Lab Manager

About REEgen
REEgen is pioneering biologically-driven approaches to rare earth element production. As we build out our R&D capabilities in Ithaca, NY, we’re looking for a Lab Manager who can help establish and maintain an efficient, safe, and well-organized laboratory environment. We are open to candidates who want to start part-time (20–30 hrs/week) or full-time, with the expectation that the role will grow into a full-time (40 hrs/week) position as responsibilities expand and the company scales.

Position Summary
The Lab Manager will oversee day-to-day operations, procurement, and compliance for a growing biotech lab. Candidates may begin part-time while onboarding and helping establish core systems, with responsibilities and hours increasing as the lab’s needs grow. This is an ideal role for someone who enjoys building processes, maintaining order, and enabling scientific work in a fast-paced startup environment.

Core Responsibilities
Procurement, Inventory, and Budget Management

• Manage procurement of supplies, reagents, consumables, and equipment.
• Maintain digital systems for inventory, tracking, data logging, and/or compliance.
• Track lab expenditures and assist with budget management.
• Maintain relationships with vendors and service providers.
• Contribute to setting up new lab spaces, equipment, and workflows.

Lab Operations & Maintenance

• Oversee inventory levels, ordering, and organization of materials.
• Assist with media preparation and glassware cleaning/preparation.
• Develop schedules for equipment maintenance, calibration, and repairs.
• Coordinate waste disposal in compliance with safety and environmental regulations.
• Ensure proper labeling and storage of chemicals and biological materials.
• Draft, implement, and enforce policies for maintaining a clean, organized, and safe lab environment.

Expanded Responsibilities
Regulatory & Compliance

• Maintain SDS libraries and chemical inventories.
• Implement and reinforce lab safety protocols (PPE, biosafety, fire safety, etc.).
• Assist with preparation for inspections (OSHA, EPA, FDA, etc.).
• Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local regulations.

Team & Resource Coordination

• Coordinate with the R&D team to ensure timely access to materials, equipment, and support.
• Help onboard new teammembers to lab procedures and safety practices.

Scientific & Technical Support

• Prepare media, buffers, and solutions.
• Assist with experiment setup or basic data collection.
• Contribute to SOPs and technical documentation.

Part-Time Start Considerations

• Focus on establishing systems that can run smoothly as hours increase.
• Prioritize high-impact operational tasks during limited on-site hours.
• Expect responsibilities and hours to grow with the company’s needs.