Lab Associate

Job Description Job Description Description:

Laboratory Associate

The Laboratory Associate is designed to provide critical support across multiple laboratory locations, including Boston, Cambridge, Lexington, Woburn, Waltham, Andover, and surrounding areas. This position serves as a flexible backup to site-based staff, ensuring seamless laboratory operations during absences, high-demand periods, or special projects. The Laboratory Associate is responsible for maintaining operational efficiency, supporting scientific teams, and upholding compliance with regulatory standards.

Key Responsibilities

Laboratory Operations & Support

• Provide backup coverage across designated sites, including support for staff absences, vacations, and callouts.
• Coordinate daily laboratory activities and workflows to maintain continuity of operations.
• Maintain laboratory organization, including inventory management, cleanliness, and waste disposal.
• Monitor supply levels and ensure availability of reagents, consumables, and materials.
• Support ongoing client operations and assist with onboarding/training of BLS portfolio clients.
• Contribute to special projects and initiatives as assigned.

Equipment Maintenance & Calibration

• Operate, maintain, and troubleshoot laboratory instruments and equipment.
• Coordinate routine servicing, calibration, and repairs with vendors.
• Maintain accurate performance and maintenance logs for all equipment.

Safety & Compliance

• Adhere laboratory safety protocols and ensure compliance with OSHA, EPA, and other relevant regulatory requirements.
• Maintain and update Safety Data Sheets (SDS).
• Participate in internal audits and implement corrective actions where needed.

Quality Assurance & Documentation

• Ensure compliance with Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) in all lab activities.
• Document laboratory activities, experimental data, and deviations accurately and in real time.
• Support Quality Assurance/Quality Control (QA/QC) processes to maintain high operational standards.

Inventory & Vendor Management

• Manage procurement and inventory of laboratory materials to avoid downtime.
• Track and analyze usage trends, optimizing stock levels for efficiency.
• Partner with vendors to negotiate pricing and coordinate deliveries.

Business Development Support

• Identify potential new client opportunities during site visits.
• Build relationships with current clients to enhance satisfaction and retention.

Requirements:

Required Qualifications

• Associate's or Bachelor's degree in a relevant scientific field.
• 2-5 years of experience in the biotechnology, pharmaceutical, or life sciences industry.
• Valid driver's license, reliable transportation, and a clean driving record.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced, dynamic environment with frequent site changes.
• Physical ability to lift/move up to 50 lbs. and operate transport equipment safely.
• Strong attention to detail with excellent documentation practices.
• Proven ability to collaborate with cross-functional teams, demonstrating a strong "team player" mindset.

Preferred Skills

• Familiarity with laboratory safety procedures and hazardous materials handling.
• Experience working in regulated laboratory environments (e.g., GMP, GLP, biotech, pharma, academic research).
• Strong organizational and communication skills.
• Ability to adapt quickly, problem-solve, and manage competing priorities.