Lab Operations Associate @ Umoja Biopharma

Umoja Biopharma is a game-changing biotech start-up with locations in Seattle, WA and Louisville, CO, focused on transforming the treatment of cancer with a novel integrated immunotherapy platform. Our vision is to develop off-the-shelf therapies capable of treating any tumor, any time. We are a diverse and growing team working in brand-new facilities in downtown Seattle, Washington, and Louisville, Colorado, and we are looking for innovative thinkers who are excited by groundbreaking science and technology, and passionate about squaring up to the challenges inherent to cutting edge drug development. We are committed to the principles of Diversity Equity and Inclusion and strongly invite applications from enthusiastic individuals who share our commitment and help position Umoja as a leader in this front.

We at Umoja believe in the importance of stories; we are looking for great people to join our team to help us create more stories for ourselves, for you, and most importantly for patients and their families. 

Umoja Biopharma – Your Body. Your Hope. Your Cure. 

POSITION SUMMARY

Umoja is seeking a highly motivated, organized, and detail-oriented Laboratory Associate to support our corporate headquarters laboratory in Seattle, WA. The ideal candidate will have experience within lab operations and understand how a biology/cell-culture lab operates. This position will be responsible for general lab upkeep such as coordinating equipment preventative maintenance, assisting with shipping and receiving, and waste management. This individual will be on-call in the event of a lab emergency and is expected to respond in a timely manner.

CORE ACCOUNTABILITIES
Specific responsibilities include:

Maintain clean and safe lab environments, including general lab housekeeping
Address lab issues and requests in a timely manner
On call for lab-based emergencies with ability to respond timely
Perform and document in-house equipment preventative maintenance/cleaning
Support lab sample management and freezer organization activities
Dispose of lab waste according to Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs)
Manage compressed gas cylinder, liquid nitrogen, and dry ice purchasing, receipt, and maintenance
Assist with receiving duties for deliveries while following Procurement department procedures including Invoice reconciliation
Order and restock routinely lab supplies
Media/buffer/solution preparation
Autoclave/glassware wash support
Maintain the Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS
Other duties as assigned

The successful candidate will have:

Associate’s Degree in biology or related field
Minimum of 2 years experience working within a lab and preferably managing its operations
Experience working cross-functionally with departmental stakeholders

Preferred Qualifications

Biotech start-up/biopharma industry and/or gene therapy experience is a plus
Team player, respectful of others, and open to new ideas
Strong communication skills
Ability to work independently
Self-starter that works well independently
Great attention to detail, resourceful, and well organized
Able to thrive in a fast-paced environment

Physical Requirements

Able to lift and maneuver 45lbs
Ability to work onsite 5 days a week at our Seattle office
Ability to work overtime and/or on weekends as needed

Salary Range: $30.50 - $36.75/hour. This is a non-exempt role and overtime eligible.

Benefits Offerings

Umoja Biopharma offers its employees competitive Medical, Dental, and Vision plans. Additionally, we offer Umojians access to a 401k plan through Fidelity, with a 100% match up to their first 6% deferral. Umoja also provides a generous Paid Time Off policy, employee commuter benefits, and cell phone stipend. For a full breakdown of our benefits offerings, please see the Benefits section of our website.

Compensation Overview

Benefits Offerings

6 month growth

1 year growth

2 year growth