Greentown Labs - Wet Lab Manager

$70,000.00 To $75,000.00 Annually

About Greentown Labs

Greentown Labs is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit accelerating climatetech innovation and commercialization by empowering entrepreneurs and enabling collaboration. As the largest climatetech startup incubator in North America—with locations in Somerville, Mass. and Houston, Texas—Greentown convenes the climatetech ecosystem to provide entrepreneurs the community, connections, and resources they need to thrive. The incubator offers lab space, shared office space, machine shops, electronics labs, tool shops, software and business resources, and a large network of corporate customers, investors, and more. Greentown is home to more than 200 startups and has supported more than 575 since its founding in 2011; these startups have collectively created more than 13,500 jobs and raised more than $8.2 billion in funding. For more information, visit www.greentownlabs.com or follow Greentown on LinkedIn.

Position Overview

Greentown Labs is seeking a highly motivated and experienced Wet Lab Manager to join our team in Somerville, MA. In this role, you will be the primary point of contact for our member companies, ensuring they have a smooth and successful experience utilizing our shared laboratory space. You will be responsible for maintaining a safe and efficient lab environment, managing equipment and supplies, and providing technical support to our members as they develop and scale their climate-focused technologies. This is a critical,, customer-facing role that requires a passion for supporting early-stage entrepreneurs, a strong commitment to safety, and excellent communication and problem-solving skills.

What You'll Do

• Member Support:

  • Act as the primary point of contact for wet lab members, providing exceptional customer service and support.

  • Address member inquiries, provide timely updates, and ensure their needs are met.

  • Facilitate a collaborative and supportive lab environment.

  • Conduct in-depth operational reviews with member companies to understand their needs and address challenges.

  • Collaborate with the memberships team to onboard new members, providing tours, safety briefings, and operational assessments.

• Lab Management:

  • Manage day-to-day lab operations, ensuring a safe and efficient working environment.

  • Maintain, calibrate, and train members on shared lab equipment.

  • Oversee the life-cycle management of lab equipment, including installation, maintenance, repairs, and decommissioning.

  • Manage lab supplies, inventory, and procurement.

  • Conduct regular lab walkthroughs to identify and address any operational or safety issues.

  • Serve as project manager for lab repair and improvement projects.

  • Collaborate in developing and overseeing the lab budget.

• Safety and Compliance:

  • Maintain strong relationships with regulatory agencies such as the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection, the Massachusetts Water Resources Authority, and local fire and biosafety committees, ensuring compliance with all safety regulations and protocols.

  • Proactively evaluate and address safety requests from members.

  • Lead hazardous-waste-management initiatives, ensuring environmentally responsible disposal.

  • Play an active role in Greentown’s safety team, contributing to the development of safety protocols and programs.

  • Oversee the first aid program for the Somerville campus.

Who You Are

• Passionate about supporting early-stage companies and fostering innovation.

• Strong commitment to safety and environmental responsibility.

• Excellent customer service and communication skills.

• Proactive and solutions-oriented with a "no task is too small" mentality.

• Highly organized and detail-oriented with strong planning and problem-solving skills.

• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.

Qualifications

• Associate degree or bachelor's degree in chemistry, environmental science, process engineering, or a relevant field is preferred.

• 2-4 years of experience supporting scientific research, prototyping, or R&D work.

• Basic chemistry competency and knowledge of industrial safety, OSHA requirements, and hazardous-waste management.

• Familiarity with scientific equipment and tools, including but not limited to gases, vacuums, compressors, microscopes, fume hoods, glassware, basic tools, and repairs.

• Excellent technical communication skills.

• Basic computer skills and familiarity with Microsoft Office Suite and Google Workspace.

• RCRA, DOT, and IATA certifications are a plus.

• Experience working in a startup environment or with sustainability-focused organizations is a plus.

• Familiarity with the climatetech industry is a plus.

General Physical Demands

• Stationary Work

  • Prolonged periods of working on a computer.

• Mobility

  • Frequent movement around the lab and office to interact with members, access equipment, and conduct inspections. This may involve traversing uneven surfaces and navigating stairs.

• Lifting and Carrying

  • Regularly moving lab supplies, equipment, and materials, potentially weighing up to 50 lbs.

• Manual Dexterity

  • Using hands and fingers to operate equipment, handle tools, and perform lab tasks requiring fine motor skills.

• Visual Acuity

  • Close visual acuity to perform tasks such as reading labels, inspecting equipment, and conducting experiments.

Lab-specific Physical Demands

• Bending and Reaching

  • Bending, reaching, and crouching to access equipment, supplies, and storage areas.

• Handling of Hazardous Materials and Chemicals

  • Handling and manipulating hazardous materials and/or chemicals, requiring careful movements and adherence to safety protocols.

Additional Considerations

• Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

  • May be required to wear PPE such as gloves, safety glasses, and lab coats for extended periods.

• Availability and Emergency Response Capabilities

  • Available for 24/7 on-call duty for emergencies.

  • Must be able to respond quickly and effectively to emergency situations, which may involve physical exertion.

Work Location and Schedule

This position is based on-site at Greentown Labs in Somerville, MA, at least four days per week, with the option to work remotely up to one day per week. Our standard business hours are 9:00 a.m. - 5:30 p.m..

Compensation and Benefits 

• Competitive salary and benefits package

  • Compensation range: $70,000.00 - $75,000.00 annually

  • Full-time employees are eligible for a robust benefits package

• Be a part of a dynamic and growing organization committed to making a positive impact on the world.

• Work in a collaborative and supportive environment with opportunities for professional development.

Equal Opportunity Statement: 

Greentown Labs seeks to fully represent our community and constituencies—particularly low-income communities and communities of color—to amplify those voices and provide opportunities to participate in the direction and leadership of the organization. We actively encourage candidates from broad, diverse backgrounds to apply.

Greentown Labs is an Equal Opportunity Employer and we do not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment because of race, color, sex, age, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, status as a veteran, and basis of disability or any other federal, state, or local protected class.