Laboratory Operations and Vivarium Manager
Operations
San Francisco, CA, USA
Posted on Sep 11, 2026
Job Title: Laboratory Operations and Vivarium Manager
Location: San Francisco, CA
Type: Full-Time (on-site)
Coherence Neuro is a highly interdisciplinary neurotechnology company solving some of the most challenging biological and medical problems that remain unmet. Our goal is to develop technologies that significantly increase the quality and length of life for those with debilitating and deadly cancers in the brain and body. We are backed by the best global venture capital firms, and are scaling our team across multiple sites to bring our products to those who need it as quickly and safely as possible. If you're driven to push the boundaries of engineering and science and want to help build something that genuinely changes lives, we want to hear from you. We value diversity and encourage applicants from all backgrounds to join us in our mission. Learn about our team here!
We are establishing an integrated biology laboratory, rodent vivarium, and engineering workshop space and are looking for a detail-oriented, hands-on Laboratory Operations and Vivarium Manager to bring them fully into operation. This person will set up equipment, establish stock and inventory systems, and design and implement all safety procedures and legal/regulatory requirements needed to house animals and run a compliant lab and workshop — then own the day-to-day operational infrastructure going forward: animal husbandry coordination, laboratory and workshop safety, inventory and procurement, equipment maintenance, vendor management, and documentation. This is an ideal role for someone who enjoys building systems from the ground up in a fast-paced startup environment, and who is equally comfortable in a vivarium, a BSL-2 lab, and a machine shop.
Key Responsibilities
Install and commission equipment across the biology laboratory and rodent vivarium and establish initial stock and consumables inventory
Design and implement all safety procedures, SOPs, and legal/regulatory requirements needed to house and work with research animals, including supporting IACUC protocol development and approval
Plan space allocation and access control across biology, engineering, and research teams as the facility scales
Ensure appropriate standards of animal care and husbandry; serve as the operational point of contact for IACUC-related compliance
Coordinate animal ordering, receipt, housing, and associated record keeping
Coordinate with contract veterinarians, veterinary technicians, and other external vivarium partners
Establish and maintain inventory systems for biolaboratory, vivarium, and engineering lab supplies and consumables
Manage purchasing across lab and workshop stock, ensuring critical supplies remain stocked
Maintain service records for lab equipment and workshop/machine shop tools; oversee preventative maintenance, calibration, and repair across both
Support engineering lab space bring-up, including tool inventory and equipment upkeep
Design and implement BSL-2 laboratory safety and biosafety programs
Design and implement laboratory safety protocols, training, and PPE programs for engineering staff
Establish and maintain chemical inventory and hazardous/biohazardous/e-waste disposal programs across all three facilities
Track required safety, animal-use, biosafety, and occupational health training/certifications for all lab and workshop personnel
Coordinate occupational health requirements for animal research personnel
Support inspection readiness and maintain audit-ready records and facilities
Maintain centralized records of permits, registrations, certifications, inspections, and renewal dates
Identify operational gaps across all facility areas and proactively develop practical solutions
Help establish effective organizational systems as the lab and workshop grow
Required Qualifications and Skills
Bachelor's degree in biology, animal science, biomedical/mechanical engineering, or a related discipline, or equivalent relevant professional experience
Prior experience in laboratory operations, vivarium operations, or facilities/lab operations at a biotech, medtech, or similar R&D environment
Experience with rodent husbandry and vivarium operations
Familiarity with IACUC-regulated animal research environments and laboratory animal welfare requirements, including protocol development
Experience coordinating with contract veterinarians, IACUC resources, occupational health providers, and external EHS consultants
Experience supporting BSL-2 laboratory operations
Experience with lab/workshop inventory, purchasing, equipment maintenance, and vendor coordination
Working knowledge of bio and engineering lab safety practices: chemical handling, hazardous waste, biological safety, and engineering lab safety
Strong organizational and documentation skills with exceptional attention to detail
Ability to manage multiple operational priorities independently across biology, vivarium, and engineering spaces
Strong written and verbal communication skills
Comfortable working hands-on in vivarium, lab, and workshop/shop-floor environments
Bonus Skills
Experience setting up a new lab, vivarium, or engineering/prototyping space from scratch
Familiarity with LIMS, inventory/purchasing, or compliance software
AALAS certification (ALAT, LAT, LATG) or other relevant laboratory animal science training
Experience maintaining equipment traceability and lifecycle records to support design controls and regulatory submissions
Prior experience in an early-stage biotech/medtech/hardware startup
Benefits
Healthcare, dental, and vision
401(k) with company match
20 days PTO/year + federal holidays
Daily meals and snacks on-site
Professional development support
A chance to work on impactful, life-changing technologies in a dynamic, innovative environment.
If you are passionate about innovation in healthcare and translation research, we would love to hear from you! Please submit your application here.
