Laboratory Manager

About the role

The Laboratory Manager provides strategic leadership for SyAqua's Bangkok Diagnostics and Challenge Laboratory, ensuring efficient operations, regulatory compliance, and high standards in shrimp health diagnostics and research. The role combines people management, biosecurity oversight, molecular diagnostics, Family Challenge testing, and contract research services. The Laboratory Manager works closely with R&TT, Genetics, QC, Operations, and external partners to ensure reliable diagnostic and research outputs that support genetic improvement, disease management, product evaluation, and technical decision-making. By driving continuous improvement, adopting best practices, and developing laboratory capabilities and staff, the Laboratory Manager plays a critical role in strengthening SyAqua's biosecurity, research capabilities, and long-term technical excellence.

Key responsibilities

• Plan, coordinate, and oversee Family Challenge testing to support SyAqua's genetic selection and breeding programs, ensuring appropriate experimental design, biosecurity, animal handling, and standardized challenge protocols.
• Coordinate with the Genetics and R&TT teams on trial requirements, family identification, sampling, data collection, and timelines, ensuring accurate and traceable phenotypic and diagnostic data.
• Review trial results and continuously improve challenge models and procedures to ensure reliable, repeatable, and field-relevant outcomes for genetic evaluation and selection.
• Lead, mentor, and manage laboratory personnel, including supervisors, technicians, and assistants, ensuring effective manpower planning and team performance.
• Manage laboratory resources and equipment, including procurement, maintenance, inventory, and efficient resource utilization to support laboratory operations and research activities.
• Develop and manage the laboratory annual budget, OPEX and CAPEX forecasts, and monthly financial monitoring, ensuring expenditure is controlled against budget and resources are allocated cost-effectively to achieve operational and quality objectives.
• Manage biosecurity plans and conduct audits at all SyAqua facilities in coordination with the QC manager.
• Oversee diagnostics and PCR testing activities at multiple operation sites, ensuring consistent adherence to quality standards and regulatory compliance.
• Ensure that all diagnostics procedures and processes meet regulatory requirements and industry standards.
• Develop and implement training programs for PCR and diagnostics staff to ensure they are well-equipped to perform their roles effectively.

About you

• Master's degree or higher in a relevant field (e.g., Aquaculture, Biotechnology, Molecular biology)
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in a leadership role within the molecular biology or shrimp aquaculture industry
• Strong knowledge of SOP development, and regulatory compliance
• Excellent leadership and team management skills
• Exceptional problem-solving and decision-making abilities
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills
• Proficiency in data analysis and software
• Previous experience in managing aquatics animals especially in shrimp health management and diagnostics
• Willingness to travel to various operation sites as needed

About us

SyAqua Siam is located in Pathum Thani, Thailand, with a Technical/Diagnostics Lab department.