Role Summary:
We are seeking a dedicated Lab Operations and Facilities Assistant. You will play a key role in ensuring the smooth and efficient functioning of our laboratory and facility operations, helping our scientific team towards achieving groundbreaking diagnostic discoveries.
Reporting to the Lab Operations and Facilities Manager, you will support laboratory operations, including equipment management, inventory control, and regulatory compliance to ensure that the highest standards of quality and safety are maintained. Additionally, you will be responsible for supporting multiple aspects of facility operations, including maintenance, safety, biosafety, chemical safety, environmental controls, security, compliance, internal equipment moves, and potential facility relocation in the future.
The ideal candidate will have a background in biosafety, laboratory management, and a readiness to engage in a role that demands intellectual, interpersonal, and physical capabilities.
Key Responsibilities:
Laboratory Operations
- Help maintain laboratory equipment inventory, including procurement, maintenance, installation, verification, validation and calibration.
- Help implement and maintain laboratory quality control procedures to ensure accuracy and reliability of test results.
- Support the handling of diagnostic samples and biohazardous materials, ensuring all processes are performed according to safety standards, including effective operation of fume hoods.
- Support the implementation and maintenance of laboratory IT systems, including data management software and other technological solutions to streamline lab operations.
- Assist with the development and maintenance of documentation for laboratory processes, including standard operating procedures (SOPs) and quality assurance documentation in collaboration with quality assurance staff.
Facility Operations
- Assist with managing of facility maintenance, including HVAC, plumbing, electrical, and other systems.
- Coordinate with external vendors and contractors for facility repairs and renovations.
- Help be the first line of defense for facility issues (ex. managing a power outage, safety system alert, or light bulb replacement).
- Support shipping and receiving process.
- Assist with the development and implementation of policies and procedures to ensure the efficient operation of the facility.
- Help ensure compliance with all regulatory requirements related to building codes, safety standards, and environmental regulations. Prepare for and participate in internal and external audits related to Bio Safety Level-2 standards and environmental health and safety (EHS) compliance.
Regulatory Compliance Support
- Help maintain up-to-date knowledge of regulations and guidelines relevant to laboratory operations and safety.
- Support laboratory safety protocols and ensure compliance with all relevant regulations and guidelines. Develop, implement, and regularly update laboratory safety protocols and procedures.
- Support compliance with FDA regulations, City of Burlington requirements, and other applicable regulatory standards.
- Help coordinate with regulatory affairs team to prepare and submit documentation for regulatory approvals and inspections.
Stakeholder Collaboration
- Proactive and effective communication with supervisor and rest of the team on lab initiatives through written and verbal updates.
- Be of service to a team of scientists and technicians, providing assistance with development opportunities, especially in biosafety practices and laboratory operations.
- Support external relationships with regulators, vendors, and other relevant external stakeholders.
- Organized approach to one's own work and managing it effectively, while being reactive to new and changing priorities.
- Communicate effectively over many forms of media, including slide presentations, reports, emails, instant messages, video and phone calls, and in-person interaction.
- Lead with empathy - excited and ready to work with diverse sets of people, understanding that different communication styles work with different people.
Qualifications:
Required
- Experience in a laboratory setting, preferably with exposure to handling diagnostic or biohazardous materials.
- Ability to step in to address basic facility and equipment needs that do not need specialized external support. Must be hands-on.
- Excellent problem-solving abilities, with a keen attention to detail and a commitment to ensuring the highest standards of quality and compliance.
- Self motivated and organized.
- Excellent collaboration skills, capable of supporting a diverse team in a high-stakes environment. Team player - no task is too big or small.
- Strong written and verbal communicator. Able to collaborate across departments. Proactive and clear in communication. Willing to provide updates as requested.
- Physical capability to manage demanding situations, with a background that supports the ability to respond dynamically to operational needs. Additional experience in roles requiring physical strength and situational awareness (e.g. high-level athletics, law enforcement, or military) is viewed favorably.
- A startup mentality, adaptable and eager to engage in a fast-paced and dynamic work environment.
Preferred
- 2+ years of experience in supporting a BSL-2 laboratory preferred, with a proven track record in handling biohazardous materials and managing environmental controls.
- Candidates with a successful history of helping establish a laboratory from the ground up will be highly regarded.
- Experience with quality management systems (QMS).
- Knowledge of FDA regulations, ISO standards, and best practices in biosafety and environmental controls.
- Strong technical skills in IT, including experience with laboratory software, databases, and network management. Proficiency in electric/photonics, with the ability to troubleshoot and maintain related lab equipment, is highly desirable.
- Specific training in biosafety and laboratory management.
- Experience in diagnostic laboratory operations, with a deep understanding of the technical and safety requirements specific to diagnostics.
About SiPhox:
SiPhox, supported by Y Combinator, Intel, and Khosla Ventures, is revolutionizing diagnostics through silicon photonics. Our in-vitro diagnostic (IVD) devices, powered by disposable silicon photonic chip sensors, deliver the capabilities of large laboratory instruments in a compact form. Our mission is to provide accurate, reliable, and accessible diagnostic tools that empower healthcare professionals and improve patient outcomes.
We offer a benefits package, including membership to Life Time Fitness ($280/month in value) along with the opportunity to work in a dynamic and fast-paced environment.
If you are a highly motivated and organized individual with a passion for exceeding expectations, we encourage you to apply.
We look forward to hearing from you.