Laboratory Operations Specialist II / III

The Lab Operations Specialist – Associate Lead plays a pivotal role in managing and improving Bonneville Labs shared laboratory and office facilities. This role combines direct, hands-on lab operations with leadership in project execution, vendor management, and customer experience. The individual will be responsible for ensuring that our members have a safe, compliant, and reliable work environment, while also making improvements to processes and supporting the growth of Bonneville Labs’ operational excellence.

The ideal candidate has a strong lab operations background, can self-manage with minimal supervision, and thrives in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.

Key Responsibilities

Lab & Facilities Operations

• Perform and oversee all duties associated with site operations, including those typically carried out by coordinators and technicians.
• Proactively interact with member scientists to identify, document, and resolve issues with services, equipment, and supplies; use a ticketing system to track and communicate resolution progress.
• Lead and coordinate with the Bonneville Labs (BVL) team and outside vendors for lab support services, equipment maintenance, and facilities management.
• Maintain facility and equipment compliance, including:

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• Chemical inventory management, including receiving, tracking, and waste disposal.
• Autoclaving dishes/media and providing sterilization services.
• Cleaning and upkeep of common equipment areas (biosafety cabinets, incubators, shared instruments).
• Performing routine inspections of safety showers, eyewash stations, fire extinguishers, and maintaining PPE/safety supply stations.
• Monitoring and replenishing shared resources such as dry ice and liquid nitrogen.
• Coordinating medical/biohazardous waste removal and transfer to accumulation areas.

• Support member onboarding and offboarding processes; track progress using spreadsheets and operational systems.
• Manage and deliver training for members proper use of shared equipment.
• Assist with site improvements and cleaning to ensure Bonneville Labs remains an appealing, professional environment.
• Travel between Bonneville Labs sites and member sites as needed (up to 50%).

Operational Excellence & Process Improvement

• Contribute to the creation, updating, and implementation of Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for site operations.
• Suggest, lead, and implement process improvements to enhance efficiency, safety, and the overall customer experience.
• Track and maintain operational quality metrics, key performance indicators (KPIs), and apply lean methodologies for continuous improvement.
• Help refine policies and procedures that will serve as templates for current and future Bonneville Labs sites.

Member & Customer Experience

• Collaborate with the Bonneville Labs team to ensure outstanding experience for member companies.
• Provide customer-facing support and service, maintaining responsiveness and professionalism at all times.
• Act as a trusted partner to members, ensuring their operational needs are anticipated and met.
• Participate and lead customer meetings to support ongoing services.

Other

• Perform other duties as assigned by management to support the success of Bonneville Labs.

Qualifications & Requirements

Education & Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in life sciences or related field (required).
• Minimum 3 years of experience in a laboratory operations, facilities management, or research setting.
• Experience in a customer-facing role (3 years desirable).
• Project coordination or project management experience strongly preferred.

Skills & Knowledge

• Strong organizational skills, detail-oriented, and able to self-manage in a dynamic, fast-changing environment.
• Proficiency in written and verbal communication in English.
• Computer skills: proficiency with Microsoft Office/Google Suite; experience with ticketing/tracking systems or project management software desirable.
• Ability to follow established protocols while also contributing to process improvements.
• Strong customer service mindset and ability to collaborate across teams.

Certifications & Training

• No formal certifications required, but training in EH&S, HazMat, and bloodborne pathogens is highly desirable.

Physical & Travel Requirements

• Must possess a valid driver’s license; able to travel between sites up to 50% of the time (including East Bay locations).
• Ability to lift up to 50 lbs.; role requires walking, standing, bending, reaching, and carrying light objects (<10 lbs.) regularly.
• Must be able to perform all duties with the highest regard for safety, quality, and site protocols.