Lab Operations Research Associate

About Myris Therapeutics:

Myris Therapeutics is a start-up biotech in Pittsburgh, PA with technology in polymer chemistry spun out of Carnegie Mellon University.  Myris has developed an ultra-high DAR Antibody Drug Conjugate Platform called HiDAR^TM where we can make therapeutics with 50-300 payloads carried on an antibody.  This enables us to work with novel payloads and combinations to develop powerful cancer medicines aimed at saving the lives of cancer patients.  

What you’ll be doing

We are seeking a highly organized and proactive Lab Operations Associate to support the daily operations of our laboratory. In this essential role, you will work behind the scenes to ensure that scientists, technicians, and lab personnel have everything they need to carry out their work efficiently and safely. This includes maintaining lab supplies, managing equipment upkeep, supporting operational workflows, and enforcing compliance with safety and regulatory standards.

The ideal candidate is detail-oriented, resourceful, and committed to enabling scientific progress by ensuring the lab environment runs smoothly and without interruption. Strong organizational skills, effective communication and a team-oriented mindset are essential for success in this role.

Key Responsibilities:

• Order laboratory supplies, reagents, and consumables as requested by scientific staff.
• Receive shipments and ensure proper unpacking, documentation (e.g., Safety Data Sheets, Certificates of Analysis, etc.), box breakdown, and placement of items in designated storage locations.
• Maintain accurate inventory records for lab supplies, chemicals, and cold storage items using laboratory software (e.g., Quartzy, Labguru, etc.).
• Support proper collection, storage, and disposal of various forms of laboratory waste (biological (including pathological), chemical, municipal, sharps, etc.) in compliance with all applicable SOPs and regulations.
• Interface with vendors, service providers, and contractors to develop working relationships, coordinate service, and ensure cost-effective pricing.
• Source laboratory equipment and instrumentation as needed.
• Coordinate vendor visits related for equipment and instrumentation installation, repairs, and preventive maintenance (PMs).
• Troubleshoot and resolve simple, common technical issues related to lab instruments.
• Track and schedule preventive maintenance and service records for laboratory assets.
• Maintain a clean and safe laboratory environment through regular sweeping, mopping, and general housekeeping tasks.
• Participate in safety committee and help facilitate a safe work environment by adhering to state and federal regulations including but not limited to regulations set forth by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), Good Lab Practice (GLP), Code of Federal Regulations (CFR), etc.
• Monitor, suggest, and implement ways of increasing productivity and efficiency.
• Respond to employee concerns in and related to the laboratory.

·       Engage in meetings and pursue additional training relevant to the role to enhance professional growth.

·       Perform other duties as assigned in support of laboratory and facility operations, demonstrating flexibility and commitment to the organization’s goals.

Education Requirements: Bachelor’s degree in a relevant life science discipline (chemistry preferred). 

Other Qualifications:

·       Experience working in a laboratory environment through work experience or internships.

·       Competence in managing lab stock levels, ordering supplies, and ensuring equipment is calibrated and in working condition.

·       Familiarity with safe handling, disposal, and storage of chemicals, biological samples, and hazardous materials.

·       Efficient time management and ability to maintain organized records and inventories.

·       Solid communication (written and verbal) skills with the ability to translate information into a meaningful, understandable context and message, regardless of the format (e.g., documents, public speaking, virtual presentations.)

·       Self-Motivated with a strong desire to learn. 

·       Ability to adapt to changing priorities, lab environments, and workflows.

·       Ability to manage conflict comfortably and effectively.

·       Ability to master occupational safety and health rules and regulations.

·       Ability to develop and maintain professional, trusting, and positive working relationships with all employees in the company.

·       High ethical and confidentiality standards.

·       Strong computer skills and proficient in Microsoft Office applications, particularly spreadsheet usage.

Job Specifics

·       Permanent, full-time employee

·       This position requires access to information or technology that is subject to U.S. export control laws.  Only U.S. Persons, (U.S. citizens, lawful permanent residents, lawfully admitted refugees or asylees) are eligible for this position.  

Work Arrangement: Onsite at 307 23^rd St EXT, Suite 150, Pittsburgh, PA 15215 (Sharpsburg)

Physical Requirements: While fulfilling the responsibilities of this role, the individual must be able to sit, stand, and walk for extended periods throughout the day. Additional physical requirements include:

Lifting & Carrying

·       Frequently lift and carry items up to 50 pounds independently

·       Heavier items (over 50 pounds) may require team lifting or the use of material handling equipment such as dollies or pallet jacks

Mobility & Movement

·       Occasional bending, stooping, kneeling, and twisting

·       Regular reaching overhead in front of the body

·       Frequent grasping and handling of objects with both hands

·       Ability to climb ladders or step stools as needed

·       Manual dexterity for handling tools, typing, or performing fine motor tasks

·       Repetitive motion involving substantial move of the wrists, hands, and/or fingers

Sensory Requirements

·       Close visual acuity is frequently required for reading, inspecting items, or performing detailed work

·       Ability to hear, understand, and distinguish speech and other sounds in a typical work environment.

Job Hazards: Hazards include potential animal materials (plasma, serum, blood, organs).  Employee may also be required to handle other hazardous substances of chemical or biologic origin after training.