Job Posting - Assistant Lab Manager
Summary
At Biologica, we are the champions of the little critters. Based in Victoria, BC, we're a family-owned aquatic biomonitoring company specializing in identifying organisms in freshwater and marine habitats to support environmental monitoring efforts. We're passionate about serving our clients and ensuring the success of our team, all while providing a window into an invisible yet incredibly diverse world that’s so important to understand for our planet. Our lab processes thousands of samples each year, and the quality of our work directly supports environmental decision-making for major projects coast to coast.
We believe in rigorous science, collaborative teams, and continuous improvement. If you’re someone who thrives in a fast-paced production environment, loves building systems that work, and gets genuine satisfaction from a well-run operation — we want to hear from you.
We’re looking for an operationally sharp Assistant Lab Manager to keep our laboratory humming. You’ll work directly alongside the Lab Manager to oversee daily operations, manage and mentor our technician and sorting coordinator teams, drive scheduling and project planning, and champion a culture of quality and continuous improvement. You’ll bring the organizational backbone that lets our scientists do their best work.
Key Qualifications
· BSc in Biology, Environmental Science or a related field. Familiarity with invertebrate biology is an asset.
· 1-2+ years of managing a team in a production, operations or research environment – experience in high-volume, deadline-driven settings (e.g. food & beverage, retail operations, clinical labs, or similar) is a genuine asset.
· Demonstrated track record of keeping teams on schedule and on budget across multiple concurrent projects.
· Strong people skills: you’re comfortable giving direct feedback, resolving conflict, and keeping morale high during a push.
· Intermediate project management capability — you know how to build a timeline, track risks, and flag issues before they become problems.
· Advanced organizational and time management skills — you prioritize ruthlessly and follow through.
· Proactive problem-solver who doesn’t wait to be asked.
· Calm under pressure, with the critical thinking skills to make good calls quickly.
· High adaptability — our workload is seasonal and no two weeks look the same.
· Designation in continuous improvement, e.g. Lean Six Sigma, considered an asset.
· Experience with WorkSafe BC compliance or laboratory safety programs is considered an asset.
Key Duties
Lab Operations
- Track performance metrics and identify factors affecting lab throughput and quality
- Develop, implement, and maintain Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) to keep processes efficient
- Keep the lab clean, organized, and compliant with safety regulations
- Spot bottlenecks early and drive practical solutions
- Assist with forecasting and operational budgeting
Quality
- Oversee the sorting efficiency program, tracking metrics and leading continuous improvement initiatives
- Support development and ongoing refinement of QA/QC protocols
- Ensure quality standards are consistently met across projects and clearly communicated to the team
Lab Safety
- Ensure lab practices comply with WorkSafe BC and related regulations
- Participate in safety procedure reviews and help roll out safety programs
- Support safety orientation for new hires and deliver refresher training for existing staff
Project Management
- Collaborate with the Lab Manager and project management team to plan and execute projects on time, on spec, and on budget
- Own project set-up and provide troubleshooting support for the technician team
- Provide budget recommendations and scenario planning for project change orders
Team Management
· Assist in resource planning and scheduling of the technician team.
· Train and mentor lab technicians, fostering a culture of efficiency and continuous learning.
· Align lab practices with organizational goals and client needs in collaboration with the broader management team
Instructions
Apply with your cover letter and resume through Indeed. In your cover letter, tell us about a time you improved a process or kept a team on track under pressure; we’re genuinely curious.
We are unable to provide individual responses to all applicants. Only those candidates selected for an interview will be contacted. We appreciate your understanding and kindly request that you refrain from making phone calls to our office. Thank you for your interest in joining our team.
Job Types: Full-time, Permanent
Pay: $25.00-$28.00 per hour
Benefits:
- Company events
- Dental care
- Extended health care
- Flexible schedule
- Paid time off
Location:
- Victoria, BC V8T 5H2 (required)
Work Location: In person
