RDI - Lab Manager

The Mission RDI runs complex, custom research studies for biotech and major diagnostics manufacturers. We help sponsors execute studies that don’t fit neatly into standard CRO or clinical lab models — and that means our lab must be as adaptable, rigorous, and fast as their science demands. We’re expanding our internal lab capacity. We don’t need someone to just maintain a stable machine — we need someone to build it. You’ll be one of the most critical operators in this effort, working directly with our CEO, COO, and PMs to scale lab operations as client demand grows. The Role This is not a cushy bench supervisor or purely compliance role. You’ll be hands-on, coordinating multiple active protocols, evolving study designs, shifting priorities, tight client timelines. Low bureaucracy, high ambiguity. Calm inside chaos required. You will: Own day-to-day lab execution across all active studies — scheduling, sample processing, troubleshooting, and documentation. Build the systems for inventory, sample chain-of-custody, SOP tracking, and throughput monitoring. If a system doesn’t exist, you’ll design it. Partner with PMs to align study timelines with lab capacity and provide real-time operational forecasts. Coordinate vendors for supplies, kit assembly, consumables, logistics — keeping critical paths unblocked. Maintain audit-ready documentation (CLIA, CAP, GCP) and embed operational discipline. Continuously improve SOPs, validation records, and internal processes to keep the lab nimble and compliant as we grow. Who Thrives Here You’re a builder by nature — you see operational gaps and fill them. You own outcomes without waiting to be told. You’re not looking for a tightly defined job — you’re energized by the chance to architect systems while executing at a high level every day. You enjoy: Turning ambiguity into structure. Keeping the calm center in operational chaos. Working in a lean, mission-driven team where your impact is direct and visible. What We’re Looking For 5–10 years in lab operations in clinical research, CRO, diagnostics, or regulated environments. Experience running day-to-day lab execution: scheduling, inventory, sample tracking, documentation. Strong familiarity with regulated labs (CLIA, CAP, ISO, GCP) — you understand audit prep and quality expectations. Systems-thinker who proactively builds repeatable, scalable workflows. Calm under pressure, with a strong service mindset toward clients & internal teams. Excellent communicator, able to bridge lab, PMs, clients, and execs. Nice-to-Haves (Not Required) CLS generalist license (or equivalent) to support regulatory sign-off flexibility. Hands-on exposure to assay development, LIMS, ELN, or designing new protocols. Experience facing auditors, regulatory inspectors, or large diagnostics clients. History of growing small lab teams — hiring, training, mentoring. The Reality Small team. Big responsibility. High autonomy. Huge impact. This isn’t for everyone — but if you want to build something meaningful at exactly the moment it’s scaling, this may be the most rewarding role you’ll ever take. This role is based on-site at our CLIA lab in Van Nuys, CA. (We’ll help with relocation or transitional stays if needed.)