Lab Operations Specialist

Job Title: Lab Operations Specialist
Location: Philadelphia, PA 19104
Duration: 12 Months
Job Type: Temporary Assignment
Work Type: Onsite

Job Description:

Key Responsibilities:

• Maintain equipment inventory, ensuring the information is accurate and updated promptly.
• Regularly evaluate fixed lab equipment (fume hoods, exhaust fans, biosafety cabinet, etc.) are functioning properly.
• Manage all laboratory vendor service contracts ensuring that preventative maintenance visits are executed on schedule.
• Manage and coordinate timelines across laboratories for certifications and calibrations on critical equipment.
• Help resolve and/or coordinate equipment repair visits between the service provider and the laboratory team.
• Review cold storage monitoring software to minimize the risk of freezer failure.
• Escalate issues internally and troubleshoot as needed.
• Participate in laboratory emergency planning/management e.g. power outages and infrastructure projects.
• Work with all parties involved (technicians, users, IT, and leadership) to ensure that both the equipment and operational needs are met.
• Chaperone technicians from external suppliers and ensure they are adhering to company policies while onsite.
• Oversee delivery logistics by coordinating the receipt of packages, gas deliveries, or installation of laboratory equipment.
• Support the procurement of laboratory consumables and supplies as needed.
• Perform general troubleshooting of laboratory operation issues as they arise.
• Support the development and maintenance of procedures to ensure compliant lab operations.
• Work with lab safety officer to manage the safety systems/compliance and ensure the Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) is current and available.
• Provide miscellaneous laboratory maintenance tasks as needed e.g. supply stocking, eye wash/safety shower flushing, removal of waste, etc.

Required Qualifications:

• A.S. or B.S. in Life Sciences or Facilities Management with management/technical emphasis.
• Minimum 1 year of pharmaceutical, life sciences, or biotech experience in an academic or industry setting.
• Minimum 2 years of experience implementing maintenance and repair programs in a Research & Development (R&D) facility.
• Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to work collaboratively with members of a cross-functional team.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to solve problems while anticipating the downstream impacts.
• Highly organized with a strong attention to detail, clarity, accuracy, and conciseness.
• Can lift up to 50 pounds (may need to move consumables/equipment)

Additional Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience with project management activities and vendor management preferred.
• Experience working within an R&D team while establishing and enforcing best practices in laboratory operations preferred.
• Experience training/teaching new employees specific relevant technical and conceptual skills is a plus.
• Experience with lab supplies procurement.