Lab Operations Specialist

Job Title: Lab Operations SpecialistJob Description

The Lab Operations Specialist serves as a key liaison between internal and external stakeholders to manage inventory activities and provide accurate, efficient laboratory support. This role oversees the movement, storage, control, and protection of raw materials, supplies, work-in-process products, and finished goods. The specialist ensures materials and finished products are handled in accordance with established processes and procedures while supporting continuous improvement across lab and manufacturing operations.

Responsibilities

• Work closely with cross-functional teams, including Manufacturing Operations, Donor Centers, and Quality Assurance, to receive, inspect, release, store, monitor, and issue materials internally and ship finished goods to customers.
• Ensure final disposition of materials and finished goods follows established processes, procedures, and documentation requirements.
• Schedule and perform cycle count activities, ensuring counts are completed accurately and on time.
• Investigate and troubleshoot inventory discrepancies identified during cycle counts and update designated metric reports with findings and resolutions.
• Monitor storage space availability within assigned areas and recommend improvements to optimize space utilization.
• Participate in the review, development, and updating of material handling Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and related company guidelines.
• Assist in the development, tracking, and maintenance of Manufacturing Operations metrics, including inventory and material handling performance indicators.
• Support training of existing and new employees in material handling processes and assist with recruitment activities for new material handlers as requested.
• Comply with company policies and adhere to all safety requirements when handling materials or working in designated areas.
• Ensure equipment used for material handling and lab operations is maintained to high operational standards and promptly report any discrepancies or malfunctions to management.
• Support management in continuous improvement initiatives aimed at optimizing efficiency and effectiveness of material handling operations.
• Participate in special projects and perform other related duties as required by operational needs.
• Perform responsibilities using appropriate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) when required and promote safe work practices.
• Perform material handling activities including shipping and receiving functions such as inspection, tagging, packaging of materials, discarding boxes appropriately, and maintaining the shipping area in an orderly condition.
• Pick, pull, and package materials prior to internal issuance and/or off-site shipping, ensuring accuracy and traceability.
• Handle finished goods materials under cryo-frozen conditions in accordance with established procedures and safety guidelines.
• Apply basic inventory management principles, including First-In-First-Out (FIFO) and Kanban systems, to maintain accurate inventory levels and flow.
• Perform quality control inspections for incoming raw materials in line with applicable procedures and document results accurately.

Essential Skills

• Minimum of 5 years of experience in lab management.
• Hands-on experience in lab operations and working with lab equipment.
• Strong understanding of Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP).
• Experience with electronic and paper-based inventory control systems.
• Strong understanding of ERP systems and inventory transactions.
• Ability to write clear, accurate Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).
• Strong computer skills, including proficiency in Excel.
• Physical ability to move moderately heavy and/or bulky materials.
• Ability to work safely with cryo-frozen materials and follow detailed procedures.
• Capability to investigate and resolve inventory discrepancies with attention to detail.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience with handling cryo-frozen materials is an asset.
• Experience with both electronic and paper-based inventory control systems is an asset.
• Knowledge of quality standards such as ISO 9001 is desired.
• Working knowledge of creating pivot tables in Excel is an asset.
• Familiarity with inventory management approaches such as FIFO and Kanban.
• Ability to contribute to continuous improvement initiatives in material handling and lab operations.
• Comfort working in cross-functional environments with Manufacturing, Donor Centers, and Quality Assurance.
• Strong communication skills to support training and collaboration with internal and external stakeholders.

Work Environment

This position is fully onsite in Emeryville and supports laboratory and manufacturing operations focused on collecting and processing donated blood and bone marrow specimens into research-ready samples. The work schedule follows a Monday through Friday pattern with flexible working hours to accommodate operational needs. The environment involves frequent interaction with lab equipment, inventory management systems, ERP platforms, and electronic and paper-based documentation. The role includes regular handling of raw materials, supplies, and finished goods, including work under cryo-frozen conditions. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) is used as required, and the facility follows established safety procedures and Good Manufacturing Practices. The setting emphasizes collaboration, accuracy, and efficiency to increase access to biologically relevant samples and support research worldwide.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Emeryville, CA.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $35.00 - $38.00/hr.

Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following: • Medical, dental & vision • Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital • 401(k) Retirement Plan - Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available • Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents) • Short and long-term disability • Health Spending Account (HSA) • Transportation benefits • Employee Assistance Program • Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)

Workplace Type

This is a fully onsite position in Emeryville,CA.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Jul 31, 2026.

About Actalent

Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services and talent solutions. We help visionary companies advance their engineering and science initiatives through access to specialized experts who drive scale, innovation and speed to market. With a network of almost 20,000 consultants and 5,000 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500. We are proud to be an Engineering News-Record (ENR) Top 500 Design Firm for our engineering design services and a ClearlyRated Best of Staffing winner for both client and talent service.

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.

If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or adjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability, please email actalentaccommodation@actalentservices.com for other accommodation options.

San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance: Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

Massachusetts Lie Detector: It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI): We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.