Sample Operations Administrator

Cogent Biosciences • Boulder, CO

15h • $70,000 - $80,000

About The Position

Cogent Biosciences is seeking a highly organized and technically curious Sample Operations Administrator to support research teams and scientific operations. The role sits at the intersection of laboratory operations, sample management, technology, and scientific collaboration. The administrator partners with chemists, biologists, and laboratory scientists to ensure compounds and samples are accurately processed, inventoried, tracked, stored, and delivered for research programs. The position also drives process improvements, leads operational initiatives, and develops expertise in systems essential to the company’s scientific work.

Requirements

• BA or BS and at least 1–2 years of experience in laboratory work, scientific operations, inventory management, or a related area.
• Experience using Microsoft Office applications, particularly Excel and Word.
• Familiarity with databases, inventory systems, or data management platforms.
• Strong interpersonal and customer-service skills.
• Ability to regularly lift and move materials weighing up to 35 pounds.

Nice To Haves

• Experience with ChemDraw, laboratory information systems, or scientific databases.
• Familiarity with chemical compounds, laboratory safety practices, and chemical hazard awareness.
• Understanding of laboratory workflows in research, biotechnology, pharmaceutical, or scientific environments.
• Experience coordinating inventory, logistics, or sample management processes.

Responsibilities

• Manage end-to-end compound and sample processing workflows supporting internal and external assay requests.
• Maintain and optimize inventory management systems, databases, and workflow applications used across research operations.
• Ensure the accuracy and integrity of sample tracking, storage, and inventory records.
• Conduct annual inventory audits and implement inventory-control best practices.
• Coordinate preparation and shipment of compounds for project-specific and offsite research activities.
• Become a key resource and subject matter expert for sample management systems and related processes.
• Troubleshoot operational and system issues in partnership with IT and scientific stakeholders.
• Analyze workflows, identify improvement opportunities, and lead initiatives to increase efficiency, accuracy, and researcher experience.
• Lead operational projects, including large-scale compound inventory reconciliations and database improvement efforts.
• Collaborate with chemists, biologists, and laboratory staff to meet research needs on schedule.
• Communicate proactively about operational issues that may affect project timelines.
• Train colleagues on sample processing workflows, systems, and best practices.
• Present updates, recommendations, and operational insights verbally and in writing.
• Maintain laboratory equipment, supplies, and workspaces to ensure operational readiness.
• Build proficiency with specialized laboratory equipment and operational procedures.
• Support broader laboratory operations, including chemical receiving, inventory management, sterilization, material handling, and laboratory services coverage as needed.
• Promote a culture of safety, quality, and continuous improvement.

Benefits

• Competitive salary, bonus, and ongoing stock awards.
• Medical, dental, and vision premiums covered at 100% for employees and their families.
• Funding for up to 75% of in-network deductibles.
• 401(k) match with immediate vesting.
• Generous paid time off.
• 12 weeks of fully paid parental leave.
• Paid family and medical leave for all employees regardless of location.
• Company-paid short-term disability coverage for up to 20 weeks.
• Wellness programs.
• Tuition reimbursement.
• Inclusive family-forming support.
• Free on-site parking and gym facilities in the building at the Waltham location.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level