Laboratory Operations Associate I - Shipping & Receiving

About iQ Biosciences:

iQ Biosciences is a contract research organization dedicated to providing immunology research bioservices and biospecimens, enabling preclinical research studies. We serve as a trusted partner for the biomedical community and help deliver innovative therapeutics for physicians and patients. iQ Biosciences fosters a company culture of employee inclusion, accountability, integrity, and a shared sense of team urgency, knowing that patients are waiting with critical needs.  iQ Biosciences is entering an exciting new chapter as we have expanded our Discovery Sciences division, with support from our newly formed Commercial Operations business unit. We’re seeking a highly motivated Laboratory Operations individual who embodies our culture and values: sound judgment, clear communication, curiosity, urgency, focused passion, intelligence, and empathy.

Position Description: Laboratory Operations Associate I, S&R

The successful candidate will be primarily responsible for supporting laboratory operations with a focus on shipping/receiving (S/R) temperature-sensitive products. 

Reporting to the Business Operations Manager, this position will collaborate with the Bioservices, Cellular Products and Business Operations groups. You will coordinate with the groups to prepare shipments for our primary cell products, as well as receive, catalogue, and retrieve experimental reagents and internal products. You will engage with the Business Operations and Business Development teams to facilitate the proper logistical and supply chain management processes. These processes will support and enable Bioservices and Cellular Product projects through requesting business or vendor related quotes, proposing equipment purchases and performing equipment maintenance, and updating appropriate inventory management systems.

The ideal candidate will have a service-oriented mindset, be able to follow basic protocols and retain knowledge through diligent notetaking, following established SOPs.  The Laboratory Operations Associate I will work closely with the Business Operations Manager to continuously improve the efficiency of our lab operations and escalate issues as needed.  This is an excellent entry-level opportunity for an individual to learn the basics of laboratory management and obtain shipping/receiving experience.

Primary Responsibilities:

• Shipping/preparing temperature-sensitive shipments (i.e. on dry ice or cold packs).

  • This includes preparing and reviewing documentation required for product shipments, and processing the documentation for international shipping documents, packing slips, shipping labels, etc.

  • Manage deposits, retrievals, and auditing of cryopreserved inventory in accordance with established protocols and quality standards.

  • Regularly handling dry ice and liquid nitrogen.

• Receiving and monitoring client task articles or lab reagents for usage and tracking within our Laboratory Infomation Management System (LIMS).

  • Ensuring accuracy of received items.

  • Determining/differentiating the different types of reagents received and appropriately storing based on temperature storage requirements.

  • Reporting bugs and testing new features for LIMS.

• Serve as an active member of the Emergency Response Team (ERT), trained in emergency protocols and evacuation procedures.

  • Respond to on-site incidents, supporting team coordination during drills and real emergencies, and help ensure employee safety and regulatory compliance.

  • Updating and maintaining chemical and SDS inventory and other EH&S documentation.

• Updating and generating laboratory standard operating procedures (as needed).

• Miscellaneous lab operational tasks as assigned, coordinating with other teams as needs arise.

• Supporting role for tracking general lab, facility, and equipment maintenance.  This includes scheduling and/or performing equipment PMs/calibrations/repairs, and decontamination cleanings.

  • Checking all equipment at the start and end of each day to ensure operability.

  • Bead/water bath cleaning, freezer ice scraping or defrosting.

  • Weekly incubator and water baths water level checking.

  • Light cleaning (e.g. dusting top of freezers, mopping minor water spills, etc.).

  • Daily checking of dry ice, liquid nitrogen and CO2 levels. Manually filling liquid nitrogen tanks as needed.  Contacting vendors to coordinate and schedule regular and ad-hoc deliveries.

  • Monitoring freezer and refrigerator real-time temperature alerts and immediately addressing issues.

  • Initial set up and resolving equipment issues through reviewing of manufacturer user manuals or by contacting the manufacturer.

  • Maintaining documentation and updates for common lab equipment (as needed)

  • Performing freezer audits.

• Supporting role for executing routine procurement orders and tracking order status for laboratory and office supplies through established processes in LIMS, and escalating non-standard requests or issues as needed.

  • Inventory stock checking/ordering/restocking of general laboratory and office supplies.  This includes working closely with Cellular Products and Bioservices teams to update inventory restock levels as needed.

• Supporting role for managing the breakroom with inventory checks, ordering, restocking, emptying the refrigerator, unloading the dishwasher, and cleaning/refilling the coffee machine (daily to weekly).

Auxiliary Responsibilities:

• Contributing to the upkeep and organization of common laboratory work areas, consumables, and equipment.

• Providing support in routine laboratory maintenance, such as consolidating waste and washing/maintaining labware, in accordance with safety and compliance guidelines.

• Assisting in maintaining a clean, safe, and orderly work environment by supporting the general upkeep of shared spaces, including the office, breakroom, and other common areas, in accordance with company policies and applicable health and safety guidelines.

Physical Requirements:

• Must be able to lift and move objects weighing up to 50 pounds approximately 0 or 1 to 3 times per day/shift.

• Must be able to lift and move objects weighing up to 20 pounds approximately 10 to 20 times per day/shift.

Activity: Lifting Large Shipping Boxes and a small 30L Liquid Nitrogen Dewar
Frequency: 1-3 times per day
Item Dimensions: 18”H x 12”W x 13”D
Weight: 50 lbs
Starting Height: 43”
Finish Height: 0”
Distance from Body: 5”

Activity: Lifting a 30L Liquid Nitrogen Dewar
Frequency: 0-3 times per day
Item Dimensions: 24”H x 18”W x 18”D
Weight: 50 lbs
Starting Height: 0”
Finish Height: 24”
Distance from Body: 5”

Activity: Lifting Liquid Nitrogen Racks or Boxes
Frequency: 10-20 times per day
Item Dimensions: 33” H x 6” W x 6” D
Weight: 20 lbs
Starting Grip Height: 43”
Finish Grip Height: 60”
Distance from Body: 14”

• Must be able to stand and walk continuously throughout an 8-hour shift.

• Must comply with laboratory policies and procedures.

Requirements:

• High school diploma or equivalent required.

• Receptive to feedback and willingness to learn.

• Organized and proactive in all aspects of work. Keeps detailed records of lab work.

• Highly adaptive and flexible with strong attention to detail.

• Excellent oral presentation and communication skills.

• Flexibility and a willingness to work as a member of a small team is key. Commit and contribute to a high functioning team of enthusiastic, collaborative, supportive individuals with a service-oriented mindset.

• Ability to work independently after initial training period.

• Ability to identify and escalate issues promptly to management.

• General computer literacy, including Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint).

A strong team player with the demonstrated abilities and willingness to wear “multiple hats”, to perform a wide range of tasks (from menial to analytical) within a dynamic environment, and to support overall goals established for the area.

Preferred:

• Prior experience in a laboratory, facilities, operations, or similar environment.

• Experience working within a rigorous, quality control environment.

• Experience with software-based inventory management systems (LIMS).

• Zoho One experience.

General:

• Must be able to work on-site from our lab location in Alameda, from 8:00AM - 4:30PM, Monday through Friday. No remote work.

• Full time, non-exempt (hourly) position subject to FLSA and California overtime regulations.

• May require occasional night and/or weekend work and/or skeleton-crew shifts during the weeklong end-of-the-year company holiday.

• Starting hourly range $26 to $30 per hour depending on experience level.  Full position range $26 to $33 per hour.

• Medical, dental, vision, FSA with employer contribution, 401K with employer match (after 90 days introductory period), long-term disability insurance, life insurance, EAP, paid holidays, PTO, and free lunch/snacks.

Position Duration:  

• This is a full-time, temporary position with a maximum duration of two years. Continued employment in any role at iQ up to, or beyond, two years is not guaranteed and will depend on organizational needs and individual performance.

Note:

• This job description outlines the primary duties and requirements of the Laboratory Operations Associate I, S/R position. Additional responsibilities may be assigned as necessary to support the goals and objectives of the organization.