Manager of Research Operations

Who we are at Osmo:

Osmo is a digital olfaction company, on a mission to give computers a sense of smell to improve the health and wellbeing of human life. Why? Our sense of smell both enriches and saves lives, and has a deep and direct connection to our emotions and memory. Vision and hearing have been digitized, but not scent. It’s time we solve this. We’re bringing an unprecedented combination of software, data, hardware and capital to the historic challenge of giving computers a sense of smell.

We believe in the power of automation and carefully applied AI/ML to solve problems that are beyond what the unaided human mind can tackle on its own. In the first phase of our development, we are using our map of odor along with cutting-edge generative AI to create the next generation of aroma molecules (e.g., the ingredients in the fragrances we wear and the products we use). Beyond fragrance machine olfaction has application across many industries, including manufacturing, military, medicine, and more. Working for Osmo means solving problems using digital olfaction for these customers. We're a hybrid company with our headquarters in New York, NY, a new facility under construction in central New Jersey, and offices in Somerville, MA.

Osmo is seeking a Manager of Research Operations to oversee and optimize the operational backbone of our research lab. In this role, you will ensure the smooth functioning of our laboratory operations, working across disciplines—including synthetic chemistry, analytical chemistry, formulation, and applications—to support discovery and data generation. Reporting to the CTO, you’ll focus on operational excellence, fostering collaboration, and driving efficiency to meet our ambitious goals.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage and streamline laboratory operations, including workflows, facilities, and resource allocation.

• Partner with the chemistry team to enable efficient and effective research processes.

• Oversee lab infrastructure, ensuring compliance with safety, regulatory, and operational standards.

• Collaborate with internal and external stakeholders to support R&D efforts and data-driven projects.

• Identify operational gaps and implement improvements, including hiring and procedural updates, to scale capabilities as the company grows.

• Facilitate cross-functional collaboration, ensuring alignment of operational goals with research objectives.

• Support project planning, tracking milestones, and ensuring timely delivery of key outcomes.

• Have experience with a lab buildouts and lab inventory management systems(LIMS).

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in a scientific or technical field (chemistry, biology, engineering, or related); PhD a plus.

• 3-5 years of experience in research operations or laboratory management within a biotech, pharmaceutical, chemical organization, and academia.

• Strong organizational and project management skills, with a track record of improving workflows and scaling lab operations.

• Familiarity with high-throughput lab environments and a general understanding of synthetic or analytical chemistry workflows.

• Ability to collaborate effectively across technical and non-technical teams, ensuring seamless communication and execution.

• Experience managing facilities, safety protocols, and regulatory compliance in a lab setting.

• Enthusiastic problem-solver with a proactive approach to challenges and opportunities.

• Passion for working in a dynamic, innovative startup environment.

If this role inspires you we’d encourage you to apply. We are committed to recruiting, developing, and retaining an incredible team optimized for a diversity of thought, background, and approaches. All employment decisions and responsibilities are determined based on current ability and your ability to grow, without regard to race, color, gender identity, sex, sexual orientation, religion, age, marital status, physical, mental, or sensory disability, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.

Recruitment & Staffing Agencies: Osmo does not accept unsolicited resumes from any source other than candidates. The submission of unsolicited resumes by recruitment or staffing agencies to Osmo or its employees is strictly prohibited unless contacted directly by the Osmo Talent Acquisition team. Any resume submitted by an agency in the absence of a signed agreement will automatically become the property of Osmo and Osmo will not owe any referral or other fees with respect thereto.