Careers at LabCentral

[Note: We are open to a variety of candidates and are willing to hire this role at a more junior level, such as Senior Manager or Associate Director, for the right candidates. Please apply if you think you would be a good fit.] 

Who are we?

About LabCentral:  

LabCentral is a Massachusetts non-profit company founded in 2013 as a launchpad for high-potential life sciences and biotech start-ups. Operating over 225,000 sq. feet in Cambridge and on the Harvard campus, LabCentral offers a network of laboratory spaces and scientific communities designed to jumpstart the launch of promising, early-stage life-sciences companies. LabCentral prepares entrepreneurs and scientists to accelerate scientific innovation in service of human health by providing best-in-class operational support, curated events and programming, and access to a diverse network of sponsors. LabCentral is also home to Gallery 1832 which engages the local community to celebrate artistic innovation. 

Our mission is to empower the next generation of biotech and life science innovators by creating opportunities that accelerate the development of breakthrough technology and therapies.  

Read more about our Impact here. 

 What is the role? 

We are seeking a Director, Information Technology to oversee corporate technology operations for our 250,000 square feet of laboratory and office space, nearly 100 employees, dozens of resident companies, and hundreds of resident scientists and entrepreneurs. This role is accountable for the design, resiliency, and security of LabCentral’s network, data centers, and LabCentral managed endpoints, hardware, and software stack, along with ensuring a positive user experience. 

You will be a great fit for this role if you have significant experience managing a moderately-sized tech infrastructure and network, along with a slew of tech systems that keep on-site operations humming. 

In addition to a strong technical pedigree, this role requires a strong service and problem-solving orientation, strategic thinking and organizational skills, a growth mindset, and a passion for coaching and training people.  

This is an onsite, hands-on role that sits at the intersection of strategy and execution. 

 What will I do? 

Responsibilities: 

IT Infrastructure  

• Responsible for the administration and security of moderate sized network across multiple facilities, including:  
• Networking devices: Firewalls, routers, and switches 
• Network administration: LAN, WAN & Wireless 
• Network services and protocols: DHCP, DNS, TCP/IP, VPN 
• Microsoft Infrastructure: Windows Server, Active Directory, Exchange, SharePoint 
• Partners closely with LabCentral’s security and network operations center to build robust network infrastructure and prevent and respond to a variety of threats 
• Oversees the purchase, installation, and maintenance of computer hardware, software, networks, and telecommunication equipment on premises and in the cloud, including regular patching and endpoint security 
• Identify the need for upgrades, configurations, or new equipment, recommend solutions, and oversee implementation 
• Serves as the primary point of contact for planning new LabCentral initiatives that require information technology infrastructure planning and implementation  
• Performs and ensures that all changes to critical systems and/or resolution of technical issues are thoroughly documented in a timely fashion 

 Service Delivery 

• Builds successful stakeholder relationships with LabCentral leadership, staff, and our resident companies to understand their IT needs, acting as a trusted advisor, and ensuring cost-effective delivery of IT services to meet those needs  
• Ensures effective internal and external communication regarding system and network outages, upgrades, and new initiatives 
• Designs and manages an IT helpdesk that delivers timely, cost-effective service delivery to LabCentral employees and residents 
• Prioritizes service delivery based on deep understanding of business needs 
• Provides direct service delivery whenever appropriate 

 People Management & Training 

• Manage, coach, and train two IT Associates by delivering performance management and evaluations, ensuring that they are developing cutting-edge skills and can progressively take on and lead new projects 
• Facilitate development of employee technical knowledge through on-the-job and formal training 
• Oversee quality work product from a variety of outside partners and vendors, including a fractional CIO, MSPs, developers, and security professionals 

 Strategy & Systems 

• Develops overall technology roadmaps, budgets, and plans, and formulates solutions for current and future information systems and activities  
• Analyzes IT infrastructure and systems performance to assess operating costs, productivity levels, upgrade requirements, and other metrics and needs 
• Analyze the business requirements of departments to determine their technology needs 
• Prepares, submits, and manages operating and capital expenditures for technology needed to support LabCentral’s technology projects  
• Upgrade or implement new applications as needed to solve business problems proactively 
• Keeps abreast of new knowledge, research, products, and services in technology that will benefit the organization 
• Partner deeply with LabCentral leadership, staff, and resident companies to develop technology solutions to important business challenges 

  What will I bring?  

Desired qualifications: 

• 7-12 years of experience building and managing enterprise, on-site technology operations, including a moderately sized IT network infrastructure 
• Success managing multiple direct reports, vendors, and consultants to achieve goals 
• Familiarity with using and troubleshooting Microsoft Windows servers, cloud and hosted applications, Microsoft 365 Suite, Apple products, and a wide variety of software 

• Extensive experience working cross-functionally, building collaborative working relationships and interfacing effectively with all levels of the business 
• Strong project management skills required 
• Detail oriented and analytical, with strong written and verbal communication skills 
• Critically minded – be able to anticipate or identify an issue or a better approach and proactively work diligently to resolve or improve 
• Be able to analyze and evaluate service requests and make recommendations to improve efficiencies 
• Have strong time management, organization, and decision-making skills  
• Natural ability to build rapport with residents, vendors, and colleagues 

 Work environment: 

• Fully onsite during regular business hours with the rare need for off hours availability 
• Ability to sit for long periods, ability to move around an office environment, and ability to communicate information and ideas so others will understand 

 What do we offer? 

Benefits:  

• Fully Covered Medical and Dental Premiums: We have you and your dependents covered, including deductible costs. 
• Long and Short-Term Disability & Life Insurance: Life can be unexpected; we’ve got your back. 
• Unlimited Vacation: Enjoy the flexibility to take the time you need.  
• Three Months of Fully Paid Parental Leave: We’ll help support you during life's important moments. 
• 401K Match Up to 6% with Immediate Vestment: Know your future is secure with our 401K match. 
• Transportation Reimbursements: We'll cover commuting costs for a parking pass, MBTA, or bike maintenance so you can get to work hassle-free. 
• Health & Wellness: Relax and enjoy reimbursements for fitness, yoga, massage therapy, and other holistic health practices. 
• Technology Stipend: To ensure you stay connected, we offer a monthly cell phone stipend as well as yearly reimbursements for cell phone repairs. 
• Professional Growth: We offer a stipend for continuing education and training to invest in your career growth, and we help ease the burden of student loans by providing reimbursement.  
• Fantastic Work Environment: Be inspired by colleagues and residents, and work in vibrant spaces that are stocked with a variety of snacks. Plus, we offer in-house programming on thought-provoking and diverse topics! 

 Compensation: 

Our compensation philosophy is intentional and researched to align with average market salaries; comprehensive, generous benefits to support overall well-being; and parity with our existing and future team members. Below details the value of what our compensation package may look like, but specific details pertaining to an individual will vary.   

Salary range: $140,000-180,000 along with the potential to earn a bonus of 16% based on company performance  

Approximate monetary value of benefits (based off of an individual – dependents increase value): $22,000   

 EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER    

LabCentral is committed to building teams that reflect the fabric of the city around us. We welcome all candidates regardless of race, color, ancestry, gender identity or expression, religion, national origin, sexual orientation, age, citizenship, marital status, disability, Veteran status, or any other legally protected status. Any other human expressions and experiences not mentioned here are equally welcome. If you require an accommodation, please let us know. We are proud to be an equal opportunity employer.