Lab Ops & Facilities Associate/Specialist

Company Overview:

Based in Philadelphia, Aro Biotherapeutics is a clinical stage biotechnology company dedicated to advancing transformative therapies in Inflammation and Immunological Disorders (I&I). Leveraging cutting-edge RNA technologies including siRNA, we are building a pipeline of innovative treatments designed to address unmet patient needs in I&I, while advancing products in other therapeutic areas in collaboration with partners.

Position Summary:

The Lab Operations & Facilities Associate/Specialist supports the day-to-day operation, organization, safety, and functionality of the Company's laboratory and office environments. This position independently manages day-to-day laboratory operations and provides hands-on support to scientific teams. This role ensures laboratories are appropriately stocked, equipment and supplies are maintained, shipments and deliveries are coordinated, and facilities-related needs are addressed promptly. The ideal candidate is highly organized, responsive, detail-oriented, and comfortable working in a fast-paced biotechnology environment. This role will work closely with Research, Chemistry, Protein Sciences, EHS, vendors, building management, and other internal teams.

This is an on-site position that may require off-hours lab monitoring at times.

Key Responsibilities:

Laboratory Operations

• Independently manage the day-to-day operation and organization of laboratory spaces.
• Serve as first responder for laboratory requests, including managing the laboratory ticket system.
• Perform basic equipment troubleshooting and general laboratory problem-solving.
• Set up basic laboratory equipment that is added or moved in the course of normal operations, including running soft CO2 lines.
• Replace LN2 and CO2 cylinders and maintain adequate gas supply.
• Clean biosafety cabinets and general laboratory spaces, and help keep labs organized and operationally ready.
• Manage the laboratory temperature monitoring system (e.g., Elemental Machines), including adding monitors and updating alert settings for staff.
• Monthly safety shower, first aid kit, eyewash, and O2 monitor checks
• Biohazard waste management.
• Assist with laboratory equipment installation, relocation, maintenance, and service.
• Manage equipment maintenance and calibration projects, and maintain equipment records, service documentation, and preventative maintenance schedules.
• Move equipment and materials as needed, and provide hands-on support for laboratory moves, reorganizations, and expansion projects.
• Coordinate laboratory onboarding and training for new staff.
• Work with scientific teams to identify and resolve day-to-day operational needs.

Facilities & Workplace Operations

• Maintain general cleanliness and organization of labs, office, common areas, conference rooms, and breakroom.
• Onboard new science team members and provide lab training. Help create new lab onboarding systems and SOPs
• Place building tickets for issues throughout lab and office areas and coordinate with building maintenance
• Purchase and restock breakroom items (snacks, beverages, coffee, paper goods, etc.).
• Ensure breakroom supplies are stocked, organized, and stored properly. Monitor office supplies
• Assist with light facilities tasks such as organizing storage areas, receiving deliveries, and coordinating minor office needs.
• Receive and distribute deliveries and packages.
• Onboard new science team members and provide lab training. Help create new lab onboarding systems and SOPs
• Identify opportunities to improve lab and workplace organization and efficiency.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in life sciences, laboratory sciences, business, facilities management, or a related field preferred.
• 3–7 years of experience in laboratory operations, biotechnology, pharmaceutical, life sciences, facilities, or a related environment.
• Experience working in a laboratory or biotechnology environment strongly preferred.
• Ability to lift a minimym of 25 pounds
• Familiarity with laboratory supplies, equipment, inventory, purchasing, and shipping/receiving.
• Strong organizational and time-management skills.
• Excellent attention to detail.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and respond to changing needs.
• Comfortable working hands-on in laboratory and office environments.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and/or other business or laboratory management systems.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in a small or growing biotechnology company.
• Experience supporting laboratory operations in a shared laboratory or incubator environment.
• Experience with laboratory inventory or procurement systems.
• Experience coordinating laboratory equipment maintenance and calibration.
• Experience with lab monitoring systems (e.g., Elemental Machines) and ticketing systems.
• Experience writing SOPs or building operational processes.
• Familiarity with EHS requirements and laboratory and biohazard waste procedures.
• Experience working with building management, contractors, and facilities vendors.