Senior Lab Operations Associate

Lab Operations Associate

Location: San Diego, CA (On-Site)

About the Role

We are seeking a highly organized and proactive Lab Operations Associate to support daily laboratory operations within a fast-paced genomics and healthcare-focused environment. This role offers hands-on exposure to laboratory operations, facilities management, equipment coordination, and environmental health & safety (EHS), making it an excellent opportunity for individuals looking to build a career in lab management or scientific operations.

The Lab Operations Associate will partner closely with scientists, lab users, facilities teams, and external vendors to ensure laboratories remain safe, compliant, efficient, and fully operational.

Key Responsibilities

Laboratory Operations & Equipment Management

• Provide day-to-day operational support for laboratory users and respond promptly to lab-related requests.
• Coordinate laboratory equipment maintenance, repairs, calibrations, and preventive maintenance activities.
• Manage equipment documentation, service records, and compliance-related files.
• Obtain quotes, manage purchasing requests, and track equipment orders through delivery and installation.
• Coordinate equipment labeling, relocation, installations, and bench assignments to maximize laboratory efficiency.
• Support laboratory space planning, organization, and workflow improvements.

Safety & Compliance

• Support hazardous waste management activities, including labeling, storage, vendor coordination, and disposal.
• Conduct routine laboratory inspections and audits, documenting findings and resolving identified issues.
• Maintain chemical inventories, labeling systems, and storage records.
• Promote safe laboratory practices and contribute to a strong culture of safety and compliance.
• Ensure adequate inventory of PPE, spill response materials, and first-aid supplies.

Laboratory Support

• Coordinate freezer maintenance programs, including routine defrosting and organization.
• Provide glassware washing and autoclave support.
• Assist with inventory management and laboratory supply replenishment.
• Support laboratory, facilities, and operational improvement projects as needed.

Required Qualifications

• 2+ years of experience supporting laboratory operations within a biology, chemistry, biotechnology, genomics, life sciences, or related scientific environment.
• Experience maintaining laboratory equipment and coordinating service, repairs, installations, or equipment records.
• Working knowledge of laboratory safety procedures, hazardous materials handling, chemical inventory management, and waste disposal practices.
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities in a dynamic environment.
• Excellent customer service and interpersonal skills with a collaborative approach to supporting laboratory users.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Proficiency with Microsoft 365 applications, including Outlook, Excel, Word, and Teams.
• Ability to lift up to 25 pounds and perform routine physical laboratory support activities.

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor"s degree in Biology, Chemistry, Biotechnology, or a related scientific discipline.
• Experience working within regulated environments such as ISO, IVDR, or other quality management systems.
• Familiarity with laboratory audits, compliance activities, and chemical inventory programs.
• Exposure to Environmental Health & Safety (EHS), facilities coordination, or laboratory operations management.
• Interest in pursuing long-term growth opportunities within lab operations, lab management, facilities, or EHS.

Why Join Us?

• Gain broad exposure to laboratory operations, facilities, and EHS functions.
• Work alongside scientists and operational leaders in a cutting-edge genomics environment.
• Build valuable experience supporting regulated laboratory environments.
• Opportunity for career growth into Lab Management, Facilities Operations, or Environmental Health & Safety roles.
• Collaborative culture focused on learning, innovation, scientific integrity, and continuous improvement.

Work Environment

This is a full-time, on-site position based in San Diego, CA. The role operates within an active scientific laboratory environment and requires regular interaction with laboratory personnel, facilities teams, and external service providers. The position involves hands-on work with laboratory equipment, chemical inventories, safety systems, and operational processes.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract position based out of San Diego, CA.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $30.00 - $40.00/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 San Diego,CA.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Sep 30, 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.