Manager, Lab Operations & Safety

About BIIE

The Botnar Institute of Immune Engineering (BIIE) is a new interdisciplinary research institute dedicated to innovation in immune engineering. Founded in 2025 through a generous endowment from Fondation Botnar, the BIIE supports scientists in taking on some of the world’s most challenging problems in immunology and global health. The institute unites experts across immunology, biomedicine, bioengineering, computational biology, artificial intelligence, and machine learning, creating a unique multidisciplinary environment with a mission to make a lasting impact and to train future leaders in immune engineering. BIIE’s cutting-edge research spans systems immunology, synthetic biology, and computational immunology – all underpinned by advanced scientific computing and data analysis.

Position Overview

The BIIE is seeking a Manager in Lab Operations & Safety to establish and oversee the institute's research support operations in its new state-of-the-art facility in Allschwil. Reporting to the Director of Research Operations, this role will be critical in two distinct phases: (1) supporting facility commissioning and laboratory relocation planned in Q1 2027, and (2) managing day-to-day research support services that unburden researchers from technical and organizational tasks. As BIIE's certified Lab and Safety Manager (Sicherheitsbeauftragter), you will ensure full compliance with Swiss safety and environmental regulations. This is an excellent opportunity for a service-oriented, hands-on laboratory professional to implement research support infrastructure and safety protocols in a new research institute.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead laboratory commissioning and relocation into BIIE’s new Allschwil facility, including equipment installation, validation, and operational readiness.
• Establish and manage shared laboratory operations, SOPs, and interfaces with landlord-provided services.
• Build, supervise, and develop a small lab operations and safety support team (e.g., autoclaving, consumables ordering and stocking, internal logistics).
• Oversee equipment and infrastructure lifecycle management, including procurement, maintenance, calibration, asset tracking, and cold storage systems.
• Manage laboratory consumables, internal logistics, and cost-effective inventory operations.
• Serve as BIIE’s certified Lab and Safety Manager (Sicherheitsbeauftragter), ensuring compliance with Swiss safety, biosafety, and environmental regulations.
• Implement laboratory safety programs, training, inspections, incident response, alarms, and waste management.
• Act as the central operational liaison between scientists, facilities, EHS, purchasing, and external vendors.

Education & Experience

• Master's degree or PhD in life sciences, biotechnology, biochemistry, or related field
• Minimum 5 years of experience in laboratory operations, research support, or facility management in academic or biotech/pharma settings
• Experience with laboratory commissioning, equipment qualification, or facility startup projects preferred
• Experience supervising technical staff or coordinating laboratory operations

Regulatory & Safety Expertise

• Certification as Lab and Safety Manager (Sicherheitsbeauftragter) in Switzerland obtained or commitment to obtain within 6 months
• Working knowledge of Swiss safety, biosafety (biosafety levels 1-2), chemical safety, and environmental regulations
• Understanding of logistics and regulatory requirements for biological materials, including customs and transport regulations

Preferred Technical Skills

• Hands-on experience with laboratory equipment and analytical instruments common in life sciences research
• Practical knowledge of laboratory workflows and equipment in molecular biology, cell culture, protein biochemistry, and analytical methods
• Familiarity with laboratory information management systems (LIMS), inventory management, and maintenance tracking
• Experience developing SOPs, technical documentation, and training materials

Joining BIIE as the Manager for Lab Operations & Safety offers a unique opportunity to have a profound impact on a growing institute at the forefront of biomedical innovation. You will be a key contributor to groundbreaking research in immune engineering, directly enabling discoveries that could transform healthcare and save lives.

If you are experienced with lab operations and safety with a passion for science and innovation, we encourage you to apply and join us in building a world-class computing environment at BIIE. Together, we will empower researchers to push the boundaries of immune engineering and make a real difference in the world.