Sound Agriculture leverages natural plant diversity to grow crops more sustainably and to create differentiated, tastier, and more nutritious food. Sound is a recognized innovator of nutrient efficiency products and new plant breeding approaches. We are a Series C startup funded by leading investors in food and agriculture such as Seed2Growth, Fall Line Capital, Cultivian Sandbox Ventures, Cavallo Ventures and Syngenta Ventures.

We are seeking an experienced Lab Operations Manager to join our R&D team. This is a critical position providing operations leadership in support of a growing R&D team. A major focus of the role will be to manage, enhance, and optimize Sound’s systems for ordering, inventory, safety and lab team onboarding. The role will report to the Molecular Foundry Manager and will be based in Emeryville, California.

Responsibilities

Manage the general operations of Sound’s Emeryville laboratory
Optimize laboratory safety protocols and systems, including documentation and training
Oversee purchasing of consumables, supplies, and capital equipment
Oversee inventory of consumables, supplies, and capital equipment
Act as primary contact for equipment service contracts, facilities maintenance, and vendor relationships
Assist with lab operations budgeting and forecasting
Maintain and develop processes for improving lab efficiency

Skills & Experience

Bachelor’s degree in life sciences, chemistry, or similar (MS degree a plus)
Direct lab management experience
5+ years experience in life science industry positions
Team player, excellent communication skills
Knowledge and experience in molecular biology techniques
Familiarity with life science laboratory equipment, service contracts, and workflows
Strong organizational and time-management skills
Passionate about plant and soil science and the future of food and agriculture

Sound Agriculture is based in Emeryville, CA and Research Triangle Park, NC, with a number of employees working remotely. We have a mission driven culture and a fast-paced, collaborative work environment. We are looking for someone to join the team who will bring a passion for sustainability along with a deep expertise in the science of food and agriculture.

Equal Employment Opportunity

We seek a diverse pool of applicants and consider all qualified candidates regardless of race, ancestry, color, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, religion, national origin, citizenship, disability, Veteran status, marital status, or any other protected status.

To apply for this position, please contact careers@sound.ag with a cover letter and CV, attention: Lab Ops Manager hiring