Lab Operations Associate

Job Description

Job Description

Overview

Excelsior Sciences of New York is transforming small molecule therapeutic drug discovery with the use of modular chemistry, to make better medicines fast. Excelsior's modular approach leverages smart blocks as the foundation of drug design and synthesis. Our smart blocks and proprietary methodologies enable chemistry that machines can do, rather than building machines that attempt to do chemistry as it is practiced today. By coupling our automated synthesis and testing, we can reduce the design-make-test-analyze cycle to two weeks. This rapid generation of high-quality data allows us to fully leverage AI/ML to create closed learning loops and conduct multiparameter optimization, resulting in better medicines, fast. Excelsior's operations are fully U.S.-based, as our automated approach enables us to onshore integrated drug discovery.

Position Summary

Excelsior Sciences is seeking a motivated and highly organized Laboratory Operations Associate to support the day-to-day operation of our research laboratories. This role will support laboratory operations, scientific teams, Environmental Health and Safety, waste management, procurement, inventory, and equipment coordination.

Working closely with the Associate Director of Lab Operations, this role will help ensure the laboratories operate safely and efficiently while providing direct support to the Biology, Chemistry, and Automation teams as needed.

Responsibilities

Key Responsibilities

Laboratory Operations and Scientific Support

• Support laboratory setup, organization, and improvement projects.
• Support the day-to-day operation of the Biology, Chemistry, and Automation laboratories.
• Maintain organized laboratory supply areas, storage locations, and shared workspaces.
• Receive, unpack, organize, and distribute laboratory supplies and equipment.
• Assist with shipping and receiving laboratory materials and equipment.
• Assist scientists with routine laboratory tasks and operational needs.
• Prepare and replenish laboratory reagents, buffers, instrument solutions, and consumables as needed.

Environmental Health and Safety and Waste Management

• Coordinate chemical, biological, hazardous, and other laboratory waste collection and disposal.
• Monitor waste accumulation areas and ensure waste is properly labeled, stored, and prepared for pickup.
• Maintain waste management records and coordinate with waste disposal vendors.
• Partner with external safety consultants and participate in EHS meetings, inspections, and follow-up activities.
• Assist with routine laboratory safety inspections and follow up on corrective actions.
• Maintain chemical inventory records and Safety Data Sheets.
• Help ensure compliance with laboratory safety policies and procedures.
• Support EHS documentation and follow-up activities as needed.
• Support the continued improvement of laboratory safety practices.

Procurement and Inventory

• Assist with obtaining vendor quotes and preparing purchase requisitions.
• Track purchase orders, deliveries, and backorders, and follow up with vendors as needed.
• Receive and verify incoming shipments against packing slips and purchase orders.
• Maintain accurate procurement, inventory, and vendor records.
• Monitor laboratory inventory levels and reorder supplies as needed.
• Organize laboratory supplies, storage areas, and inventory locations.
• Support the implementation and ongoing use of procurement and inventory management systems.
• Become a knowledgeable resource for the systems and assist users with day-to-day questions.

Equipment and Vendor Coordination

• Maintain an equipment lifecycle schedule covering delivery, installation, qualification, and preventive maintenance.
• Provide lab-wide visibility into equipment availability to support the laboratory production schedule.
• Coordinate equipment service visits, repairs, installations, and onsite vendor support.
• Maintain equipment documentation, service records, and maintenance schedules.
• Follow up with service vendors regarding maintenance, repairs, service requests, and required documentation.
• Assist with equipment installations and laboratory moves as needed.

General Responsibilities

• Support laboratory operations projects and process improvements.
• Maintain laboratory operations documentation and assist with procedure updates.
• Work collaboratively with scientific and operational teams to address day-to-day laboratory needs.
• Perform other duties as needed to support laboratory operations.

Qualifications

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Biology, Chemistry, Biochemistry, or a related scientific discipline, with at least one year of hands-on laboratory experience through academic research, an internship, or industry experience.
• Knowledge of laboratory safety practices and proper chemical handling procedures.
• Strong organizational and time-management skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities.
• Excellent written and verbal communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work collaboratively with scientific teams, operations colleagues, consultants, and external vendors.
• Strong attention to detail and a proactive, service-oriented approach.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Outlook, Word, and Excel.
• Ability to lift and move laboratory supplies and equipment weighing up to 40 pounds.

The salary range for this position is $55,000-$80,000 per year. The actual compensation offered will be based on factors such as relevant experience, education, and skills. In addition to base salary, we offer a comprehensive benefits package, including health insurance, paid time off and other benefits.

Excelsior Sciences of New York Is an equal opportunity employer (EEO). We provide equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to religion, race, creed, color, sex, sexual orientation, alienage or citizenship status, national origin, age, marital status, pregnancy, disability, veteran or military status, predisposing genetic characteristics or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state or local law.