Lab Manager

About CleanJoule Inc.

CleanJoule Inc. is a sustainable aviation fuel development company based out of Salt Lake City, Utah. Our novel, one-of-a-kind technology, allows us to harness energy from biomass and convert it to superior performance aviation fuel.

We are a passionate and creative group of engineers, scientists, and visionaries focused on clean energy solutions, with the purpose of creating a sustainable planet, reducing global carbon emissions, and ultimately combatting climate change.

We’re looking for detail-oriented team members who pride themselves on solving problems while bringing positive energy and strong communication skills to the table. If this describes you, come join our team today and contribute to the success of our organization!

Position Summary

CleanJoule is seeking a highly organized and technically skilled professional to manage lab operations. This role is critical to ensuring the smooth, safe, and efficient functioning of our R&D facilities focused on media development, microbial handling, and bioprocess scale-up.

The ideal candidate will manage day-to-day lab operations, including inventory, procurement, equipment maintenance while upholding the highest standards of safety, compliance, and documentation. This role requires a hands-on approach to preparing lab reagents and media, performing basic microbial tasks, and supporting bioreactor-based experiments. In addition, the candidate will serve as a key liaison between scientists, technicians, vendors, and service providers, ensuring that laboratory systems and workflows align with CleanJoule’s research goals.

This position plays a vital role in fostering a culture of operational excellence, continuous improvement, and regulatory readiness, while mentoring lab staff and enabling scientific productivity.

Key Responsibilities

Lab Operations & Technical Support

- Maintain adequate inventory of consumables, reagents, and media across all bioprocess labs.

- Manage ordering, procurement, and vendor interactions to ensure timely delivery of lab supplies.

- Prepare stock solutions, buffers, and media to support media development and scaleup/optimization R&D activities.

- Perform basic microbial handling, including strain storage, revival, streaking/plating, and culture preparation.

- Oversee routine calibration, troubleshooting, and preventive maintenance of bioreactors and associated equipment.

- Implement scheduling systems for efficient use of bioreactors and shared instruments.

Safety & Compliance

- Enforce compliance with biosafety, chemical hygiene, and waste disposal protocols.

- Conduct safety checks for bioreactors, compressed gases, and hazardous materials.

- Maintain and update laboratory SOPs, MSDS records, and safety documentation.

- Coordinate and deliver lab safety training for staff on microbial handling and equipment use.

Documentation & Quality

- Maintain accurate records for solution preparation, strain handling, and media formulations.

- Oversee inventory tracking and labeling systems (ELN/LIMS or equivalent).

- Keep logs of equipment performance, calibration, and service records.

- Support audits by maintaining compliance-ready lab documentation.

Team & Vendor Coordination

- Serve as the primary contact for equipment vendors and service providers.

- Manage service contracts and coordinate maintenance visits.

- Train and mentor lab technicians in solution preparation, microbial handling, and standard lab practices.

- Facilitate communication between R&D scientists, facilities, and external partners.

Continuous Improvement

- Evaluate and recommend new lab technologies and workflow improvements.

- Monitor lab efficiency and propose changes to enhance safety, compliance, and productivity.

- Stay current with emerging best practices in bioprocess and microbiology lab management.

Qualifications

- Bachelor’s degree in Biotechnology, Bioprocess Engineering, Microbiology, or related field.

- 3-5 years of laboratory management experience in a bioprocessing, fermentation, or R&D setting.

- Hands-on experience with bioreactors, media preparation, and microbial strain handling is strongly preferred.

- Strong knowledge of biosafety, chemical hygiene, and regulatory compliance.

- Experience managing vendor relationships and service contracts.

- Excellent organizational, communication, and problem-solving skills.

Physical Demands

Frequent lifting and moving of items up to fifty (50) pounds, bending, reaching above shoulder level, climbing stairs, pulling, prolonged standing or sitting may be required. Must have safe work habits and perform all duties in accordance with company safety policies and practices.

This position may require the use of personal protective equipment that may include eye or face protection, gloves, masks, respirators, safety shoes, earplugs, coveralls and/or uniforms that are provided by the company and its use is mandatory. All duties and responsibilities are essential functions and requirements and are subject to modification to accommodate individuals with disabilities.

General

This position is based in Salt Lake City, Utah with work performed on-site. CleanJoule is an At-Will, VEVRAA, Equal Employment Opportunity Employer, E-Verify, and Drug Free Workplace. Employment is contingent upon successful completion of a background verification and drug screen.

Benefits:

CleanJoule offers a competitive compensation and benefits package (health, dental, vision, employee and dependent life coverage(s) and accidental death and dismemberment, short-term disability, long-term disability, flexible spending accounts, health savings account, 401k matching, PTO, holiday pay, parental leave, and bonus potential).

EEO Statement:

CleanJoule is an Equal Opportunity Employer and embraces diversity in our employee population. We are excited to work with talented individuals from a wide range of backgrounds. All employment decisions at CleanJoule are based on business needs, job requirements and individual qualifications, without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, protected veteran status or special disabled veteran, marital status, pregnancy, genetic information, or any other legally protected status.

FLSA Classification: Exempt