Lab Operations Specialist

Job Description

Job Description

Position Summary

We are seeking a highly motivated, detail-oriented, and hands-on Operations Specialist to support the day-to-day operations of our growing biotechnology organization. This role is ideal for an individual who enjoys working at the intersection of scientific operations, procurement, supply chain management, and business administration.

The successful candidate will play a critical role in ensuring that laboratory teams have the materials, equipment, and services required to support research, analytical testing, formulation development, and manufacturing activities. This position will serve as the primary point of coordination for laboratory purchasing, inventory management, supplier relationships, shipping and receiving, and operational support functions.

The ideal candidate thrives in a fast-paced scientific environment, enjoys solving operational challenges, and takes pride in maintaining efficient systems that enable scientific teams to focus on innovation.

Key Responsibilities

Laboratory Procurement, Purchasing & Supplier Management

• Serve as the primary coordinator for procurement activities supporting laboratory, analytical, research, and operational functions.
• Source laboratory consumables, chemicals, reagents, reference standards, equipment, office supplies, and contracted services.
• Create and manage purchase requisitions and purchase orders while ensuring timely delivery of critical materials.
• Obtain and compare supplier quotations, evaluate pricing and lead times, and recommend purchasing decisions.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with laboratory suppliers, scientific equipment vendors, and service providers.
• Coordinate equipment service contracts, preventative maintenance agreements, and vendor-supported laboratory services.
• Track supplier performance and resolve issues related to quality, delivery, backorders, and service.
• Support supplier qualification activities and maintain procurement documentation in accordance with company procedures.
• Identify cost-saving opportunities through supplier negotiations, inventory optimization, and process improvements.
• Partner closely with scientists and laboratory managers to forecast material requirements and prevent stockouts.

Laboratory Inventory Control & Materials Management

• Manage laboratory inventory levels for chemicals, reagents, consumables, standards, and critical supplies.
• Establish inventory tracking systems and reorder points to ensure uninterrupted laboratory operations.
• Maintain organized storage areas and ensure proper handling of laboratory materials.
• Monitor inventory expiration dates and coordinate the disposition or replacement of expired materials.
• Conduct periodic inventory counts and reconciliation activities.
• Coordinate receipt, inspection, labeling, and storage of incoming laboratory materials.
• Assist with laboratory equipment inventory tracking and asset management.
• Maintain records supporting laboratory operations, quality systems, and audits.

Shipping, Receiving & Logistics

• Coordinate domestic and international shipments of research materials, samples, supplies, and equipment.
• Prepare shipping documentation, customs paperwork, and carrier documentation as required.
• Receive and inspect incoming deliveries and verify materials against purchase orders.
• Track shipments and resolve transportation, delivery, and supply chain issues.
• Coordinate temperature-controlled, sensitive, and hazardous material shipments when required.
• Ensure laboratory materials are delivered promptly to end users and properly stored upon receipt.

Human Resources & Employee Support

• Support recruiting activities, interview scheduling, onboarding, and employee orientation.
• Maintain employee records and HR documentation.
• Assist with benefits administration, PTO tracking, and employee communications.
• Coordinate training records and employee development activities.
• Support employee engagement initiatives and company events.
• Ensure compliance with company policies and workplace requirements.

Office & Business Operations

• Manage office operations, facilities coordination, and workplace services.
• Support invoice processing, expense tracking, vendor payments, and operational budget monitoring.
• Maintain company records, documentation systems, and administrative files.
• Coordinate travel arrangements, meetings, and company events.
• Support leadership with operational projects and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Assist in implementing scalable processes that support company growth.
• Perform other responsibilities as needed to support organizational objectives.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Life Sciences, Business Administration, Supply Chain Management, Operations, or a related field, or equivalent professional experience.
• 3+ years of experience in laboratory operations, procurement, purchasing, supply chain, biotechnology, pharmaceutical, CRO/CDMO, or related environments.
• Demonstrated experience purchasing laboratory supplies, chemicals, consumables, equipment, or scientific services.
• Experience managing vendor relationships, purchase orders, and inventory systems.
• Strong organizational and project management skills with the ability to prioritize multiple responsibilities.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, particularly Excel.
• Excellent communication and problem-solving abilities.
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to accuracy.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience working in biotechnology, pharmaceutical, life sciences, laboratory services, CDMO, or regulated environments.
• Familiarity with scientific laboratory operations, analytical testing, formulation development, or manufacturing support.
• Knowledge of GMP, GLP, GDP, ISO, or other quality and compliance systems.
• Experience purchasing chemicals, reagents, reference standards, laboratory consumables, and scientific instrumentation.
• Experience supporting laboratory inventory control programs and scientific equipment management.
• Understanding of laboratory safety requirements and chemical inventory management.
• Experience in a fast-growing startup or entrepreneurial environment.

Why Join Us?

• Work directly with scientists and industry experts developing innovative therapies and technologies.
• Play a critical role in enabling research, development, and manufacturing success.
• Gain broad exposure to laboratory operations, procurement, supply chain, and business functions.
• Be part of a collaborative, entrepreneurial team where your contributions have a direct impact on company growth and innovation.

CuriRx, Inc. was founded in 2012, a contract research, development, and manufacturing organization (CRDMO) specializing in biologics, gene therapy, cell therapy, and advanced drug delivery solutions. Our vision is to create new standards of care in therapeutic areas with high unmet medical needs. We do this by partnering with our clients to provide innovative development solutions for pharmaceutics, biopharmaceutics, vaccines, generics, and biosimilars. CuriRx focuses on formulation and lyophilization development of biologics, small molecule, analytical development, and preclinical manufacturing of biologics. The company provides end-to-end services including process development, analytical testing, formulation development, GMP manufacturing support, and regulatory assistance for biotechnology and pharmaceutical clients.

Company Description

CuriRx, Inc. was founded in 2012, a contract research, development, and manufacturing organization (CRDMO) specializing in biologics, gene therapy, cell therapy, and advanced drug delivery solutions. Our vision is to create new standards of care in therapeutic areas with high unmet medical needs. We do this by partnering with our clients to provide innovative development solutions for pharmaceutics, biopharmaceutics, vaccines, generics, and biosimilars. CuriRx focuses on formulation and lyophilization development of biologics, small molecule, analytical development, and preclinical manufacturing of biologics. The company provides end-to-end services including process development, analytical testing, formulation development, GMP manufacturing support, and regulatory assistance for biotechnology and pharmaceutical clients.