Laboratory Operations Manager

Would you like to be part of a team that is commercializing an innovative way to improve the environment, water quality, and quality of life for all?

Enspired Solutions seeks a Master’s-level, experienced, and highly motivated Lab Manager at our Lansing Michigan headquarters to oversee the daily operations of our PFAS wet chemistry laboratory.

The successful candidate will be responsible for leading lab personnel, maintaining equipment, ensuring compliance with safety regulations, coordinating research activities, and contributing to high-level scientific research.

About Enspired Solutions

Enspired Solutions is a women-owned startup established to tackle one of the most pressing environmental issues worldwide. Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are a group of synthetic chemicals that have been widely used for more than 60 years to make firefighting foams, coatings, and lubricants. PFAS are known to be toxic and, due to their high stability in natural environments, they are also called “forever chemicals.”

Enspired Solutions is commercializing a USEPA-award-winning, patented chemical technology to permanently destroy PFAS in water and return them to non-toxic molecular components without the need for off-site disposal.

We call our UV-based water treatment reactor the PFASigator™ and foresee that it will become an in-demand water treatment technology. Our startup company is set to expand rapidly and we need a highly skilled, self-motivated Lab Manager to join our diverse team and help us meet our customer’s PFAS destruction needs.

Responsibilities:

• Design, coordinate, and manage complex treatability studies for customers, ensuring timely and accurate completion of experiments
• Lead and manage day-to-day lab operations, including directing lab personnel, safety, waste disposal, and ensuring efficient workflow
• Develop, enforce, and optimize standard operating procedures (SOPs) and laboratory protocols
• Ensure compliance with all safety regulations and proper handling of all materials, including hazardous waste
• Train and mentor lab staff and junior researchers on best practices and safety procedures
• Manage laboratory budget and inventory
• Maintain and calibrate wet chemistry laboratory equipment and instruments. All PFAS analysis is conducted by certified third-party labs
• Prepare, review, and present tables and figures on lab findings, including drafting technical reports
• Transition bench-scale findings to commercial-scale equipment
• Supporting off-site projects
• Collaborate with senior researchers to design, and conduct experiments in support of research and development as needed

Qualifications

The ideal candidate will have completed their Master’s degree, or above, or equivalent experience in chemistry, biochemistry, environmental engineering, or a related field and:

• Relevant work experience in PFAS chemistry or advanced chemistry and related analytical techniques, with the skills necessary to manage a lab successfully
• Detail-oriented with a commitment to maintaining high standards of accuracy, meticulous record keeping, and safety
• Experience with PFAS, photochemistry, and water contaminant treatment are each a plus
• In-depth understanding of laboratory safety protocols and regulations
• Experience interpreting third-party analytical data
• Ability to independently identify lab and chemistry problems and apply creative solutions
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills to communicate and effectively collaborate with colleagues and customers including scientists, engineers and business professionals
• Flexibility and adaptability to thrive in the fast-paced environment of a small startup company with dynamic priorities
• Ability to recognize and support the value of diversity in persons, ideas, and communication styles

Enspired’s office and lab are in Lansing, Michigan. This job is for on-site work in the office and lab. Travel to field testing sites is possible for durations of up to two weeks at a time, but not expected to be significant for this position (10-15%). Travel includes paid housing, meals and transportation.

Benefits

Enspired Solutions staff are offered paid time off, paid holidays, healthcare, life insurance, new-parent leave, work-flex program, MSU Research Foundation affiliate benefits, and a chance to be a part of groundbreaking research and innovation. This position will also be eligible for equity.

Qualified applicants are welcome and will be considered regardless of gender identity, sexual orientation, race, religion, age, national origin, pregnancy status, veteran status, or any other differences.