Lab Operations Specialist

Position Overview:

We are seeking a Laboratory Operations Specialist with hands-on anatomic and/or molecular pathology laboratory experience to manage the operational backbone of validation studies and AI development programs. This role focuses on tissue procurement logistics, specimen tracking, scanning operations coordination, digital pathology data management, laboratory workflow coordination, and quality management system documentation and support.

Location: Los Angeles, CA (Hybrid - in office 4days per week)
Employment Type: Full-Time
Salary Range: $72,000 - $99,000 annually
Start Date: Immediate

Primary Responsibilities:

Tissue Procurement & Sample Management

• Coordinate tissue orders across multiple vendors
• Manage tissue sample receipt, accessioning, inventory, and storage
• Develop and maintain systems for tracking tissue blocks, slides, stains, and associated metadata
• Track chain of custody documentation and specimen traceability
• Reconcile tissue orders against invoices and study requirements
• Coordinate with histology contract labs for slide preparation
• Maintain tissue procurement budgets and vendor performance metrics
• Oversee research supply chain needs including reagents and equipment in coordination with laboratory teams

Digital Pathology Operations & Workflow Coordination

• Schedule and coordinate whole slide imaging across multiple projects
• Organize and maintain digital pathology datasets, file structures, and records for AI development and validation
• Support slide scanning workflows, labeling, completeness checks, and readiness for downstream analysis
• Monitor scanner performance and coordinate technical troubleshooting
• Track scanning queues, turnaround times, and slide prioritization
• Manage digital slide file organization and pathologist delivery (SVS files)
• Maintain scanning logs and quality control documentation
• Interface with scanning facilities and equipment vendors
• Train to operate and independently utilize whole slide imaging scanners, including fluorescence and brightfield microscopy systems, to perform high-quality whole slide scanning for research and validation studies
• Perform routine scanner setup, calibration, image quality verification, and basic troubleshooting to support reliable scanning operations

Data Tracking, Documentation & QC Support

• Maintain detailed project trackers, timelines, and sample databases
• Create and update study-specific spreadsheets and dashboards
• Track sample consumption across validation studies and AI training projects
• Support QC workflows for digital slides and datasets, including basic quality checks, labeling accuracy, and metadata completeness
• Support documentation compilation for regulatory submissions
• Ensure data integrity and traceability for audit readiness
• Generate weekly status reports on procurement and scanning operations

Pathologist & Vendor Coordination

• Coordinate pathologist case assignments, tracking review progress and ensuring deliverables are met
• Serve as primary contact for tissue vendors and contract labs
• Manage logistics with courier services for biological sample shipments
• Coordinate with external pathologists and subject matter experts on sample delivery schedules
• Support CRO coordination for validation study logistics
• Troubleshoot vendor issues and procurement delays
• Assist with vendor qualification and external partner management as needed

Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in biological sciences, medical sciences, pathology-related fields, or closely related discipline
• 3+ years in a clinical pathology laboratory environment (hospital lab, reference lab, academic pathology department, or pathology-focused CRO)
• Direct experience with tissue specimens (FFPE blocks, slides, fresh tissue, or frozen samples)
• Hands-on experience with specimen accessioning, tracking, and inventory management
• Familiarity with histology workflows (tissue processing, embedding, sectioning, staining)
• Strong organizational and project coordination skills with ability to manage multiple workflows simultaneously
• Proficiency with LIMS systems or laboratory databases
• Experience with chain of custody documentation and sample traceability
• Comfortable working with both physical biological samples and structured digital datasets

Technical Skills:

• Advanced Excel skills (pivot tables, VLOOKUP, complex formulas, data validation)
• Experience managing multi-project tracking systems and databases
• Strong attention to detail and data accuracy
• Comfortable learning new laboratory systems and equipment
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills with ability to coordinate across technical teams

Regulatory / Quality:

• Understanding of quality control practices in clinical laboratories
• Familiarity with CAP, CLIA, ISO, or GLP standards
• Experience supporting laboratory audits or inspections (preferred)

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience with digital pathology or whole slide imaging systems (e.g., SVS files)
• Background in anatomic pathology (vs. clinical chemistry or hematology)
• Prior work in medical device, IVD, or diagnostic development
• Exposure to regulated laboratory operations or FDA submissions
• Histotechnology certification (HTL, HT (ASCP)) -- a plus but not required
• Experience with immunohistochemistry (IHC) or special stains
• Familiarity with tissue microarrays (TMAs)
• Background in oncology diagnostics
• Experience coordinating cross-functional teams across scientific, technical, and operational domains
• Prior exposure to AI/ML development workflows or training dataset management

What We Offer:

• High-impact work: Direct contribution to breakthrough AI-powered pathology technology
• Learning opportunity: Exposure to cutting-edge digital pathology AI, regulatory processes, and startup environment
• Growth exposure: Work closely with cross-functional teams including AI/ML, clinical development, and regulatory affairs

Work Environment:

• Small, collaborative team
• Fast-paced with shifting priorities
• Mix of computer-based work (tracking, documentation, digital file management) and laboratory coordination and accessioning, block/slide filing, potentially technical support with slide scanning
• Direct Exposure to advanced digital pathology technologies
• Hybrid work model based in Los Angeles headquarters

About Us:

At Lighthouse Lab Services, we offer solutions to help start, grow, and run clinical laboratories. Our recruiting team has over 22years of proven success placing job seekers in positions ranging from entry-level Medical Technologists to seasoned Laboratory Directors. We recruit nationwide, for permanent and travel positions with clients ranging from small hospitals to large reference laboratories.
It is the policy of Lighthouse Lab Services to provide equal employment opportunity (EEO) to all persons regardless of age, color, national origin, citizenship status, physical or mental disability, race, religion, creed, gender, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, genetic information, marital status, status with regard to public assistance, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law. In addition, Lighthouse Lab Services will provide reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities.

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