Lab Operations Support Associate

Job Title: Lab Operations Support SpecialistJob Description

This role provides comprehensive support for laboratory operations by managing material handling, inventory control, equipment logistics, and service agreement administration. You will ensure that researchers have the supplies, gases, and properly maintained equipment they need to advance critical scientific work, including the development of next-generation cancer therapies. The position combines hands-on physical tasks with structured administrative responsibilities in a fast-paced, detail-oriented environment.

Responsibilities

• Receive, inspect, sort, and distribute incoming materials and packages to the appropriate laboratory and office areas.
• Order laboratory supplies, consumables, and maintenance-related materials to ensure continuous availability for research activities.
• Monitor inventory levels and replenish lab stockrooms and storage areas using inventory control best practices.
• Order, monitor, receive, and manage inventories of liquid nitrogen (LN2), oxygen, carbon dioxide, nitrogen, and argon gases.
• Load and unload bulk product truckloads safely and in a timely manner, following established procedures.
• Consolidate and rotate inventory using First-In, First-Out (FIFO) methods to maintain product quality and accuracy.
• Complete and assist with daily, weekly, and monthly inventory counts and reconciliations using Excel.
• Maintain accurate records of stock levels, deliveries, and usage through consistent data entry and documentation.
• Coordinate and meet with equipment vendors to schedule and oversee preventative maintenance, calibration, qualification, and repair activities.
• Escort and chaperone vendors and preventative maintenance technicians into laboratory spaces and ensure they follow site protocols.
• Support the administration of laboratory equipment service agreements, including tracking schedules and service activities.
• Communicate effectively with vendors, researchers, and internal stakeholders to resolve issues and support laboratory needs.
• Support two nearby locations, including a vivarium, by ensuring materials, gases, and equipment support are delivered as needed.
• Contribute to continuous improvement of inventory processes and workflows as the operation becomes more efficient.
• Uphold safety, compliance, and organizational standards while working in laboratories, offices, and shared areas.

Essential Skills

• High school diploma required; an associate degree or bachelor's degree is a plus.
• Strong attention to detail with the ability to multi-task and maintain accuracy in a fast-paced environment.
• Demonstrated organizational skills for managing multiple tasks, inventories, and vendor schedules.
• Experience with inventory control, including stock rotation and basic inventory management principles.
• Ability to complete daily, weekly, and monthly inventory activities using Excel.
• Proficiency in data entry and maintaining accurate records in spreadsheets or management systems.
• Ability to safely load and unload bulk product truckloads in a timely manner.
• Capability to consolidate and rotate inventory using FIFO methods.
• Ability to lift up to 25 lbs regularly, with occasional lifts up to 50 lbs as needed.
• Comfort being on your feet for a significant portion of the day in a physically active role.
• Experience with stockroom, warehouse, or inventory roles is a strong plus.
• Effective communication skills for coordinating with vendors, researchers, and internal teams.
• Comfort working in environments that support animal research, including a vivarium.
• Flexible, cooperative personality with a willingness to support both hands-on and administrative tasks.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Associate degree or bachelor's degree in a related field is advantageous but not required.
• Previous laboratory inventory or lab operations experience is highly beneficial.
• Familiarity with laboratory equipment, lab supplies, and maintenance workflows.
• Experience working with liquid nitrogen and compressed gases such as oxygen, carbon dioxide, nitrogen, and argon.
• Knowledge of basic equipment maintenance processes or vendor coordination.
• Experience using Excel for inventory tracking, reporting, and basic data analysis.
• Prior exposure to management systems for inventory or equipment tracking is a plus.
• Reliable transportation to support two nearby locations.
• Interest in supporting research aimed at developing new cancer therapies and improving patient outcomes.

Work Environment

This is an onsite role, Monday through Friday, supporting two walkable locations, including a vivarium and a primary office and laboratory building. You will be based primarily on the third floor in an office area with individual workstations, while frequently moving through hallways, stockrooms, and laboratory spaces. The position involves a mix of physical and desk-based work: initially about 60% of your time will be spent on your feet and 40% at a desk, shifting toward 40% on your feet and 60% at a desk as processes become more efficient. You will regularly handle boxes and materials delivered directly to the third floor, and you will escort vendors and preventative maintenance technicians into laboratories, ensuring they follow safety and site procedures. The role includes working with laboratory gases such as LN2, oxygen, carbon dioxide, nitrogen, and argon, and you will receive OSHA training to support safe operations. The environment is collaborative and mission-driven, focused on supporting researchers working to develop life-extending cancer therapies. Dress is appropriate for a professional office and laboratory-support setting, balancing comfort and safety for both desk work and physical tasks.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract position based out of Rockville, MD.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $30.00 - $35.00/hr.

Individual compensation offered for this position within this range will depend on many factors, including qualifications, skills, relevant experience, job knowledge, geographic location, internal equity, and other pertinent job-related factors.

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 Rockville,MD.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Sep 19, 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 actalentaccommodation@actalentservices.com 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.