Lab Support Specialist

Avantor•Gaithersburg, MD

5d•$45,000 - $72,450•Onsite

About The Position

The Opportunity: In this role, you will report to the Site Manager and will work closely with the Avantor’s Advanced Laboratory Services professionals to serve our customers by performing customized, mission-based lab work and research protocols that help return time back to science. Location: Rockville, MD Shift: Mon – Fri, 8:30 am -5:00 pm Hourly Range: $25 -$26 This role is expected to conclude after 6 months. Benefits: Health & Wellness: Medical, Dental, Vision, and Wellness programs. Time Off: PTO, company-paid holidays, choice holidays. Financial Well-Being: FSA, HSA, commuter benefits, 401(k), tuition assistance, employee stock purchase plan. Added Protection: Critical illness, accident, legal, identity theft, pet, auto, and home insurance. Recognition: Earn points to redeem for gifts and products. Avantor’s Advanced Laboratory Services team is a crucial part of the Avantor Services group serving over 500 customers in biopharma, pharmaceutical, educational, industrial, and high-tech industries with customizable, flexible solutions and end-to-end laboratory operations support. In this role you will:

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree or equivalent work experience required.
Minimum 2+ years in lab operations required
2 years of hands-on experience in histology and microtomy, including precise tissue sectioning required
Microsoft Teams and Office Suite proficiency.
Knowledge of lab equipment maintenance and safety protocols.
Familiarity with inventory systems and KPI reporting.

Nice To Haves

SHE safety training
Hazardous materials handling (IATA/DOT)
Lab operations or equipment maintenance certifications

Responsibilities

Laboratory Operations & Support Perform routine laboratory procedures such as media and buffer preparation, reagent/solvent mixtures, filtrations, material weighing, and basic physical testing.
Support senior staff by preparing materials and assisting with experiments.
Maintain and verify laboratory equipment (e.g., balances, pH meters).
Manage inventory and labeling of chemicals, glassware, and gas cylinders.
Executed routine histology and microtomy procedures utilizing instruments such as rotary microtomes, cryostats, paraffin embedding systems, tissue processors, and automated slide stainers.
Sample Management Receive and check in samples using manual or electronic tracking systems.
Assign proper storage locations and maintain accurate storage records.
Complete and maintain all paperwork associated with sample deliveries.
Prepare, secure, and package samples for shipment; document contents for manifests.
Coordinate with shipping/receiving teams to schedule and stage outbound items.
Material Management – Human Biological Samples (HBS) Handle Human Biological Samples in accordance with biosafety protocols, privacy standards, and ethical guidelines.
Label and accession HBS into the Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS).
Manage HBS disposal following established processes.
Operate and maintain HBS storage systems, including –80°C freezers, –180°C liquid nitrogen freezers, and ambient storage cabinets.
Maintain documentation, tracking, and inventory accuracy related to HBS and associated storage equipment.