Lab Operations Specialist - Contract - Cambridge, MA
Be the backbone of innovation and join a leading pharmaceutical company to help keep life-changing science moving forward!
Proclinical is seeking a hands-on professional for a Lab Operations Specialist position focusing on cold storage.
Primary Responsibilities:
This position will be required to support a biologics research team by implementing an end-to-end freezer inventory system and standardizing functional bench areas using LEAN-5S principles. This role involves organizing cold storage, creating clear documentation, and providing training to ensure the sustainability of the implemented systems.
Skills & Requirements:
- Experience in research lab operations, preferably in biologics, proteins, antibodies, cells, and reagents.
- Proven expertise in freezer inventory implementation, including barcoding, labeling, data migration, and user training.
- Practical experience with LEAN-5S principles, including facilitating events and creating visual standards.
- Proficiency with freezer management software, bulk-import workflows, and strong Excel skills.
- Familiarity with barcode scanners, cryo-labels, and thermal printers, with attention to detail and data accuracy.
- Ability to lift up to 30 lbs and work safely in cold rooms and freezers. Strong communication skills to collaborate with scientists and EHS teams.
- Experience working in BSL-1 and BSL-2 research environments.
- Basic understanding of chemical and biological labeling standards and hazard communication.
The Lab Operation's Specialist's responsibilities will be:
- Conduct a comprehensive audit of all cold storage units (-80°C, -20°C, 4°C, LN) and create a master map detailing freezer shelf, rack, box, and position.
- Establish naming conventions and metadata fields for sample types, owners, projects, lot numbers, dates, statuses, and hazards.
- Print and apply cryo-compatible labels and implement barcode schemas (e.g., Code 128, QR codes) for racks, boxes, and tubes.
- Configure and manage a freezer management system (e.g., FreezerPro), including setting up roles, permissions, required fields, and location hierarchies.
- Reconcile legacy spreadsheets, migrate or bulk-import records, and resolve unknown or orphaned samples with their respective owners.
- Draft standard operating procedures (SOPs), quick-start guides, and provide user training. Define stewardship, ownership, and inventory cycle-count schedules.
- Facilitate a lightweight LEAN-5S event for priority bench areas, focusing on sorting, organizing, cleaning, standardizing, and sustaining.
- Standardize bench layouts by function (e.g., PCR, protein assays, purification) and create visual controls such as shadow boards.
Compensation:
If you are having difficulty in applying or if you have any questions, please contact Shannon Briggs at s.briggs@proclinical.com
If you are interested in applying to this exciting opportunity, then please click 'Apply' or to speak to one of our specialists please request a call back at the top of this page.
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