Vice President of Laboratory Operations

About Plasmidsaurus

Plasmidsaurus is on a mission to accelerate new cures and promote a healthier planet by unlocking a new level of productivity for scientists. Our sequencing services are used daily by thousands of innovators, including Nobel laureates, Fortune 100 pharma, and over 70,000 scientists.

We began by revolutionizing plasmid sequencing, making it exponentially cheaper and faster, with innovative sequencing technologies and a global network of laboratories that turn samples into answers in hours, not weeks.

Now we are expanding that same disruptive model across all of genomics. With the launch of our new RNA-seq service, we are taking a bold step toward our vision to sequence everything, providing scientists everywhere with faster, simpler, and more affordable access to the data that powers discovery.

Every team member at Plasmidsaurus plays a crucial role in driving the future of biotech research. Together, we are building the worlds most efficient sequencing engine that operates overnight, scales globally, and helps scientists make breakthroughs faster than ever before.

About the Role

Plasmidsaurus is seeking a Vice President of Lab Operations to lead and scale our global lab operations. This role will report to the CTO and ensure that our labs operate safely, efficiently, and in compliance as we continue to innovate and expand our products and international customer base. The VP of Labs will oversee all aspects of global lab operations, including personnel, safety, procurement, compliance, and QA, while leading a culture of excellence and continuous improvement.

This position will be based out of Louisville, KY, San Francisco, CA, or Boston, MA, and will require frequent travel (25%+) between international locations, including all Plasmidsaurus labs. Current locations include the cities listed above as well as, Singapore, Cologne, Germany, London, UK, Seattle, WA, Eugene, OR, San Diego, CA, and Los Angeles, CA.

Role Objectives

Design and execute a global laboratory strategy across 10+ sites, to support commercial growth and ensure clinical readiness. Optimize for scalability, standardization, and measurable improvements in cost, quality, and throughput.

Lead and develop lab personnel, ensuring capacity and succession planning across locations via strong org structure, talent development and sustainability strategy.

Support transition toward regulated operations across global lab operations, i.e., ISO, CLIA, CAP, etc., by implementing quality systems, audit frameworks, and data-integrity controls aligned with clinical customer requirements.

Develop the global data architecture, including LIMS, sample tracking, and workflow automation systems.

Build long term capacity, technology, and investment planning across lab automation, digital systems strategy, and infrastructure investment to optimize productivity

Responsibilities

Develop and grow a high-performing team across 10 global labs (and growing!)

Implement and monitor metrics around turnaround time, quality, and efficiency, and drive continual improvement

Oversee global budget and performance outcomes, partnering with Finance, Operations, and Product to align resource allocation with revenue growth, margin targets, and operational KPIs

Develop and maintain SOPs, training materials, and other lab-related documentation

Manage vendor relationships, own lab procurement and inventory management

Develop, implement, and maintain lab safety programs, emergency protocols, training initiatives and related updates and communications

With Operations, ensure full compliance with federal, state, and local regulations (e.g., OSHA, biosafety, waste disposal)

Ensure that labs are designed and maintained for safety, scalability, and scientific excellence; participate in the evaluation and selection of lab leases and facilities planning

Oversee QA programs and processes, including laboratory quality systems, documentation, as well as internal and external audits

Ensure data integrity across all lab processes

Partner with software and hardware teams to design, implement, and optimize automated systems

You should bring :

10+ years of experience in laboratory management, with at least 3 years in a leadership role

Strong knowledge of lab compliance frameworks and safety standards across international lab locations

Proven experience in global lab operations, process optimization, and QA implementation

Exceptional communication, leadership, and project management skills

Successful experience building and scaling lab operations in a high-growth, rapidly evolving startup environment

Experience developing a LIMS a plus

Bachelors or Masters degree in Biology, Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, or related field preferred

We encourage you to apply even if your experience doesn't perfectly align with the job description as we seek out diverse and creative perspectives. Team members who love to learn and collaborate in an inclusive environment will thrive with us. We are an equal opportunity employer and do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status. If you need additional accommodations to feel comfortable during your interview process, please let us know at careers@plasmidsaurus.com.