Director, Laboratory Operations

Role Description: The Director, Laboratory Operations is a full-time, on-site role based in San Diego, CA. This role oversees daily laboratory activities, ensuring safe, efficient, and compliant operations aligned with company standards and regulatory requirements. Responsibilities include managing laboratory staff, setting performance expectations, and optimizing workflow, resources, and equipment utilization. The Director develops and implements laboratory policies and procedures, monitors quality control and quality assurance programs, and collaborates with cross-functional teams to support product development and clinical initiatives. The role also involves budgeting for laboratory operations, supporting audits and inspections, maintaining accurate documentation, and driving continuous improvement initiatives to enhance laboratory performance and reliability. This person will serve as the radiation safety officer (RSO) for our radiochemistry laboratory and in vivo RAM operations. Prior experience with radioactive materials is highly desired.

Qualifications: Strong laboratory operations and Laboratory Skills, including experience overseeing routine procedures, equipment maintenance, and safety practices. Expertise in Quality Control and Quality Assurance, with a track record of implementing and monitoring programs that ensure data integrity and regulatory compliance. Background in translational research, with the ability to guide technical work and interpret laboratory results to support research. Proven leadership experience managing laboratory teams, setting goals, and fostering a collaborative, inclusive, and safety-focused environment. Knowledge of applicable regulatory standards (e.g., CLIA, CAP, FDA, etc.) and experience preparing for and supporting audits and inspections. Strong organizational, analytical, and problem-solving skills, with the ability to prioritize multiple projects and meet deadlines. Excellent written and verbal communication skills for documentation, reporting, and cross-functional collaboration. Terminal degree in a relevant scientific or medical discipline (e.g., Laboratory Science, Microbiology, Biomedical Science) is required. Experience in neuro-related, medical device, or cell and gene therapy environments is a plus.