Lab Operations Assistant
Independent nonprofit research institute building AI-and-biology tools and conducting biomedical research on complex diseases.
About Arc Institute
Arc Institute is a Palo Alto-based independent nonprofit founded in 2021. It supports long-term biomedical research and develops experimental, computational, and machine-learning technologies, including virtual-cell and genomic foundation models, in partnership with Stanford University, UC Berkeley, and UCSF.
Skills
Candidate Availability
Required and preferred rules are kept separate and reflect the wording in the original posting.
About the Role
You will keep shared laboratory spaces stocked, clean, safe, and ready for use. You will perform scheduled room upkeep and decontamination, manage consumables and inventory, receive vendor orders, coordinate shipping, and resolve operational issues. You will maintain SOPs and checklists, communicate with lab members, and prioritize assignments with the Lab Manager.
Requirements
- 1+ years of experience in a lab operations or research setting
- Strong attention to detail and organizational skills
- Ability to multitask and prioritize in a fast-moving environment
- Ability to solve problems and troubleshoot independently
- Effective written and verbal communication skills
- Proficiency with Google Workspace and/or Microsoft Office Suite
- Ability to stand, walk, bend, reach, stretch, and lift and carry supplies, with or without accommodation
- Ability to lift 50 pounds and occasionally move heavy equipment
Responsibilities
- Perform scheduled laboratory room upkeep, including incubator water filling, water-pan cleaning, BSC waste removal, and shared-equipment cleaning
- Stock laboratory rooms and benches with consumables and reagents, track inventory, and flag items for reorder
- Perform scheduled incubator and biosafety cabinet decontaminations according to SOPs
- Receive, unbox, organize, and log vendor orders into inventory
- Provide flexible operational support to Technology Center teams
- Coordinate shipment of samples and equipment, follow up on late orders, file damage and warranty claims, and locate missing items
- Communicate clearly with laboratory members to maintain service quality
- Maintain SOPs, checklists, and rotation schedules
- Follow and reinforce laboratory safety guidelines and procedures
- Prioritize tasks and recommend operational efficiency improvements