Lab Operations Assistant (Fixed-Term Contract)

Arc Institute•Palo Alto, CA

14h•$25 - $31•Onsite

About The Position

Arc Institute is an independent nonprofit research organization at the interface of artificial intelligence and biology. Based in Palo Alto and founded in 2021, Arc partners with Stanford University, UC Berkeley, and UC San Francisco. Its scientists work across experimental and computational biology, supported by long-term funding and industry-like resources, to investigate complex diseases. The Lab Operations Assistant supports research operations across Arc’s Technology Centers. Working closely with the Lab Manager, this execution-focused role keeps shared laboratory spaces stocked, clean, safe, and operational, and provides hands-on logistical support to research teams. The position is a fixed-term contract for 18 months and is not eligible for visa sponsorship. The role is onsite at the Palo Alto office five days per week; occasional after-hours or weekend work may be required to respond to alerts. The assistant performs routine room upkeep, stocks supplies, decontaminates incubators and biosafety cabinets according to SOPs, receives and logs orders, coordinates shipping, and helps maintain useful SOPs and schedules. The role also supports task prioritization and process improvement in partnership with the Lab Manager. The hourly rate is $25–$31, with actual compensation depending on factors including experience, market conditions, education or training, skills, and internal equity.

Requirements

At least 1 year of experience in a lab operations or research setting.
Strong attention to detail and organizational skills.
Ability to multitask and prioritize in a fast-moving environment.
Resourceful, proactive, self-initiating approach, with the ability to solve problems and troubleshoot independently.
Effective written and verbal communication skills.
Proficiency with Google Workspace and/or Microsoft Office Suite.
Ability to stand and walk for extended periods and regularly bend, reach, stretch, and lift and carry boxes and supplies, with or without accommodation.
Ability to lift 50 pounds and occasionally move heavy equipment.
Ability to work onsite in the Palo Alto office five days per week.

Nice To Haves

A BS degree or partial coursework in laboratory sciences.
Experience with incubator or biosafety cabinet decontamination.
Familiarity with cold chain handling and -80°C or liquid nitrogen storage.
Experience with shipping and receiving, including shipping biological samples on dry ice.
Experience with project management tracking tools such as Asana or Jira.
Familiarity with Benchling and/or inventory management systems.

Responsibilities

Perform scheduled Technology Center room upkeep, including filling incubator water, cleaning water pans, removing biosafety cabinet waste, and cleaning shared equipment.
Stock Technology Center rooms and lab benches with consumables and reagents, track stock levels, and flag items for reorder.
Perform scheduled incubator and biosafety cabinet decontaminations according to established SOPs.
Receive and unbox vendor orders, organize items, and log them into inventory.
Work with the Lab Manager to provide flexible support to Technology Center teams.
Coordinate shipping of samples and equipment, follow up on late orders, file damage and warranty claims, and locate missing items.
Communicate clearly and concisely with lab members to maintain a high level of service.
Help keep SOPs, checklists, and rotation schedules current and useful.
Follow and reinforce safety guidelines and procedures to help maintain a safe work environment.
Work with the Lab Manager to prioritize tasks and assignments and recommend ways to improve efficiency.