Affinia Therapeutics is a cutting-edge biotech company developing next generation gene therapies. We are backed by a strong syndicate of life science investors and strategic partner Eli Lilly and have ambitious plans to dramatically impact the lives of patients around the world.

You will be working alongside the executive leadership team which has a successful track record of success of drug approvals and company build. We have a series of transformational next generation AAV capsids that we are leveraging to develop differentiated first in class and best in class gene therapies for cardiovascular and neurological diseases. Our initial focus is on helping patients with BAG3-associated dilated cardiomyopathy, a devastating genetic heart disease affecting tens of thousands of patients worldwide.

Position Summary

The Associate Manager / Manager of Lab Operations & Facilities (job level to commensurate with experience) is a highly hands-on leader, responsible for daily operation, maintenance, and continuous improvement of laboratory and office environments supporting active scientific programs. This role owns the physical lab space, equipment readiness, safety programs and core lab services, ensuring the facility operates safely, efficiently, and without disruption.

This position serves as the primary point of contact for property management and vendors and works directly in the lab environment to support scientists, equipment and infrastructure.

Key Responsibilities

Facilities & Building Operations

• Act as the primary point of contact for property management for all facilities-related matters, including routine maintenance, urgent issues, and emergency response.
• Be available to respond to off-hours and weekend facilities or laboratory emergencies as required to support business continuity.
• Oversee day-to-day operation and maintenance of building systems, including HVAC, plumbing, electrical and wastewater systems.
• Manage environmental monitoring and alarm systems for freezers, CO2, incubators, and other critical laboratory spaces.

Laboratory Operations & Equipment

• Maintain direct oversite of laboratory equipment to ensure all preventative maintenance and calibration activities are completed on schedule through coordination with vendors and internal procedures.
• Troubleshoot equipment and facilities issues in real time to minimize downtime and operational impact.
• Partner closely with lab personnel to plan and execute capital equipment purchases, installations and facilities improvement projects.
• Maintain accurate capital equipment inventory in coordination with Finance to support asset tracking, audits, and long-term planning.
• Manage laboratory consumable and reagent inventory to support uninterrupted research activities.
• Ensure laboratories are clean, organized, and laid out to support efficient workflows.

Safety, Compliance & Environmental Programs

• Own and actively manage laboratory safety programs, including new hire onboarding safety training and ongoing compliance activities.
• Maintain required permits and ensure labs meet applicable regulatory, safety and environmental standards in coordination with an external EHS consultant.
• Oversee biohazardous and hazardous waste programs, including segregation, storage, vendor coordination, and compliant disposal.

Vendors & Services

• Coordinate and manage external service providers including janitorial services, waste vendors, equipment service contractors, and courier services.
• Serve as visible, accessible point of contact for lab staff regarding operational and facilities needs.
• Track vendor performance and service costs, identifying opportunities for operation improvements and cost efficiencies.

Qualifications

Education & Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Life Sciences, Engineering, or a related field (or an Associate’s degree with additional years of relevant experience).
• 5+ years of experience in laboratory operations, facilities management, or a similar role within the Biotechnology or Pharmaceutical industry.
• Proven ability to thrive in a fast-paced, "all hands on deck" startup environment where processes are being built from the ground up.
• Experience overseeing and coordinating building management systems (BMS), including HVAC, plumbing, electrical and security systems in a laboratory and office environment.

Technical & Regulatory Skills

• Deep understanding of BSL-2 (or BSL-2+) laboratory safety protocols, EHS regulations, and OSHA standards.
• Familiarity with the maintenance, monitoring, and troubleshooting of critical laboratory infrastructure, including -80C freezers, LN2 dewars, in-house gas systems (O2, N2, CO2), environmental alarms and specialized laboratory equipment supporting gene therapy research.
• Experience using ELNs, LIMS, or Computerized Maintenance Management Systems (CMMS).
• Direct experience managing biohazardous waste streams and chemical hygiene plans.

Functional & Physical Requirements

• Demonstrated ability to remain calm and decisive during equipment failures or facility emergencies.
• Ability to lift 50 lbs and remain on your feet for extended periods while navigating a lab environment.
• Exceptional interpersonal skills: able to translate technical facility issues to scientists and budgetary needs to Finance.

The anticipated base salary range for this role is $110,000 - 128,000 annually, depending on experience, knowledge, skills, and abilities. This range reflects what we reasonably and in good faith expect to offer for this position at the time of posting. In addition to base salary, this role may be eligible for equity grants, performance bonuses, and comprehensive benefits, including health, dental, and vision coverage, 401(k), and paid time off.

Equal Opportunity Employer

Affinia is committed to creating a diverse environment and is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity, national origin, genetics, disability, age, sexual orientation or veteran status.