Responsibilities

Job Description Summary:

Candidate to provide critical lab support at a customer site in San Diego, CA. The Lab Services Specialist supports automation functions as a liquid handler operator for critical scientific workflows and ensures all customers have adequate support in lab functions including instrument checks, routine maintenance, lab consumables, lab sanitation services, and pickup/processing of biohazardous waste per established SOP’s and work instructions and in accordance with all company policies and procedures. A successful candidate should have great attention to detail, outstanding organizational skills, and the ability to communicate effectively and be able to work independently. 

Job Responsibilities: 

• Scientific Support
  • Receive prepared samples and perform setup, operation, and breakdown of mRNA expression normalization methods
  • Receive prepared samples and perform setup, operation, and breakdown of automated transfection methods
  • Operation of liquid handlers (Hamilton, Biomek) to fulfill responsibilities listed above
• Instrument maintenance
  • Prepare, run and evaluate liquid handling robots for pipetting performance utilizing NIST traceable volume verification tools and reagents (Artel).
  • Recalibrate, purge air, and prime liquid handlers for operation
  • Manage records for liquid hander pipette calibration
  • Confirm each LAMP/OEM maintenance event receives a signed service report (electronic preferred).
  • Daily check and rinse of plate washer tips
  • Weekly flush and solution refill of plate washers
  • Weekly cleaning of plate sealers
• Inventory management and instrument stocking
  • Ordering kits and other consumables through the customer portal and managing delivery, storage, stocking
  • Pre-filling of automated mini-prep stations
  • Stocking of automation enclosures
  • Breaking down of consumables pallets
  • Restocking solutions of chromatographers/spectrophotometers
  • Restocking of automated pipette tips
  • Daily check and stock maintenance of buffer stations
  • Preparation of simple solutions
  • Restocking of mini-prep kits

• Laboratory waste and sterilization
  • Removing and transporting biohazardous waste to designated staging area for pickup by waste hauler
  • Picking up potentially infectious biohazardous waste (liquid) and decanting into lab sink or floor drain for disposal
  • Decontamination of lab benches and lab instruments/equipment

Nothing in this job description restricts management’s right to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities of this job at any time   

Job Requirements and Qualifications:

Basic Qualification: (Required Education & Experience) 

• Associates Degree in a Science/Engineering Field and 1-2 years Laboratory Experience OR
• High School Diploma or equivalent and 3-5 years Laboratory Experience

Critical Skills

• Experience using Microsoft 365 including Outlook, Teams, Word, and Excel
• Experience with laboratory management systems and electronic lab notebooks
• Knowledge of general laboratory safety practices
• Familiarity with automation laboratory equipment
• Aseptic technique
  • Excellent customer service skills complimented by an ability to listen to and interpret client requests.

Preferred Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree in a Science/Engineering Field
• Knowledge of, and possess good hand pipetting skills
• Pharmaceutical laboratory experience (preferably Biomek or other automated liquid handlers)
• Ability to work independently after completion of training

Other Requirements:

• The person needs to occasionally move between labs, corridors, adjoining rooms, and buildings onsite. 
• Frequently use, objects, tools, or controls, which will require regular bending, squatting, stretching and reaching in order to perform in a service function.   
• Occasionally move or lift up to 25 pounds (potential for occasional lifting of up to 50 pounds).    
• Specific vision abilities required by this position include without limitation, the ability to observe details at close range (inspection of glassware), distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus in order to perform the essential service functions of this position.   
• Frequently operates simple commands on laboratory equipment including, but not limited to, plate washers, interferometers, liquid handlers, other automation equipment
• Occasionally operates a computer and other office machinery, such as a calculator, copy machine, and computer printer.
• Employee may be required to handle hazardous waste according to local, state, and federal regulations.
• Potential risk to lab-based hazards including but not limited to chemicals, biologicals, potent compounds, research material, etc.
• Use of personal protective equipment (e.g., lab coat, safety glasses, etc.) in laboratory.  

The annual compensation range for this full-time position is $75,000 to $81,000. The final base pay offered to the successful candidate will be determined by factors including internal equity, work location, as well as individual qualifications, such as job-related skills, experience, and relevant education or training.