Lab Operations Specialist

Job Title: Lab Operations SpecialistJob Description

The Lab Operations Specialist serves as a key liaison between internal and external stakeholders for all inventory-related activities within the laboratory. This role provides accurate and efficient operational support for the movement, storage, control, and protection of raw materials, supplies, work-in-process products, and finished goods. The specialist helps ensure that materials are handled in compliance with established procedures and quality standards, enabling reliable and timely support for research and manufacturing operations.

Responsibilities

• Work closely with cross-functional teams, including Manufacturing Operations, Donor Center, and Quality Assurance, to receive, inspect, release, store, monitor, and issue materials internally, as well as ship finished goods to customers.
• Ensure final disposition of materials and finished goods follows established processes, procedures, and quality requirements.
• Schedule and perform inventory cycle counts, ensuring all counts are completed accurately and on time.
• Investigate and troubleshoot inventory discrepancies identified during cycle counts and update designated metric reports accordingly.
• Monitor storage space availability within assigned areas and recommend improvements to optimize space utilization.
• Participate in reviewing and updating material handling Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and company guidelines.
• Assist in the development and maintenance of Manufacturing Operations metrics to track performance and efficiency.
• Support training activities for existing and new employees and assist with recruitment efforts 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 is maintained to high operational standards and promptly report any discrepancies or issues to management.
• Support management in continuous improvement initiatives aimed at optimizing and increasing the efficiency of material handling operations.
• Participate in special projects and perform other related duties as assigned.
• Perform responsibilities while wearing appropriate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) when required.
• Proactively execute 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 organized condition.
• Pick, pull, and package materials for internal issuance and off-site shipping in accordance with established procedures.
• Handle finished goods materials under cryo-frozen conditions following applicable procedures and safety guidelines.
• Apply basic inventory management principles, including First-In-First-Out (FIFO) and Kanban methodologies, to ensure proper stock rotation and availability.
• Perform quality control inspections for incoming raw materials in alignment with applicable procedures and quality standards.
• Support the use and accuracy of electronic and paper-based inventory control systems and contribute to maintaining reliable inventory records.

Essential Skills

• Minimum of 5 years of experience in lab management.
• Hands-on experience with lab operations and lab equipment.
• Knowledge and practical application of Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP).
• Strong understanding of ERP systems and inventory transactions.
• Ability to write clear and accurate Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).
• Strong computer skills, including proficiency with Microsoft Excel.
• Physical ability to move moderately heavy and bulky materials safely.
• Ability to work effectively with cross-functional teams and multiple stakeholders.
• Strong attention to detail and accuracy in inventory control and documentation.
• Commitment to following safety requirements and using PPE as required.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience with electronic and paper-based inventory control systems.
• Experience handling cryo-frozen materials.
• Knowledge of quality standards such as ISO 9001.
• Working knowledge of creating pivot tables in Microsoft Excel.
• Familiarity with basic inventory management systems, including FIFO and Kanban.
• Experience performing quality control inspections for incoming raw materials.
• Experience participating in continuous improvement initiatives within operations or logistics environments.

Work Environment

This role is based onsite in Emeryville and supports a laboratory environment that collects and processes donated blood and bone marrow specimens into samples used by researchers worldwide. The position follows a Monday through Friday schedule with flexible working hours, supporting both manufacturing and research-focused operations. Work is performed in a lab and warehouse setting that involves handling raw materials, supplies, and cryo-frozen finished goods, with regular use of lab equipment and inventory management systems. The role requires consistent adherence to safety protocols, including the use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) when handling materials or working in designated areas, and the physical ability to move moderately heavy and bulky materials. The environment emphasizes quality, operational efficiency, and continuous improvement, providing an opportunity to contribute directly to advancing scientific research through reliable and well-managed lab operations.

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.