ATCC is seeking a full time direct hire Supervisor, Laboratory Operations to work onsite at ATCC headquarters in Manassas VA. Supervisor, Laboratory Operations– Cell Biology will lead a team responsible for manufacturing of Cell Biology catalog products, contract manufactured products and newly tech transferred items. This position is also responsible for the Preservation department. Process improvements and leading documentation improvements will be required in all areas. 

The ideal candidate will serve as a hands-on leader in manufacturing to hire, train, develop and lead personnel in being able to manufacture products that meet ATCC quality and regulatory standards. This position will need to assess, develop, and implement process and product improvements for cellular biology products and preservation improvements for all products going through that department. They will have demonstrated success in managing manufacturing teams and processes. The Supervisor will work collaboratively with Quality, MSAT, Facilities and other Operations departments.

The Supervisor, Laboratory Operations is responsible for coordinating and assigning daily activities of one or more functional units within the laboratories. They demonstrate expertise in scientific and technical aspects and are responsible for training and providing direction to the laboratory staff, aiding in the resolution of problems, mitigating risk, and ensuring efficient operations of equipment to meet schedules. The Supervisor, Laboratory Operations takes part in vendor negotiations, implements new laboratory services, and provides input to support decision making.

The Supervisor, Laboratory Operations works on complex issues where analysis of situation or data requires a review of relevant factors. They seek feedback and recommend changes to laboratory policies and optimization of processes to ensure organizational objectives are met and methodologies are in full compliance with requirements, standards, and protocols. They exercise judgment within defined procedures and policies to determine appropriate action.

1. Direct and coordinate the laboratory staff and maintain an adequate inventory of lab glassware, materials, and laboratory equipment. Oversee cost control, waste reduction, quality, and safety. Attend and lead staff and project team meetings. Create, develop, and implement Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), work instructions, departmental policies, and protocols.
2. Ensure effective operation of all laboratory equipment and serve as point of contact for procurement of new equipment or instrument repairs.
3. Organize and participate in vendor negotiations, product and software evaluations, tutorials, and facility modifications. Manage planning and development for new laboratory services and expansion of current services. Provide input on operational expenses and labor to support the annual budget process.
4. Select, develop, and evaluate personnel to ensure the efficient operation of the function. Ensure employees are aware of their performance levels through regular communication as well as through providing timely performance appraisals. Train new scientific staff in the general use and function of designated instrumentation and create and refine user protocol for general use.
5. Ensure test methodologies provide quality of results required and are in full compliance with Quality Assurance (QA) requirements, regulatory requirements, standards, and protocols. Troubleshoot out-of-specification results, analyze data, and oversee process changes.
6. Provide technical input to purchasing and other functional areas. Develop and evaluate new and/or existing assays for characterization/authorization of biological materials. Review custom product requests for feasibility and accuracy.
7. Compile and document data for program key performance indicators (KPIs) metrics. Prepare reports, conduct technical presentations, and keep Senior Management informed of progress and problems. When appropriate, participate in scientific meetings, seminars, and workshops to stay abreast of technology advances.
8. Interact externally with scientific community and customers to answer inquiries and assist with technical problems, as needed. Interact cross-functionally to provide progress, updates, and challenges to Senior Management and integrated project staff.
9. Participate in capacity planning with Production Planning. Provide weekly backorder updates and ensure attainment to schedule of planned production and/or departmental goals.
10. Review batch records and/or appropriate internal/external documentation to ensure accuracy. Approve and/or process batch records to the appropriate party for material release.

Education and Experience:

  Bachelor's degree and 5 or more years' experience, including 0-2 years' supervisory experience or equivalent experience.

• Experience with process or method development and/or tech transfer is preferred
• Experience in managing a team is preferred
• Hands-on experience in cell culture preferred (BSL-1 and BSL-2)
• Strong written and oral communication skills
• Excellent time management and project management skills
• Excellent interpersonal skills with the ability to interact with all levels of the organization both orally and in writing; consistent track record of working multi-functionally
• Understands good laboratory practices and good manufacturing practices
• Ability to multitask and complete projects in a fast-paced environment
• Must be self-motivated, meticulous, organized, a critical thinker, a problem solver, and have the ability to collaborate well with a team
• Embraces change and is results driven
• Proven ability to effectively manage up and down, apply discretion, maintain confidences, and demonstrate organizational savvy
• Solid leadership, personnel management, coaching, delegating and evaluation skills
• Strong commitment to excellence and a passion for cultivating strong cross-functional relationships and championing business growth.

• Self-starter, motivated and takes initiative; strong interpersonal and problem-solving skills; able to work collaboratively with all levels of staff to resolve problems and external partners to maximize performance, creativity, problem solving and results
• Must be proficient in MS Office Applications

Travel Requirements:

• Travel may be required, as needed.

 Other Duties:

• Perform other duties as assigned.

Founded in 1925, ATCC is a non-profit organization with a mission to acquire, authenticate, preserve, develop, standardize, and distribute biological materials and information for the advancement and application of scientific knowledge.

ATCC is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment because of race, color, sex, age, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, status as a veteran, and basis of disability or any other federal, state or local protected class.