Lab Ops Director - Brighton/Ann Arbor MI
Kelly® Science & Clinical is seeking a Head of Laboratory Operations for a direct-hire position at an industry-leading biotechnology company in the Ann Arbor, Michigan area.
About the role
This company is a premier biotechnology company focused on advancing human cell engineering and molecular biology innovation. As a software-first company, it leads the world in testing predictive models for cellular reprogramming. In this role, you’ll work closely with senior scientific leadership, Laboratory Managers, Laboratory Scientists, and external subject matter experts to execute mission-critical experiments at the bench, serve as the scientific liaison for all lab operations, and direct the lab’s strategic and day-to-day technical functions. This role offers the opportunity to shape lab processes, mentor team members, and support the company’s mission of delivering reliable, reproducible research.
Responsibilities
- Work directly at the bench day-to-day—designing, optimizing, and running experiments while acting as the senior technical authority for all in-house work
- Develop, validate, and refine protocols with deep technical expertise, particularly in human cell culture, viral work, molecular biology (cell culturing, viral vector design, plasmids, protein design, lipid nanoparticles, IP development, transfection/transduction), and project management
- Lead hands-on troubleshooting of experiments as new techniques are introduced
- Provide technical direction and mentorship to lab staff, overseeing execution and ensuring quality, with 2 direct reports currently and up to 5 within a year
- Align scientific approaches with company vision, operating outside traditional academic labs, in a fast-moving startup environment under tight budgets and timelines
- Coordinate and manage external partnerships with CROs, FDA/GMP-cleared labs, and academic partners
- Hold legal responsibility for laboratory compliance, including biosafety, BSL-2, bloodborne pathogen, and recombinant DNA requirements; serve as the senior EHS/regulatory contact
- Manage laboratory safety registrations and protocols
- Actively communicate progress and potential issues to senior leadership promptly
Qualifications
- PhD in Molecular Biology, Cell Biology, or a related life science with 5+ years of relevant industry experience preferred, or an MS with 10+ years industry experience; experience outside academic-only labs strongly preferred
- Prior hands-on experimentation and wet lab leadership
- Expertise in human cell culture (including stem/primary cell systems), viral vector design, transfection/transduction, and molecular biology required. Experience with mmRNA design/synthesis/delivery, sequencing (RNA-seq, scRNA-seq), flow cytometry, PCR/qPCR, Western blot, ELISA (sequencing is a lower priority)
- Proven project management and external partnership (CRO/startup/regulated lab) experience
- Demonstrated ability to lead by influence and authority, manage timelines/budgets, and work collaboratively at all levels
- Strong communicator, proactive problem solver, energetic leader—must not be passive or agenda-driven
- Legal accountability and experience with biosafety and compliance protocols
Pay
$120,000–$150,000/year (based on experience and qualifications).
Benefits
- Full benefits package available
- Voluntary benefit plans including medical, dental, vision, telemedicine, term life, whole life, accident insurance, critical illness, and a legal plan
- Retirement savings plan
- Service bonus and holiday pay plans (earn up to eight paid holidays per benefit year)
- Transit spending account
- Paid sick leave under the applicable state or local plan
- Open to possible relocation
Schedule
- 100% onsite, with standard hours, Monday–Friday
- 1–2 national/international trips per quarter