R&D Laboratory Manager

Lab Operations & Infrastructure

Job Summary

We are a fast-growing material science startup developing next-generation materials that address critical challenges in the semiconductor industry. As we scale from an early-stage startup into a thriving small enterprise, we are building an R&D organization that can push the boundaries of science while ensuring operational excellence.

Position Overview

We are looking for a hands-on R&D Lab Manager who will not only run the day-to-day operations of our laboratory but also help design, implement, and scale the systems, processes, and infrastructure that will fuel our growth.

Responsibilities

Lab Operations & Infrastructure

- Oversee daily operations of the R&D laboratory, ensuring safety, compliance, and efficiency.

- Establish and enforce laboratory protocols, safety programs (EHS), and quality systems.

- Manage purchasing, inventory, and vendor relationships for lab equipment, chemicals, and consumables.

- Develop and maintain laboratory documentation, SOPs, and regulatory records.

R&D Program Support

- Work closely with scientists and engineers to ensure experiments run smoothly and projects are well supported.

- Assist with equipment setup, calibration, maintenance, and troubleshooting.

- Implement data management systems and workflows to streamline R&D output.

- Support technology transfer from early-stage prototypes to scalable processes.

Team Leadership & Growth

- Hire, train, and mentor lab technicians and junior staff as the team expands.

- Cultivate a culture of safety, collaboration, and accountability.

- Partner with leadership to forecast R&D resource needs and align lab capabilities with company milestones.

Strategic Contribution

- Contribute to decisions on lab expansion, facility planning, and capital equipment investments.

- Collaborate with leadership on IP strategy, grant proposals, and customer/partner interactions as needed.

- Identify opportunities to improve efficiency and scalability of R&D operations.

Qualifications

- Bachelor’s, Master’s, or PhD in Material Science, Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Physics, or related field.

- 5+ years of hands-on laboratory experience, including at least 2 years in a leadership or management role.

- Strong knowledge of lab safety practices, regulatory compliance (OSHA, EPA, etc.), and QA/QC systems.

- Proven ability to scale lab operations in a startup or dynamic environment.

- Excellent organizational, problem-solving, and project management skills.

- Strong interpersonal skills and ability to collaborate across scientific, engineering, and business teams.

Bonus Skills

- Familiarity with grant funding, IP management, or partnerships with academic/industry labs.

- Prior experience in a high-growth startup environment.

We are looking for passionate thinkers, doers, and problem-solvers who share our vision that big challenges are big opportunities for change.

Why Join Us?

- Opportunity to shape the foundation of a cutting-edge material science company.

- Work directly with founders and leadership to influence strategy and growth.

- Build and lead a team that will scale scientific discoveries into real-world impact.

Visit www.mivium.com for more information.

Job Types: Full-time, Part-time

Pay: $40.00 - $50.00 per hour

Ability to Commute:

- Fremont, CA 94538 (Required)

Ability to Relocate:

- Fremont, CA 94538: Relocate before starting work (Required)

Work Location: In person