Lab Operations Associate

Lila Sciences•Cambridge, MA

About The Position

Lila Sciences has created the world’s first Operating System for Science, powered by Scientific Superintelligence™. Lila generates hypotheses, designs and runs experiments, and learns from new data in real time. The result is faster discovery for every field where breakthrough science matters, from human health to climate and sustainability. Learn more about this mission at www.lila.ai . At Lila, every breakthrough begins as a question. That same spirit of curiosity fuels our technology, propels our people, and defines how our team works and grows. We are uniquely cross-functional and collaborative: scientists and engineers, technologists and experimentalists work side by side to turn questions into ideas, and ideas into breakthroughs. We seek individuals with an inclusive mindset and a diversity of thought, because we know that experience comes in many forms, skills are transferable, and passion goes a long way. If this sounds like an environment you’d love to work in, even if you only have some of the experience listed below, we encourage you to apply. Lab Operations is the operational backbone that lets science move quickly. As a Lab Operations Associate, you keep the equipment, supplies, space, and logistics our scientists rely on running smoothly every single day. You are the reliable hands-on contributor who stocks consumables, supports equipment installs and moves, responds to equipment alarms, helps stand up new lab spaces, and keeps deliveries and shipments flowing. Working with guidance from senior Lab Ops team members and through our service-ticket queue, you deliver your work independently, raise issues early, and take real pride in a well-run lab.

Requirements

1-2 years of experience in lab operations, lab support, or a related hands-on environment (internship or co-op experience counts).
Solid functional knowledge of how a lab runs day to day, with strong organization and attention to detail.
Ability to deliver assigned tasks reliably and on time with general guidance, and to manage competing priorities through a ticket queue.
Comfort with lab management and ticketing tools (e.g., a CMMS, ChemInventory, Jira, or Notion) and general computer tools.
Working understanding of lab safety practices and proper handling of chemical and biological materials.
A proactive, service-minded, team-first attitude.
Ability to lift up to 40 lbs, work hands-on, and stand, walk, and move around the lab for extended periods.

Nice To Haves

Experience supporting equipment installs, moves, or maintenance (PMs, calibration, basic troubleshooting).
Exposure to automated or high-throughput laboratory environments.
Familiarity with asset/inventory or CMMS tools (e.g., eWorkOrders, ChemInventory, or equivalent).
A background in chemistry, biology, materials science, or a related field.
Certifications in biohazard waste handling or OSHA/HazMat.

Responsibilities

Order, stock, and organize lab consumables and PPE through our hub-and-spoke model; manage the procurement rack and flag replenishment needs before stockouts occur.
Manage gas tank inventory and rotation, dry ice supply, and chemical inventory; tag, track, and maintain lab assets.
Coordinate shipping, receiving, and deliveries of equipment and samples (including courier and offsite/warehouse logistics), and move crates to and from the loading dock.
Support equipment installs and setup, including facility connections (CO2, vacuum, house air), and assist with equipment moves, relocations, and decommissions.
Respond to general equipment and cold-storage alarms; perform basic troubleshooting and freezer/refrigerator defrosts, and coordinate service when needed.
Help set up, reconfigure, and clean up lab spaces for new teams and projects, including assembling racks, carts, and lab equipment.
Coordinate vendor visits and scheduling, and triage and route Lab Ops support tickets and work orders.
Support EH&S with lab-side logistics, such as setting up new waste streams and coordinating safety shower, eyewash, fire extinguisher, and first-aid service.