Laboratory Manager

Location: On-site at Pagliuca Harvard Life Lab, 127 Western Ave, Boston, MA 02134

Concerto Biosciences

At Concerto Biosciences, we are obsessed with microbes. We dream of a healthier world where microbial ecology enables advanced medicines and environmentally-conscious agricultural practices. To unlock microbial ecology, Concerto uses a novel screening technology from MIT to construct and observe millions of microbial cocultures in parallel—each its own tiny universe of possibilities. Our technology generates a totally new type of microbiome data that allows us to identify groups of microbes that perform beneficial functions. We call these groups “ensembles”. We are currently in the preclinical stage for our first product, an ensemble to treat eczema—a chronic, irritating, and psychologically stressful skin disease that affects over two hundred million people. Our goal is to discover the first-ever treatment that provides totally safe, sustained relief for eczema patients. Concerto will go on to develop a multitude of ensembles that solve the world’s greatest challenges in human health, food production, and bioremediation.

The Concerto team is our most important ensemble. We believe the best human ensembles, much like microbial ensembles, are diverse—composed of individuals with different backgrounds, cultures, genders, and beliefs. We are committed to building a company where you belong and where your voice is heard.

Role Description

As Concerto’s laboratory manager, you will maintain a smoothly operating laboratory infrastructure and support the needs of laboratory personnel. Initially, you will help set up Concerto’s new lab space, which includes separate “R&D” and “Manufacturing” spaces. Working closely with Concerto’s leadership and scientists, you will optimize and maintain standardized laboratory practices that enable efficient science, spanning (1) microbiology and molecular biology experiments, (2) screening endeavors for the discovery of new microbial ensembles, and (3) manufacturing of our preclinical drug substance (“ENS-002”).

This role will require diligent management of all laboratory operations, which covers laboratory safety, vendor interfacing, inventory planning/tracking, and proactive assessments of  laboratory equipment. We don’t expect you to have experience performing all of the responsibilities listed below. Indeed, just as you help Concerto grow, we hope to contribute to your intellectual and professional growth. You’ll have the opportunity to gain new skills by working with our world-class team, and you’ll also have the opportunity to advance within the company by taking on higher responsibility roles. As an early member of Concerto’s expanding team, you’ll play a critical role in developing Concerto’s culture and translating our core values into practice.

Responsibilities

• Serve as the primary point of contact for laboratory operations
• Build an extensive understanding of Concerto’s laboratory resources, infrastructure, and personnel that enables strategic resource allocation across projects and tasks
• Coordinate with laboratory teams to assess upcoming consumables and equipment needs
• Build, manage, and maintain a system for the timely procurement of laboratory consumables
• Build, manage, and maintain a system for the tracking of equipment usage and their maintenance schedules
• Be responsible for record keeping and tracking of chemicals, equipment, incident reports, and others
• Anticipate and troubleshoot operational needs within the laboratory
• Foster a clean, professional, and safe laboratory culture
• Be prepared to wear many hats and assist laboratory personnel in experiment prep-work and execution
• Embody Concerto’s core values in your work

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s or M.S. degree in a scientific discipline (e.g. Biology, Chemistry, Engineering)
• Minimum of 2 years of experience in a wet research lab setting, as a manager, associate, or coordinator
• Ability to work on site at Concerto’s laboratory in the Boston, MA area
• Excellent bookkeeping and organizational skills that enables proactive managerial practices
• A strong understanding of standard laboratory processes and protocols required to maintain a highly functioning  laboratory environment
• Ability to manage simultaneous responsibilities in a fast-paced environment, which often requires prioritization and exercising discretion
• Some experience in planning and budgeting laboratory expenditures
• Eagerness to learn and improve, e.g. by adopting new software or updated industry standards
• Strong interpersonal skills and strong written and verbal communication; an ability to communicate simply and clearly within a multifaceted community including expert and non-expert audiences

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience managing a laboratory and/or supporting a laboratory operations team
• Experience in creating and maintaining workplace standards (e.g. training manuals and laboratory organizational policies)
• Experience in a microbiology-specific wet research laboratory
• Clear understanding and familiarity with applicable Massachusetts and Federal regulations (e.g. OSHA, EPA, DOT)

Relevant Links

• Kehe et al. PNAS 2019
• Kehe et al. Sci. Adv. 2021
• Our core values

Want to Apply?