs, and electronic lab records required.
• Prior experience with vendor and facilities liaison: planning and executing lab build-outs, equipment procurement, and installations.
• Excellent organizational and project-management skills with the ability to prioritize multiple concurrent tasks.
• Assertive, decisive, and effective communicator capable of influencing cross-functional stakeholders.
• Proficiency with common laboratory and operations software (MS Office, inventory systems, LIMS or ELN preferred, CMMS beneficial).

Preferred Experience

• In regulated environments (GLP/GMP/QSR) or formal quality systems.
• Hands-on experience with a broad range of lab instrumentation for chemistry and mechanical testing (e.g., analytical instruments, test rigs, force/torque sensors).
• Certification or formal training in lab safety, hazardous materials handling, or biosafety (e.g., CHP, CIH, biosafety/bloodborne pathogens training).
• Experience supervising technical staff and managing contractors.

Core Competencies & Attributes

• Highly organized and detail-oriented; strong follow-through.
• Collaborative team-player who proactively identifies and removes roadblocks for researchers.
• Assertive and comfortable escalating/resolving issues with facilities, procurement, and partners.
• Strong written and verbal communication; clear, concise documentation style.
• Problem-solver with practical, hands-on troubleshooting ability.
• Commitment to continuous improvement and operational excellence.
• Strong ethics and attention to data integrity and record keeping.

Johnson & Johnson is an Equal Opportunity Employer