Job Summary

BioServe Space Technologies, a space life sciences research center within the Ann and H.J. Smead Department of Aerospace Engineering Sciences at the University of Colorado Boulder, has an immediate opening for a Laboratory Operations Manager to oversee laboratory operations and provide project support for biomedical research experiments and facilities flown aboard the International Space Station (ISS).

The Laboratory Operations Manager works closely with BioServe's multidisciplinary team of scientists, engineers, payload developers, integration specialists, safety personnel, operations staff, and undergraduate and graduate students to successfully develop and execute spaceflight research missions.

CU is an Equal Opportunity Employer and complies with all applicable federal, state, and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment. We are committed to creating a workplace where all individuals are treated with respect and dignity, and we encourage individuals from all backgrounds to apply, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities.
Who We Are

BioServe Space Technologies is a Center within the Ann and HJ Smead Aerospace Engineering Sciences department at CU Boulder. Since its inception in 1987, BioServe has designed, built, and flown hundreds of microgravity life science research experiments and hardware on over 75 spaceflight missions. BioServe has a full suite of spaceflight-certified hardware available for use by its customers and partners. Past partners include pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies, Universities, NIH, NASA-funded and other government agency researchers. BioServe is a full-service, turn-key organization that enables its customers and partners to focus solely on research while BioServe manages all other activities required to successfully fly experiments in microgravity.
What Your Key Responsibilities Will Be

Liquid nitrogen storage management
Laboratory operations, organization, and workflow
Inventory management for laboratory supplies, chemicals, and flight hardware
Procurement of laboratory supplies, equipment, and general-use consumables
Receiving and processing laboratory shipments
Maintenance of chemical inventories and laboratory records
Scheduling and tracking calibration and preventive maintenance of laboratory equipment

Weekly laboratory safety inspections and corrective actions

Support of Environmental Health & Safety (EH&S) and Institutional Biosafety Committee (IBC) compliance and documentation

Training staff and students in laboratory procedures, sterile technique, cell culture, laboratory equipment operation, and flight hardware preparation

Mammalian and stem cell culture support

Microscopy operation and image acquisition

Basic cell culture analyses and documentation

Material compatibility testing with biological samples

Preparation, sterile assembly, and testing of BioServe spaceflight hardware

Development and execution of laboratory and experimental protocols for both ground-based and spaceflight investigations

Literature reviews supporting experimental design and protocol development

Support for payload implementation activities, including documentation of experiment requirements, identification of flight and ground hardware, and coordination of ground testing activities such as feasibility testing and Experiment Verification Testing (EVT) to ensure mission success

Develop and follow engineering and laboratory procedures utilizing BioServe's procedure process

What You Should Know

This appointment will not support the sponsorship of an H-1B or J-1 visa.

The estimated start date is September 1, 2026.

What We Can Offer

The salary range for this full-time position is $85,000 - $115,000 annually.

Benefits

At the University of Colorado Boulder , we are committed to supporting the holistic health and well-being of our employees. Our comprehensive benefits package includes medical, dental, and retirement plans; generous paid time off; tuition assistance for you and your dependents; and an ECO Pass for local transit. As one of Boulder County’s largest employers, CU Boulder offers an inspiring academic community and access to world-class outdoor recreation. Explore additional perks and programs through the CU Advantage program.

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What We Require

Bachelor's degree in biology, biomedical sciences, bioengineering, engineering, or a related scientific field.
Experience operating microscopy systems and standard biological laboratory equipment.
Demonstrated organizational, project coordination, and laboratory management skills.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills with strong attention to detail.

What We Would Like You to Have

Experience supporting biomedical research for spaceflight or other highly regulated research environments.
Experience with spaceflight hardware assembly, payload integration, or flight hardware processing.
Familiarity with laboratory safety regulations, biosafety compliance, and quality management systems.
Experience training laboratory personnel and students.
Project management experience supporting multidisciplinary scientific or engineering teams.

Special Instructions

To apply, please submit the following materials as individual files:

Cover Letter
Resume/CV
(Optional) Transcripts/Proof of Degree : If you are selected as the finalist, your degree will be verified by the CU Boulder Campus Human Resources department using an approved online vendor. If your degree was obtained outside of the United States, please submit an English-translated version (if applicable) as an Optional attachment.

During the application process, you will be asked to provide the names and email addresses for two references, from whom we may request confidential letters of recommendation later in the search process.

Please apply by August 19, 2026 for full consideration.

Note: Application materials will not be accepted via email. For consideration, please apply through CU Boulder Jobs .

In compliance with the Colorado Job Application Fairness Act, in any materials you submit, you may redact or remove age-identifying information such as age, date of birth, or dates of school attendance or graduation. You will not be penalized for redacting or removing this information.

Posting Contact Information

Posting Contact Name: Boulder Campus Human Resources

Posting Contact Email: Recruiting@colorado.edu

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Laboratory Operations Manager