About Us

Cortical Labs Pty Ltd is an Australian biotechnology company pioneering a new category of computing by integrating living biological systems with silicon-based hardware. Our multidisciplinary team spans neuroscience, stem cell biology, engineering, and product design, working together to build the world’s first commercial biological computing platforms.

At the core of our technology are microelectrode array systems that connect living neurons with custom hardware and software, enabling real-time interaction between biological neural networks and digital environments. This platform operates at the intersection of biotechnology, engineering, and computation — creating biocomputers that are not merely faster or more efficient, but fundamentally different.

Our work is driven by both scientific rigour and curiosity. We are exploring what becomes possible when neural systems can learn, adapt, and operate within digital environments.

We have successfully developed and launched the CL1, the world’s first commercial biological computer, demonstrating real-time learning in neural systems. We will soon expand global access through our cloud-based platform, enabling researchers and partners worldwide to interact with and build upon this technology.

Who We're Seeking

Cortical Labs is seeking an experienced Senior Laboratory Manager to lead operations at our PC2-certified hybrid research facility in Melbourne. As the company grows, thoughtful laboratory governance, resilient infrastructure, and inclusive leadership will be essential to sustaining research momentum and meeting evolving regulatory and organisational needs.

This is a senior, high-trust role with significant autonomy and influence. You will oversee laboratory operations, safety, and compliance, shaping and governing a complex research environment that supports biological research alongside integrated hardware and software development. Working closely with scientists, engineers, and leadership, you will help design systems and standards that enable safe, scalable, and rigorous research.

We are looking for a laboratory leader with deep expertise in operations, compliance, and infrastructure who is comfortable guiding decision-making and setting clear, practical standards. Just as importantly, we value leaders who take a collaborative, people-centred approach — building environments that support both scientific excellence and the wellbeing, development, and inclusion of the people working within them.

You Have:

• 8+ years experience managing biological research laboratories, ideally at PC2 level in Australia
• Direct responsibility for biosafety, compliance, and inspection readiness, not just exposure to them
• Deep familiarity with OGTR requirements, GLP, risk assessments, SOPs, and laboratory governance
• Experience designing, setting up, or scaling laboratory operations and infrastructure
• Strong operational judgement and the confidence to set boundaries when safety or quality is at stake
• The ability to work independently while collaborating closely with scientists, engineers, and technical teams
• A calm, practical approach to working in ambiguous, fast-moving environments

Key Responsibilities

• Own the day-to-day operation of Cortical Labs’ PC2-certified laboratory
• Ensure ongoing compliance with biosafety, regulatory, and institutional requirements
• Develop, maintain, and evolve SOPs, risk assessments, and safety documentation
• Design and manage laboratory zoning, workflows, and access in a hybrid environment
• Oversee equipment maintenance, calibration, and servicing
• Manage consumables, inventory, procurement, and waste streams
• Support onboarding and training of laboratory users in safety and operational best practice
• Act as the primary point of contact for facilities, suppliers, service providers, and external stakeholders

What Success Looks Like

In the first three months, you have a clear and accurate understanding of the current state of the laboratory. You have reviewed existing SOPs, compliance documentation, and infrastructure, identified gaps or risks, and begun implementing practical improvements. The lab is calmer, more organised, and visibly inspection-ready, and researchers understand how things are meant to run and why.

By 12 months, the laboratory operates predictably and confidently. Compliance and inspections are well managed rather than stressful. Systems for access, storage, equipment, and safety scale with the business rather than breaking under pressure. Researchers and engineers trust the environment and the standards in place, and your role is seen as a critical enabler of Cortical Labs’ research momentum and long-term growth.

Benefits

At Cortical Labs, we offer a comprehensive benefits package designed to support your professional and personal well-being. Here's what you can expect:

• Opportunity to define and scale a core platform at the frontier of neuroscience and computing.
• Collaborative, innovative, and mission-driven culture.
• Competitive compensation and benefits.
• Flexible work arrangements and supportive team environment.
• Office located in the heart of Melbourne’s innovation district.

Diversity and Inclusion

We believe in building a diverse and inclusive team and we encourage applications from women, non-binary individuals, and underrepresented groups in tech. We value a wide range of experiences and career paths, and we know that not everyone will meet every criterion listed. If this role aligns with your experience and interests, we encourage you to apply.

At Cortical Labs, we believe the next revolution in computing won’t come from silicon alone. If you’re excited about the idea of running lab operations for a dynamic team (or similar) working with real living neurons, advanced computing infrastructure, and a world-class team - we encourage you to apply.