Laboratory Operations Associate I - Facilities

iQ Biosciences•Alameda, CA

8h•Onsite

About The Position

iQ Biosciences is a contract research organization providing immunology research bioservices and biospecimens for preclinical studies, aiming to deliver innovative therapeutics. The company fosters a culture of inclusion, accountability, integrity, and urgency. They are expanding their Discovery Sciences division with support from Commercial Operations. This role is for a highly motivated Laboratory Operations individual who embodies the company's values: sound judgment, clear communication, curiosity, urgency, focused passion, intelligence, and empathy. The successful candidate will primarily support laboratory operations, focusing on lab equipment and facilities maintenance. Reporting to the Business Operations Manager, this position involves collaboration with Bioservices, Cellular Products, and Business Operations groups. Responsibilities include coordinating shipments for primary cell products, receiving, cataloging, and retrieving experimental reagents and internal products. The role also involves facilitating logistical and supply chain management processes by requesting quotes, proposing equipment purchases, performing maintenance, and updating inventory systems. The ideal candidate will have a service-oriented mindset, follow basic protocols, retain knowledge through diligent notetaking, and adhere to established SOPs. This Laboratory Operations Associate I will work closely with the Business Operations Manager to improve lab efficiency and escalate issues. This is an excellent entry-level opportunity to gain experience in laboratory management and facilities operations.

Requirements

High school diploma or equivalent required.
Receptive to feedback and willingness to learn.
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 with a service-oriented mindset.
Ability to work independently after initial training period.
Ability to identify and escalate issues promptly to management.
General computer literacy, including Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint).
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.

Nice To Haves

Prior experience in a laboratory, facilities, operations, or similar environment.
Experience working within a rigorous, quality control environment.
Experience with software-based inventory management systems (LIMS).
Zoho One experience.

Responsibilities

Performing and tracking general lab, facility, and equipment maintenance, including 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 level checks. 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 address issues.
Initial set up and resolving equipment issues through reviewing of manufacturer user manuals or by contacting the manufacturer.
Maintaining documentation and updates for common lab equipment (as needed).
Performing freezer audits.
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.
Executing routine procurement orders and tracking order status for laboratory and office supplies through established processes in our Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS), and escalating non-standard requests or issues as needed.
Inventory stock checking/ordering/restocking of general laboratory and office supplies, including working closely with Cellular Products and Bioservices teams to update inventory restock levels as needed.
Managing the breakroom with inventory checks, ordering, restocking, emptying the refrigerator, unloading the dishwasher, and cleaning/refilling the coffee machine (daily to weekly).
Updating and generating laboratory standard operating procedures (as needed).
Miscellaneous facility tasks as assigned, coordinating with other teams as needs arise.
Supporting role for receiving and monitoring client task articles or lab reagents for usage and tracking within our LIMS system.
Ensuring accuracy of received items.
Determining/differentiating the different types of reagents received and appropriately storing based on temperature storage requirements.
Reporting bugs and testing new features for LIMS.
Supporting role for shipping/preparing temperature-sensitive shipments (i.e. on dry ice or cold packs).
Preparing and reviewing documentation required for product shipments, and processing the documentation for international shipping documents, packing slips, shipping labels, etc.
Manage deposits, retrievals, and auditing of cryopreserved inventory in accordance with established protocols and quality standards.
Regularly handling dry ice and liquid nitrogen.
Contributing to the upkeep and organization of common laboratory work areas, consumables, and equipment.
Providing support in routine laboratory maintenance, such as consolidating waste and washing/maintaining labware, in accordance with safety and compliance guidelines.
Assisting 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.