Lab Operations Specialist

Lab Operations Specialist

The Lab Operations Specialist provides on-site laboratory support to ensure smooth day-to-day operations. This role oversees shipping and receiving, inventory management, consumables tracking, and basic equipment maintenance, while strictly following standard operating procedures and safety protocols. The specialist supports scientists and program staff by keeping materials organized, equipment functioning, and the laboratory environment safe and well supplied.

Responsibilities

• Manage the intake process for all laboratory materials by accurately receiving incoming shipments, inspecting them for quality and completeness, and documenting all deliveries in accordance with standard operating procedures.
• Enter all incoming materials, including consumables, chemicals, and equipment, into the laboratory management system to ensure accurate cataloguing and regularly updated inventory levels.
• Maintain accurate records of chemical and reagent stocks, ensuring compliance with safety regulations, proper storage conditions, and full traceability of all materials.
• Provide basic maintenance for incubators by regularly filling water reservoirs, monitoring water levels, cleaning and sanitizing water reservoirs, and performing minor troubleshooting as needed.
• Oversee general waste disposal throughout the laboratory, including the safe removal of hazardous waste such as biological materials, solvents, and reagents, as well as non-hazardous waste, and consolidate waste in designated large bins for vendor pickup.
• Coordinate the movement of materials within the laboratory to support proper organization, efficient workflows, and timely availability of resources for ongoing experiments and operational needs.
• Monitor consumables and supplies, manage stocking and restocking activities, and initiate reorders with suppliers to prevent stockouts and ensure continuous laboratory operations.
• Use purchasing and inventory software tools to track orders, maintain accurate inventory records, and support procurement processes.
• Support the overall lab environment by stepping into different operational tasks as needed, particularly in a dynamic, start-up phase setting where priorities can shift quickly.
• Communicate effectively with bench scientists, program staff, and leadership to understand operational needs, provide status updates, and resolve issues related to materials, equipment, and logistics.
• Follow all established safety protocols and environmental health and safety (EH&S) requirements when handling, storing, and disposing of chemicals and hazardous materials.
• Maintain a clean, organized, and compliant laboratory workspace, demonstrating high attention to detail in all documentation and operational activities.

Essential Skills

• At least two years of laboratory experience with inventory management, including stocking, restocking, and reordering from suppliers.
• At least two years of experience performing basic laboratory equipment maintenance, such as refilling incubator water tanks and performing minor troubleshooting.
• At least two years of experience handling chemicals and hazardous materials, including proper storage and disposal in compliance with safety regulations.
• Strong interpersonal communication skills, with the ability to work effectively with scientists, program staff, and leadership.
• Strong written communication skills for accurate documentation and recordkeeping.
• Ability to work independently and proactively identify what needs to be done without constant supervision.
• High attention to detail and accuracy in handling inventory, documentation, and maintenance tasks.
• Strong organizational skills and the ability to manage multiple tasks and priorities in a dynamic environment.
• Demonstrated adaptability and willingness to support different operational needs as they arise.
• Proven reliability and dependability, including consistent attendance and punctuality.
• Ability to function effectively as a team player in a collaborative laboratory setting.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience working in a laboratory start-up or small-team environment where responsibilities may be broad and evolving.
• Familiarity with laboratory management or purchasing software for tracking inventory and orders.
• Comfort working closely with bench scientists, program managers, and directors in a cross-functional team.
• Demonstrated ability to quickly learn new processes and adjust to changing operational priorities.
• A reasonable commute that supports consistent on-site presence during standard working hours.

Work Environment

This role is based 100% on-site in a laboratory environment and operates Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. The total team is approximately 25 people, including bench scientists, program managers, and directors, creating a collaborative and science-driven environment. The lab is in a start-up phase, so the pace is dynamic and requires flexibility and a willingness to take on varied tasks as needed. The position involves regular interaction with laboratory equipment, chemicals, and hazardous materials, with strict adherence to environmental health and safety (EH&S) requirements. The dress code requires long pants and closed-toe shoes; jeans are acceptable as long as clothing is free of holes. The work setting emphasizes safety, organization, and teamwork, offering a long-term, renewable opportunity with paid time off and paid holidays.

Job Type & Location

This is a Permanent position based out of San Diego, CA.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $32.00 - $36.00/hr. Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following:

• Medical, dental & vision
• Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital
• 401(k) Retirement Plan – Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available
• Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents)
• Short and long-term disability
• Health Spending Account (HSA)
• Transportation benefits
• Employee Assistance Program
• Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)

Workplace Type

This is a fully onsite position in San Diego, CA.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Jul 10, 2026.

About Actalent

Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services and talent solutions. We help visionary companies advance their engineering and science initiatives through access to specialized experts who drive scale, innovation and speed to market. With a network of almost 20,000 consultants and 5,000 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500. We are proud to be an Engineering News-Record (ENR) Top 500 Design Firm for our engineering design services and a ClearlyRated Best of Staffing® winner for both client and talent service.

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.

If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or adjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability, please email View email address on click.appcast.io for other accommodation options.

San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance: Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

Massachusetts Lie Detector: It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI): We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.