Orum Therapeutics is a KOSDAQ-listed biotech pioneering degrader-antibody conjugate (DAC) therapies. Our Lexington lab is the operational core of our US R&D - and this role keeps it running. Were looking for a Lab Manager who walks in every morning asking "how can I help?" - and then goes and does it.
About the Role This is a hands-on, high-ownership lab operations role supporting both the Chemistry and Biology teams. Youll oversee the day-to-day functioning of a ~9,000 sq ft research lab, manage a part-time Lab Associate who youll help hire, and be the connective tissue between scientists, vendors, facilities, and finance. Chemistry instrument fluency is non-negotiable - HPLC, LC-MS/MS, and lyophilizers are mission-critical to our research and need a dedicated owner who can troubleshoot, not just schedule PMs.
Key Responsibilities Laboratory Operations
Hire, onboard, and directly supervise a part-time Lab Associate; scope their role and co-design their responsibilities Mentor the Lab Associate and support their development Serve as the escalation point for lab ops issues across both chemistry and biology teams
Core Lab Operations & Equipment
Oversee common area cleanliness, organization, and decontamination of high-touch surfaces Coordinate receipt of lab deliveries - open, inventory, and log incoming chemical and reagent shipments before distribution to scientists; maintain chemical inventory in the ELN Manage glasswash and autoclave cycles Order and stock consumables, PPE, and lab supplies; confirm scope of reagent ordering with science team leads Own preventive maintenance scheduling for chemistry and biology instruments: LC-MS/MS, HPLC/UHPLC, lyophilizers, nitrogen generators, flow cytometers, CO2 incubators, plate readers, glassware washers, and cold storage Troubleshoot equipment issues directly - not just escalate; chemistry instrument knowledge is the priority Host service technician visits; manage service contract renewals Maintain chemical inventory and emergency backup coverage for ELN entry Willingness to learn LC-MS/MS monthly calibration (~4 hours/month) - not required at onboarding, but expected over time
Shipping & Receiving
Manage all R&D outbound shipments including MSDS/CoA creation, shipping invoices, and international compliance - this is a high-volume, time-intensive task requiring dedicated oversight Coordinate inbound shipments in partnership with Inventory Control Associate Ensure DOT/IATA compliance including hazardous materials documentation and dry ice certification
Safety & Compliance
Perform weekly safety inspections: safety showers, eyewashes, fire extinguishers Coordinate chemistry and biological waste disposal Manage DOT/hazmat compliance and dry ice (IATA) certifications for relevant staff Oversee EHS compliance and SOP maintenance in partnership with Safety Partners; Safety Partners leads training design and delivery - Lab Manager coordinates scheduling, tracking, and DIA-approved pipeline completion Maintain Subtenant fire warden accountability list Support pest control program decisions in coordination with Facility Manager
Procurement & Finance
Generate POs for lab materials and equipment Manage lab software license inventory and renewals Participate in quarterly budget activities and interface with finance team on lab-related spend
Vendor & Facilities Coordination
Serve as primary point of contact for external contractors: plumbers, electricians, fire department, Building Landlord Coordinate facility-related issues (HVAC/thermostat, mechanical room, glass panel contingency) with building management and facility manager Support any lab moves, buildouts, and facility improvements with facility manager; potential to absorb facilities coordination currently shared with Operations
Systems & Knowledge Management
Own and maintain the Ops ticketing system (Smartsheet) Maintain the Confluence US Lab Operations Wiki as the living documentation home for lab procedures and SOPs Manage software license renewals for lab team in coordination with IT
Team Leadership
Hire, onboard, and directly supervise a part-time Lab Associate; scope their role and co-design their responsibilities Mentor the Lab Associate and support their development Serve as the escalation point for lab ops issues across both chemistry and biology teams
Qualifications Required
Experience with ELN systems (chemical inventory entry and management) Familiarity with DOT/IATA shipping compliance and hazardous materials handling Experience with Smartsheet or similar ops/ticketing tools Prior experience hiring or supervising junior lab staff
Bachelors degree in Chemistry or a closely related field - chemistry instrument fluency is the critical dependency for this role 3+ years of lab operations or lab management experience in a biotech or pharma setting Demonstrated hands-on experience with analytical chemistry instrumentation: HPLC, LC-MS/MS, lyophilizers, and nitrogen generators - must be comfortable troubleshooting, not just coordinating service calls Strong organizational skills; able to manage competing priorities across multiple workstreams simultaneously Service-oriented mindset - proactively identifies whats needed and acts without being asked Comfortable operating at all levels of the task spectrum: from managing a vendor contract to helping receive a shipment
Work Environment & Logistics
Full-time, on-site, Lexington MA Occasional after-hours availability expected for equipment failures or urgent facility issues - not 24/7 on-call, but responsiveness matters Ability to lift up to 30 lbs; comfortable working with laboratory chemicals and reagents