Laboratory Operations Associate 02 - Shipping & Receiving - Lab Ops

Laboratory Operations Associate II, Shipping/Receiving

The successful candidate will be primarily responsible for taking a lead role in managing and/or performing administrative and general laboratory operations with a focus on shipping/receiving temperature-sensitive products.

Reporting to the Business Operations Manager, this position will collaborate with the Bioservices, Bioconjugation, Cellular Products and Business Operations groups. You will coordinate with the operations team to prepare shipments for our primary cell products, as well as receive, catalogue, and retrieve experimental reagents and internal products. You will engage with the Business Operations and Business Development teams to facilitate the proper logistical and supply chain management processes. These processes will support and enable Bioservices, Bioconjugation, and Cellular Product projects through requesting business or vendor related quotes, proposing equipment purchases and performing equipment maintenance, and updating appropriate inventory management systems.

The ideal candidate will be able to follow more complex protocols and retain knowledge through diligent note taking. The Laboratory Operations Associate II will work independently and collaboratively, and will demonstrate solid working knowledge of subject matter. They must work closely with the Business Operations Manager to continuously improve lab operations efficiency. The candidate may be responsible for leading/training junior staff to ensure team members develop and learn. This is an excellent mid-level opportunity for an individual to enhance their laboratory management knowledge and obtain biotechnology business operations experience.

Primary Responsibilities:

• Responsible for shipping/preparing temperature-sensitive shipments (i.e. on dry ice or cold packs):
• This includes preparing and reviewing documentation required for product shipments, and processing the documentation for international shipments, packing slips, shipping labels, and etc.
• Manage deposits, retrievals, and auditing of cryopreserved inventory in accordance with established protocols and quality standards.
• Regularly handling dry ice and liquid nitrogen.
• Responsible for receiving and monitoring client task articles or lab reagents for usage and tracking within our LIMS system:
• Managing and executing project tasks within Zoho One Suite as needed.
• Ensuring accuracy of received items.
• Determining/differentiating the different types of reagents received and appropriately storing based on temperature storage requirements.
• Serve as an active member of the Emergency Response Team (ERT), trained in emergency protocols and evacuation procedures:
• Respond to on-site incidents, supporting team coordination during drills and real emergencies, and help ensure employee safety and regulatory compliance.
• Updating and maintaining chemical and SDS inventory and other EH&S documentation.
• Reporting bugs and testing new features for LIMS.
• Performing freezer audits.
• Updating and generating laboratory standard operating procedures (as needed).
• Inventory stock checking/ordering/restocking of general laboratory and office supplies:
• Working closely with Cellular Product, Bioconjugation and Bioservice teams to update inventory restock levels as needed.
• Miscellaneous facility tasks as assigned, coordinating with other teams as needs arise.
• Supporting role for tracking general lab, facility, and equipment maintenance. This includes scheduling and/or performing equipment PMs/calibrations/repairs, and decontamination cleanings:
• Checking all equipment at the start and end of each day to ensure operability.
• Bead/water bath cleaning, freezer ice scraping or defrosting.
• Weekly incubator and water baths water level checking.
• Light cleaning (e.g. dusting top of freezers, mopping minor water spills, etc.).
• Daily checking of dry ice, liquid nitrogen and CO2 levels. Manually filling liquid nitrogen tanks as needed. Contacting vendors to coordinate and schedule regular and ad-hoc deliveries.
• Monitoring freezer and refrigerator real-time temperature alerts and immediately addressing issues.
• Initial set up and resolving equipment issues through reviewing of manufacturer user manuals or by contacting the manufacturer.

Auxiliary Responsibilities:

• Assist with vendor coordination, including scheduling/attending meetings to gather and consolidate information on products or services relevant to laboratory operations improvements.
• Support the Business Operations Manager in select projects aimed at improving laboratory operations or efficiencies, which may include preparing business cases or analyses.
• Contribute to the upkeep and organization of common laboratory work areas, consumables, and equipment.
• Provide support in routine laboratory maintenance, such as consolidating waste and washing/maintaining labware, in accordance with safety and compliance guidelines.
• Assist in maintaining a clean, safe, and orderly work environment by supporting the general upkeep of shared spaces, including the office, breakroom, and other common areas, in accordance with company policies and applicable health and safety guidelines.

Physical Requirements:

• Must be able to lift and move objects weighing up to 50 pounds approximately 0 to 3 times per day/shift.
• Must be able to lift and move objects weighing up to 20 pounds approximately 10 to 20 times per day/shift.
• Must be able to stand and walk continuously throughout an 8-hour shift.
• Must comply with laboratory policies and procedures.

Requirements:

• B.A. or B.S. with 2-4 years of experience, or AA/AS with 4-6 years of experience, preferably in a startup biotech environment.
• Organized and proactive in all aspects of work. Keeps detailed records of lab work.
• Highly adaptive and flexible with strong attention to detail.
• Excellent oral presentation and communication skills.
• Flexibility and a willingness to work as a member of a small team is key. Commit and contribute to a high functioning team of enthusiastic, collaborative, supportive individuals.
• Ability to work independently after initial training period.
• General computer literacy, including Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint).
• Experience working within a rigorous, quality control environment.
• A strong team player with the demonstrated abilities and willingness to wear "multiple hats", to perform a wide range of tasks (from menial to analytical) within a dynamic environment, and to support overall goals established for the area.

Preferred:

• Experience with software-based inventory management systems (LIMS).
• Zoho One experience.

General:

• Must be able to work on-site from our lab location in Alameda, from 8:00AM - 4:30PM Mondays through Fridays.
• Remote work: No
• Full time, non-exempt (hourly) position subject to FLSA and California overtime regulations.
• May require occasional night and/or weekend work. May require skeleton-crew shifts during the weeklong end of the year company holiday.
• Starting hourly range $31.25 to $33.65 per hour depending on experience level. Full position range $31.25 to $37.50 per hour.*
• Medical, dental, vision, FSA with employer contribution, 401K with employer match (after 90 days introductory period), long term disability insurance, EAP, paid holidays, PTO, and free lunch/snacks.

*Starting range is what iQ will pay for someone new starting in the position. The full position range allows for performance-based increases, over time, at this title/level.