Operations Jobs in California

Overview of Position:

The Lab Operations Associate provides hands-on operational support for the research laboratory, so scientists can focus on research activities. The role is responsible for keeping laboratory equipment calibrated and service-ready, maintaining appropriate stock levels, organizing work and storage areas, coordinating shipments and deliveries, and placing and tracking orders for the research team. The individual will serve as a responsive point of contact for routine laboratory needs and maintain accurate operational records.

This is a hands-on support position requiring strong organization, attention to detail, follow-through, and clear communication. The successful candidate will work independently and collaboratively, anticipate operational needs, manage multiple priorities, and provide reliable service to the research team.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities:

Research Laboratory Operations

• Own the laboratory equipment calibration and maintenance program, including scheduling calibrations, certifications, preventive maintenance, and repairs; coordinate vendor access and retain complete service records.

• Maintain consumables, reagents, personal protective equipment, and common-use supplies at appropriate stock levels; conduct routine inventory checks and replenish materials before shortages affect research.

• Place and track orders for the research team, confirm specifications and approvals, monitor delivery dates, resolve discrepancies, and communicate delays, back orders, or substitutions.

• Keep laboratory benches, shared equipment areas, supply rooms, cold-storage spaces, and other common areas clean, organized, labeled, and ready for use.

• Coordinate shipping and receiving as needed for laboratory materials, samples, and equipment, including compliant packaging, required documentation, courier arrangements, tracking, and delivery follow-up.

• Receive deliveries, verify contents and conditions, route items promptly, and reconcile packing slips with purchase records.

• Serve as the day-to-day liaison with laboratory vendors, service providers, Facilities, Procurement, Finance, and shipping partners, following issues through resolution.

• Support laboratory safety and readiness by maintaining current logs and procedures, monitoring routine inspections, and promptly escalating facility, storage, equipment, or supply concerns.

• Assist with laboratory onboarding, workspace setup, access requests, and orientation to shared equipment, supplies, and operating procedures.

Vendor, Shipping & Service Coordination

• Obtain quotations, coordinate service agreements, schedule vendor visits, and support vendor onboarding in partnership with Procurement and Finance.

• Coordinate compliant domestic and international shipments when needed, including courier arrangements, shipping paperwork, chain-of-custody documentation, and delivery follow-up.

• Maintain current contact information and service documentation for equipment manufacturers, calibration providers, couriers, and key laboratory suppliers.

Job Requirements:

Education:

• Bachelor’s degree in a scientific discipline, laboratory operations, supply chain, or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education and relevant experience.

Experience:

• At least 3-5 years of experience supporting research, biotechnology, pharmaceutical, clinical, or academic laboratory environment is preferred.

• Experience coordinating equipment calibration, preventive maintenance, repair, or certification schedules and maintaining related records.

• Experience managing laboratory inventory, stocking shared supplies, ordering materials, and tracking purchase orders through delivery.

• Experience with shipping and receiving laboratory materials or biological samples, including familiarity with required documentation and safe packaging practices.

• Working knowledge of laboratory safety practices, chemical and biological material storage, and organized recordkeeping.

• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and experience using purchasing, inventory, work-order, or laboratory management systems.

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills and a demonstrated ability to work effectively with scientists, vendors, couriers, Facilities, Procurement, and Finance.

• Ability to prioritize competing requests, resolve routine operational issues, and deliver reliable support under changing timelines.

Skills and Attributes:

• Strong organizational skills and consistent attention to labeling, storage, documentation, and follow-through.

• Ability to maintain calibration calendars, inventory records, order trackers, service histories, and shipping documentation accurately.

• Service-oriented approach and ability to anticipate the needs of a research team.

• Effective troubleshooting, problem-solving, and escalation skills.

• Ability to manage multiple tasks, changing priorities, and time-sensitive requests with minimal supervision.

• Clear, professional communication and effective collaboration across research and business functions.

• Commitment to safe, efficient, compliant, and well-organized laboratory operations.

• Some scheduling flexibility to accommodate experimental needs.

For candidates with relevant scientific experience and interest, this position may offer opportunities to contribute to research activities as operational priorities and team needs allow.

EQ is an Equal Opportunity Employer