Director, Laboratory Operations & Innovation
AnimalBiome · Oakland, CA
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Founded in 2016, Animal Biome develops innovative microbiome-based solutions, including microbiome testing, fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT), and next-generation microbial products. Our team combines scientific research, advanced laboratory technologies, and product innovation to develop practical solutions that improve companion animal health.Role DescriptionAnimalBiome is seeking an experienced scientific and operational leader to serve as Director, Laboratory Operations & Innovation. This position oversees three laboratory teams:Microbiome Operations: Manages our veterinary stool bank and production of FMT products, ensuring quality, efficiency, traceability, and reliable production capacity.Molecular Laboratory: Provides microbiome testing services, including DNA extraction, sequencing, and laboratory data delivery, with a focus on quality, throughput, turnaround time, and cost efficiency.Next Generation Probiotic Development: Advances innovative microbial products through strain discovery, characterization, cultivation, prototype development, and preparation for commercial manufacturing.The Director is responsible for ensuring operational excellence across these teams while advancing scientific innovation and continuous improvement.Key responsibilities include:Lead, mentor, and develop laboratory managers and scientific staff, fostering a collaborative culture of accountability, scientific rigor, and continuous improvement.Establish and manage laboratory performance metrics, including production output, sample throughput, turnaround times, quality, cost efficiency, and scientific development milestones.Proactively identify and resolve operational challenges, optimize laboratory workflows, and strengthen laboratory capabilities.Evaluate emerging technologies and scientific methods, develop evidence-based recommendations, and lead the timely implementation of improvements.Provide scientific and technical leadership for molecular diagnostics, microbial cultivation, and next-generation product development.Oversee laboratory capacity planning, resource allocation, quality systems, and operational scalability.Collaborate closely with scientific leaders in Fermentation & Product Quality, Field Trials, and Formulation & Portfolio Management to advance research and product development initiatives.Translate scientific and business priorities into actionable laboratory plans, exercising independent judgment and taking ownership of results.The ideal candidate combines strong scientific expertise with a demonstrated ability to lead multidisciplinary laboratory teams, improve operational performance, and translate scientific innovations into practical applications. We are looking for a proactive, collaborative leader who enjoys both scientific problem-solving and the operational challenges of managing a growing biotechnology laboratory organization.QualificationsRequiredAdvanced degree in microbiology, molecular biology, biotechnology, bioengineering, or a related life sciences discipline, or equivalent education and experience.Significant experience leading laboratory operations in biotechnology, molecular diagnostics, microbiology, or a related life sciences environment.Demonstrated success managing multidisciplinary scientific and technical teams, including managers.Strong understanding of laboratory quality systems, method validation, process optimization, and performance management.Proven ability to identify, evaluate, and implement laboratory technologies or process improvements that enhance quality, efficiency, or cost effectiveness.Experience managing complex scientific or technical projects, budgets, resources, and competing priorities.Strong scientific judgment, independent problem-solving abilities, and excellent communication and collaborative leadership skills.PreferredPhD in microbiology, molecular biology, microbial ecology, biotechnology, or a related field.Experience with next-generation sequencing, molecular diagnostics, laboratory automation, or LIMS.Experience with anaerobic microbiology, microbial cultivation, fermentation, or live microbial product development.Familiarity with microbial biobanking, quality control, and technology transfer to commercial manufacturing.Experience in companion animal health or microbiome science.Why Join Animal Biome?This is an opportunity to lead a unique laboratory organization spanning established commercial operations and innovative microbial research. You will work with talented scientists and technical teams, strengthen laboratory capabilities, implement new technologies, and help bring novel microbiome-based solutions to market.At Animal Biome, scientific innovation and operational excellence go hand in hand, and this role offers the opportunity to make a meaningful impact on both.