VitriVax, Inc. Associate Director of Lab Operations Boulder, CO · Full time Company website

VitriVax, Inc. is creating thermostable, single-injection vaccines using an innovative technology platform called ALTA®. Fundamentally, ALTA® products are formulations of antigens that use an innovative manufacturing process that combines particle engineering technologies from the pharmaceutical and semiconductor industries. Thermostable, single-injection products will revolutionize the vaccine industry and have attracted significant industry, government, and philanthropic interest. VitriVax is a fast-growing, preclinical company that is transitioning to an early clinical phase, with an R&D team and onsite pilot scale manufacturing. Learn more about VitriVax by visiting our website at https://vitrivaxbio.com/. If you are interested in joining VitriVax, Inc., we are always looking for talented individuals. Below is one opportunity to help make vaccines accessible to everyone. VitriVax is seeking an Associate Director of Lab Operations to lead the strategic and day-to-day operational execution of our research and development laboratory infrastructure. This is a mid-level leadership role responsible for building and scaling the operational backbone of a fast-growing biotech company from equipment life cycle management to procurement strategy, EHS compliance, and cross-functional coordination between scientific, facilities, safety, and administrative functions. The Associate Director will set and manage priorities and standards for lab and facility performance, work with accounting to ensure cost efficient processes, and serve as a key partner to R&D and CMC leadership in enabling research and manufacturing activities. This position reports to the VP of Operations. This is a full-time position based in Boulder, Colorado.

About VitriVax, Inc.

Eliminating Barriers to Global Vaccination VitriVax, Inc. is a formulation technology company engineering innovative solutions to maximize global accessibility and utility of human and animal vaccines – vaccines that save lives and protect our world from preventable disease.

Description

Responsibilities and Duties

Strategic Operations

  • Lead the ongoing management of laboratory infrastructure to support current and future R&D needs
  • Set strategy and priorities for the Operations function to support R&D and CMC groups
  • Own escalation and resolution of complex, cross-functional operational challenges

R&D Lab Management

  • Oversee the safe, efficient, and compliant operation of laboratory space, equipment, and infrastructure
  • Direct equipment lifecycle management, including procurement, installation, qualification, preventive maintenance, and calibration for R&D resources
  • Establish and continuously improve laboratory workflows, systems, and SOPs to enhance productivity and support research outcomes
  • Work with Facilities to maintain oversight of critical utilities and systems (e.g., liquid nitrogen, cold chain, cryostorage) to ensure uninterrupted research operations

Supply Chain, Procurement, & Vendor Strategy

  • Own vendor strategy and negotiation for laboratory supplies, equipment, and services, including quality and supply agreements
  • Direct procurement processes (i.e. ordering and receiving), budget alignment, and cost-tracking across projects and departments
  • Build and maintain vendor relationships that ensure supply chain transparency, reliability, and cost-effectiveness
  • Oversee inventory management for consumables, chemicals, samples, and materials, and drive continuous improvement in supply chain reporting

Logistics & Shipping

  • Oversee domestic and international shipping and receiving of biological materials, samples, and equipment in compliance with applicable regulations
  • Ensure accurate documentation, on-time delivery, and strong coordination with couriers and shipping vendors
  • Maintain shipment records to support audits and regulatory reporting

Safety, EHS, & Compliance

  • Own the company's EHS program, including Safety Data Sheet (SDS) management, training records, and safety documentation
  • Lead preparation for monthly inspections, audits, and internal safety reviews, ensuring lab operations meet regulatory and quality standards
  • Maintain working knowledge of biological, chemical, and general laboratory safety practices; oversee hazardous chemical and medical waste management in partnership with Facilities

Process Improvement & Documentation

  • Drive the development, documentation, and continuous improvement of operational processes, procedures, and standard operating procedures
  • Maintain organized, audit-ready records to support compliance and operational efficiency
  • Identify and implement opportunities to streamline workflows and improve cross-functional effectiveness

 Education and Experience

  • Bachelor's or Master's degree in life sciences, business administration, or a related field, or equivalent experience
  • 10+ years of experience in laboratory and facilities operations within a biotech, pharmaceutical, or regulated environment, including experience building out or scaling laboratory facilities
  • Demonstrated experience managing budgets, vendor relationships, and cross-functional or direct-report teams
  • Hands-on familiarity with laboratory science (e.g., molecular biology, biochemistry, high-throughput screening) sufficient to understand the operational needs of research teams
  • Experience working in a Biosafety Level 2 or 2+ (BSL-2 or BSL-2+) lab preferred
  • Strong track record of building systems and processes from the ground up in a fast-paced startup environment

Core Skills and Competencies

All VitriVax employees are expected to share the following values and skills.

Integrity

We are team players who say what we do and do what we say. We respect our obligations and are transparent in our communication. We present all data factually. When presented with ambiguous situations, we strive to do the right thing.

Innovation

We create value by developing superior products and processes. We have a curious mindset, apply an analytical approach and take calculated risks. We take on difficult problems and break barriers.

Passion

We are passionate about making vaccines accessible to everyone. We share our enthusiasm with purpose. We are never satisfied with the status quo and want to make a difference.

Quality

We seek quality information, decisions and people. We put safety first and approach every opportunity with a right first-time mindset that is focused on the end goal. We are committed to continuous improvement and elimination of waste.


Salary and Benefits

BS/MS + 10 years, $130,000 – $150,000 p/a


All full-time employees are eligible for the following benefits.

·        401(k) with generous Company match

·        Health, Dental and Vision insurance

·        Short and Long Term Disability insurance

 

VitriVax, Inc., is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate based on race, color, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, religion, disability, national origin, protected veteran status, age, or any other status protected by applicable national, federal, state, or local law.

 

VitriVax, Inc., requires all staff to be vaccinated against communicable diseases as recommended by the CDC prior to employment.

 

Salary

$130,000 - $150,000 per year