PHNX Materials · 19 hours ago
Lab Manager (Safety & Operations)
San Leandro, CA
Full-time
Onsite
Senior Level
5+ years expPHNX Materials is a company focused on refining coal ash waste into critical products using proprietary technology. The Lab Manager will oversee daily laboratory operations, inventory, and safety, ensuring the lab runs smoothly and efficiently while supporting pilot-scale experimentation and early production activities.
Environmental EngineeringManufacturingNatural Resources
Responsibilities
Own day-to-day laboratory operations across R&D and pilot activities
Order, receive, label, and store all laboratory chemicals, reagents, and consumables
Maintain accurate chemical and materials inventory, including:
Minimum stock levels
Kanban or card-based reordering systems
Tracking of usage and lead times
Manage lab equipment organization, readiness, and cleanliness
Perform routine checks to ensure lab spaces are functional and safe
Support hands-on lab and pilot work as needed, including material handling, scooping, sieving, and sample preparation
Ensure proper storage and segregation of raw materials, intermediates, and finished samples
Implement and maintain lab safety standards, protocols, and SOPs
Own PPE selection, ordering, stocking, and compliance
Conduct daily safety walk-throughs and pre-work safety checks
Perform safety checks and sign-offs prior to pilot production runs
Lead monthly safety inspections and maintain inspection records
Maintain and update the Injury and Illness Prevention Program (IIPP)
Create and update safety policies as lab and pilot operations evolve
Manage hazardous materials programs, including:
Chemical labeling and SDS management
Hazardous waste handling and disposal coordination
Safe operation of machinery and physical equipment
Coordinate external safety support or consultants as needed
Lead lab safety onboarding for new hires, contractors, and visitors
Develop and deliver recurring safety and lab best-practice training on a monthly cadence
Reinforce a culture of shared responsibility, cooperation, and accountability in the lab
Serve as a go-to resource for safe experimental setup and execution
Support setup, renovation, and commissioning of new lab or pilot spaces
Ensure labs and pilot areas are inspection-ready at all times
Coordinate site readiness for visitors, partners, and investors
Support interaction with city officials or inspectors related to lab and pilot operations
Own lab and facility purchasing, including chemicals, PPE, consumables, and small equipment
Coordinate purchasing from facility vendors and suppliers
Reconcile lab and facility credit card statements
Maintain organized records for inventory, purchasing, and safety documentation
Qualification
Required
5+ years experience as a Lab Manager, Senior Lab Technician, or similar role in a chemical, materials, or industrial R&D environment
Strong experience ordering, storing, and managing chemicals and lab inventories
Working knowledge of lab safety, hazardous materials handling, and EH&S best practices
Comfortable working in both lab and pilot-scale industrial environments
Highly organized, detail-oriented, and proactive
Hands-on mindset with willingness to work on the lab floor daily
Strong communication skills and ability to coordinate across teams
Preferred
Formal EH&S training or certification
Experience supporting pilot plants or scale-up facilities
Experience with inventory systems or lean lab operations
Benefits
Opportunity to shape and build a facility tackling major environmental challenges.
Dynamic startup environment with mission-driven team and room for growth.
The chance to revolutionize heavy industries.
Company
PHNX Materials
PHNX Materials is a manufacturing company that specializes in turning waste into essential materials and reduce carbon emissions.
2-10 employees
Funding
Current Stage
Early StageTotal Funding
$2.5MKey Investors
Divergent Capital
2025-04-21Seed· $2.5M
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