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 ResponsibilitiesLab & 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:
- 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 & RequirementsEducation & 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 (
- Must be able to perform all duties with the highest regard for safety, quality, and site protocols.
