Job Description

Lab Manager – Process Development

Location: Torrance, CA

Base Salary: $120-140k base.

Scientific Search has partnered with an innovative biotech client is seeking a Lab Manager – Process Development to join their team. This role leads daily operations of a plant-cell-culture R&D lab while driving process-development projects from benchtop through pilot and tech-transfer phases. This hands-on role blends people leadership, rigorous GMP-style lab management, and deep technical engagement with upstream, downstream, and analytical unit operations.

Responsibilities

• Direct and mentor a team of technicians and junior scientists; set goals, provide coaching, and conduct performance reviews.
• Own daily lab scheduling, ensuring equipment, space, and personnel are allocated efficiently to meet project timelines and maintain excellent customer service.
• Coordinate preventive maintenance, calibration, and validation of critical equipment; minimize downtime and align with GMP requirements.
• Develop, implement, and enforce SOPs, batch records, and change-control processes.
• Design, optimize, and troubleshoot upstream, downstream, and integrated unit operations for plant and microbial cultures.
• Lead aseptic media prep, inoculation, and routine maintenance of suspension cultures; ensure sterility and data integrity.
• Plan and execute DOE-driven experiments; analyze results to establish robust, scalable process windows.
• Support pilot-scale and manufacturing tech transfer—including P&ID reviews, process hazard analyses, and validation protocols.
• Contribute to capital-equipment selection, facility assessments, and continuous-improvement initiatives.
• Interface between R&D, QA/Regulatory, Facilities, and Manufacturing.

Requirements

• B.S./M.S. in Chemical Engineering, Biochemical Engineering, Biology, or related field.
• 7–10 years combined experience in lab management and process development within biotech, food, or related industries.
• Demonstrated expertise with fermentation/cell-culture, filtration, and analytical methods.
• Proven track record of supervising staff, managing budgets, and maintaining GMP or GLP labs.
• Excellent interpersonal and written communication abilities.
• Preferred Qualifications:
• Experience with plant cell culture, photobioreactors, or alternative-protein development.
• Familiarity with CAD, process-simulation, or automation/control systems.
• Certification or formal training in Lean/Six Sigma, EHS management or GLP Auditing.

How To Apply: We’d love to see your resume, but we don’t need it to have a conversation. Send us an email to tom@scientificsearch.com and tell me why you’re interested. Or, feel free to email your resume.

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