Lab Ops Associate

Lab Ops Associate

Job Description

The Lab Ops Associate supports Research and Development (R&D) and general laboratory operations within a state-of-the-art biologics facility. This role focuses on maintaining and operating laboratory equipment, preparing buffers and solutions, managing lab upkeep, and documenting work in a computerized maintenance management system. The Lab Ops Associate helps ensure that laboratories remain clean, safe, and fully operational, while partnering closely with cross-functional teams to drive continuous improvement and deliver an excellent service experience to internal stakeholders.

Responsibilities

• Perform routine onsite lab operations responsibilities daily, following applicable Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).
• Maintain clean, organized, and safe laboratory environments across R&D, QC, and other lab spaces.
• Conduct maintenance on laboratory, R&D, and QC biologic equipment, including incubators, centrifuges, autoclaves, refrigerators, freezers, and general lab space.
• Compare maintenance work plans and calibrations to manufacturing equipment to ensure alignment and compliance.
• Identify potential like-for-like spare parts to support reliable equipment operation.
• Address equipment issues and service requests in a timely and professional manner.
• Perform and document in-house equipment maintenance and cleaning activities in the computerized maintenance management system (such as Blue Mountain RAM / CMMS).
• Onboard and manage spare parts in systems such as BMRAM, ensuring accurate records and availability.
• Identify critical spare parts and prioritize spares for equipment where no redundancy exists.
• Assess critical spares based on system criticality to minimize operational risk.
• Escort onsite vendors performing equipment repair and maintenance, ensuring proper access and coordination.
• Prepare buffers and solutions to support laboratory workflows, including media and other reagents.
• Support autoclave operations, including sterilization cycles and glassware washing.
• Replenish gas cylinders and ensure appropriate levels of supplies and consumables.
• Restock personal protective equipment (PPE) and other essential lab materials as needed.
• Document maintenance, calibration, and operational activities accurately and promptly, with approximately 20–30% of the work week dedicated to documentation.
• Allocate approximately 60% of the work week to maintenance activities and about 10% to preparation, autoclave, and solution-related tasks.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams and internal departments to drive continuous process improvement and provide a high level of service.
• Communicate effectively with other departments, recognizing that the lab operations function acts as a service organization supporting their needs.
• Participate in continuous improvement initiatives and contribute ideas to enhance operational efficiency and lab support.
• Perform other duties as assigned to support evolving lab operations and business needs.

Essential Skills

• Minimum of 2 years of laboratory operations experience.
• Experience working within a laboratory and managing its operations, including equipment and general lab support.
• Experience with lab operations in a fast-paced environment.
• Hands-on experience with buffer and solution preparation.
• Practical experience with autoclave operation and glassware washing.
• Familiarity with lab operations under Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) environments is strongly preferred.
• Experience using computerized maintenance management systems (CMMS), with Blue Mountain RAM / BMRAM preferred.
• Ability to compare maintenance work plans and calibrations to manufacturing equipment and apply them appropriately.
• Ability to identify, manage, and onboard spare parts, including critical spares.
• Strong attention to detail, with accurate documentation skills for maintenance and operational activities.
• Ability to prioritize multiple concurrent and competing tasks effectively.
• Strong communication skills, with the ability to interact with cross-functional teams and internal customers.
• Ability to work independently and take ownership of assigned responsibilities.
• Self-motivated and passionate about operational excellence and continuous improvement.
• Resourceful and well organized, with the ability to adapt to changing priorities.
• Physical ability to lift and maneuver up to 30 lbs as part of routine duties.
• Physical ability to stand, bend, and kneel for extended periods while performing maintenance and lab tasks.
• Ability to work holidays, on-call, after hours, and/or weekends on occasion or in emergencies, if needed by the organization.
• Ability to be fully onsite, as this position is required to work at the facility.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Associate degree or experience in molecular biology, chemistry, biochemistry, virology, chemical/biochemical engineering, or a related discipline, or equivalent experience is a plus.
• Experience in biotech start-up, life sciences, or gene therapy environments is a plus.
• Experience with Blue Mountain CMMS and BMRAM is required
• GMP experience is a strong plus.
• Experience with supply chain aspects of lab operations, including managing consumables, PPE, and gas cylinders, is beneficial.
• Demonstrated ability to thrive in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.
• Team player who is respectful of others and open to new ideas.
• Flexible mindset with the ability to prioritize and re-prioritize around work goals and equipment needs.
• Detail-oriented approach to both hands-on work and documentation.
• Strong interpersonal skills and a service-oriented mindset, recognizing lab operations as a service organization for other departments.
• Passion for innovative science, technology, and supporting cutting-edge drug development.
• Alignment with principles of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion and enthusiasm for working in a diverse, collaborative team.

Work Environment

This role is based onsite in a modern biologics facility that supports R&D, QC, and manufacturing-related laboratories. The Lab Ops Associate works primarily Monday through Friday, with typical shifts of 7:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. or 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. While the standard schedule does not routinely require weekend or after-hours work, there may be occasional requirements for holidays, on-call, after-hours, or weekend coverage in emergencies. The environment includes regular work in laboratories with biologic equipment such as incubators, centrifuges, autoclaves, refrigerators, freezers, and other specialized instruments. The role involves frequent standing, bending, kneeling, and lifting up to 30 lbs, as well as handling gas cylinders, glassware, and lab consumables. The facility operates as a service-oriented, cross-functional setting where collaboration and communication with multiple departments are central to success. The culture emphasizes innovation, operational excellence, and continuous improvement, with a focus on transforming cancer treatment through an integrated immunotherapy platform.

This is a Contract position based out of Louisville, CO.

The pay range for this position is $23.90 - $29.53/hr.

Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following:
• Medical, dental & vision
• Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital
• 401(k) Retirement Plan – Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available
• Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents)
• Short and long-term disability
• Health Spending Account (HSA)
• Transportation benefits
• Employee Assistance Program
• Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)

This is a fully onsite position in Louisville,CO.

This position is anticipated to close on May 21, 2026.

Diversity, Equity & Inclusion

At Actalent, diversity and inclusion are a bridge towards the equity and success of our people. DE&I is embedded into our culture through:

• Hiring diverse talent
• Maintaining an inclusive environment through persistent self-reflection
• Building a culture of care, engagement, and recognition with clear outcomes
• Ensuring growth opportunities for our people

Actalent is an equal opportunity employer.

About Actalent

Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services. For more than 40 years, we’ve helped visionary companies advance their goals. Headquartered in the United States, our teams span 150 offices across North America, EMEA, and APAC—with four delivery centers in India led by 1,000 extraordinary employees who connect their passion with purpose every day.

Our Bangalore, Hyderabad, Pune, and Chennai delivery centers are hubs of engineering expertise, with core capabilities in mechanical and electrical engineering, systems and software, and manufacturing engineering. Our teams deliver work across multiple industries including transportation, consumer and industrial products, and life sciences. We serve more than 4,500 clients, including many Fortune 500 brands. Learn more about how we can work together at actalentservices.com.

Salary : $24 - $30