Lab Operations Assistant

Cultivarium is a Convergent Research focused research organization with a mission to accelerate the adoption of new organisms for biotechnology. We are looking for experts who can contribute individually and as part of a team to create tangible solutions for a ‘moonshot’ project. You will be part of a close-knit, driven team of scientists and engineers who are building technological infrastructure to cultivate non-model microorganisms, to open new avenues for science, technology, medicine, and agriculture.

We are looking for a lab operations assistant to support our state-of-the-art laboratory. The successful candidate will support the complex and interdisciplinary needs of a microbiology laboratory. You will work closely with microbiologists, molecular biologists, and automation engineers to establish and maintain world-class operations.

Responsibilities

• Serve as a responsible person for laboratory operational needs and primary contact for special circumstances.
• Perform lab duties as needed, such as autoclave, glassware wash, or preparation of common supplies.
• Manage procurement and maintenance of supply and chemical inventories - ensure consumables, buffers, reagents, and samples are stocked, created, and shipped as needed.
• Manage laboratory equipment - including cataloging, surveillance, routine maintenance, and repair.
• Develop and implement quality assurance programs to maintain and calibrate key equipment. Maintain and enforce laboratory policies and protocols.
• Manage lab ordering system - including placing and tracking orders, payments, shipping logistics, and invoice management.
• Support interactions with Environmental Health and Safety (EHS), including management and tracking of lab permits, protocol, training, and external liaising.
• Monitoring and supporting lab safety compliance with established guidelines, including monitoring and maintenance of laboratory waste streams.
• Generate status reports, including but not limited to, inventory levels, operations expenditure, lab incidents, or deviations from standard protocols.
• Support procurement by maintaining a vendor database, vendor relationships, price negotiations, quoting, and purchase of lab equipment.
• Proactively seek ways to improve individual and team-wide scientific processes and operations to minimize risk events.
• Perform other laboratory operational duties as requested.

Basic Qualifications

• Authorized to work in the U.S. without sponsorship.
• BS in microbiology, molecular biology, environmental biology, or related fields is required.
• Self-motivated and self-directed, able to make independent and effective decisions in appropriate situations.
• Interest in learning microbiology research methodologies.
• Must be familiar with the operation of standard lab equipment and with lab safety and biosafety procedures.
• Demonstrate aptitude for problem-solving.
• Ability to multi-task and work effectively with a diverse group of people.
• Creative thinking, and problem-solving skills. Highly organized with attention to detail.
• Strong quantitative and analytical skills.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office, Google Drive/documents. Ability to set priorities and meet deadlines.
• Ability to adapt to changing projects and goals.A positive can-do attitude with initiative and adaptability in a team-based setting.

Advanced Qualifications

• Lab management experience in a startup setting.
• At least 3 years of proven experience in lab operations in a microbiology lab.
• Proficiency with the Quartzy ordering system.
• Experience with managing highly automated, high-throughput screening laboratories.
• Experience in handling vendor legal contracts, MTA documentation, and material shipping.
• Experience with viral, cell culture, or plant laboratory procedures and equipment.
• Supervisory experience.

We are bringing together top talent from academia, industry, and startups to build a new model for innovative R&D. We identify high-impact scientific or technical research and development opportunities, ultimately defining and launching these projects as Focused Research Organizations.

We are an Equal Employment Opportunity employer that proudly pursues and hires a diverse workforce. We do not make hiring or employment decisions on the basis of race, color, religion or religious belief, ethnic or national origin, nationality, sex, gender, gender-identity, sexual orientation, disability, age, military or veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable local, state, or federal law or company policy. We strive for a healthy and safe workplace and strictly prohibit harassment of any kind.
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