POSITION SUMMARY: 

The Lab Associate is responsible for the service and support of R&D laboratories based in Austin, TX through PO requisition, sample procurement, upkeeping laboratory consumables and reagents inventory, working with EHS to ensure safe lab operations, participating in certain equipment-related activities, and performing other tasks as specified by the supervisor

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES:  

• Track Laboratory Support Requests using established systems, regularly update requestors and ensure timely request resolutions
• Request POs and track purchases through delivery to the requestor
• Clear and effective communication with R&D teams to ensure requests are adequately resolved
• Communicate with vendors to obtain price quotes, equipment demonstrations, equipment deliveries, order updates, tracking information etc…
• Facilitate sample collections
• Manage lab inventory
• Order, receive, and store supplies, reagents and materials
• Verify the receipt of the items ordered, and notify the requestors upon receiving the items
• Handle shipping and receiving of materials, chemicals and equipment in compliance with safety and regulatory standards
• Prepare, aliquot and/or stock reagents
• Document and report lab support KPIs
• Partner with EHS to ensure laboratory follows environmental, health and safety (EHS) and good laboratory practices (GLP) guidelines.
• Perform routine inspection and coordinate routine housekeeping to ensure the laboratory area is neat, clean, organized, and safe
• Monitor lab waste streams. Ensure laboratory waste streams include biohazardous materials and hazardous chemical waste are disposed in accordance with EHS guidelines
• Assist equipment ordering, maintenance, and documentation
• Participate in the monitoring of critical equipment
• Perform other tasks as specified by the supervisor/manager

QUALIFICATIONS: 

• BS or BA in life-science, business administration, or related fields
• Industry-related experience, especially in supporting R&D lab operations, preferred 

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES: 

• Excellent communication (verbal and written) and interpersonal skills
• Excellent organization skills
• Excellent attention to details and accuracy
• Excellent adaptability in a fast-changing environment
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team
• Ability to multitask and prioritize tasks
• Self-motivated
• Maintain a high level of professionalism and responsibility
• Comply with company policies

PREFERRED SKILLS: 

• Inventory management skills
• Customer Service skills
• Experience working in BSLI and BSLII laboratories as well as familiarity with Biosafety requirements and guidelines as established by applicable regulatory bodies such as OSHA and CDC.
• Familiar with DNA Isolation and Purification, PCR, Cell Culture, Next Generation Sequencing, etc.
• Familiar with LIMS.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS & WORK ENVIRONMENT: 

• Duties are typically performed in an office and/or laboratory setting.
• This position requires the ability to use a computer keyboard, communicate over the telephone and read printed material.
• Ability to lift 40lbs.
• This position requires the ability to squat, bend, and reach.
• Duties may occasionally require working outside normal working hours (evenings and weekends)