Lab Operations Specialist (BioTech Equipment)
Apex Systems is a large staffing and consulting firm and we are looking for a Lab Operations Specialist with a Life Science/Biochemistry background with some experience with troubleshooting R\&D microbiology lab equipment, supporting communication to external vendors for equipment maintenance and fixes, and helping with documentation updates to place at our Biopharma client.
- Client: Innovative Biopharma Start-up
- Contract/Perm \& duration:12-15 month contract - Maternity Leave Coverage
- 5 days/week onsite
- Location: Downtown Toronto
Our biotech client is seeking a Lab Operations Specialist to oversee the day-to-day technical and administrative operations of the R\&D laboratories, as well as the safe and proper use, care, calibration, and maintenance of laboratory equipment and other scientific resources. Reporting to the Manager, Lab Operations, the successful candidate will be responsible for the laboratory's routine operations including but not limited to equipment \& inventory management, supportive laboratory tasks, stocking of common supplies, shipping and receiving, and assisting with administration and training of laboratory personnel.
Responsibilities:
- Responsible for ensuring the safe and proper use of laboratory equipment, ensuring appropriate maintenance and calibration of laboratory equipment.
- Maintains our equipment CMMS platform and ensures records are up-to-date and accurate.
- Works with the Lab Operations team to initiate, evaluate, and maintain service contracts for equipment.
- Coordinate and follow-up on instrument preventative maintenance and emergency services. This may occasionally require after hours phone calls and contacts with vendors, as necessary.
- Must be capable of independently installing and setting up laboratory equipment.
- Maintains and responds to environmental monitoring systems and troubleshoots equipment issues based on environmental monitoring data. This may occasionally require after hours emergency visits.
- Regularly schedules visits from equipment service providers, hosts and works with them to complete equipment maintenance or repair.
- Responsible for all equipment repair and maintenance records ensuring that all equipment maintenance occurs according to schedule as required.
- Responds to Lab Operations and Facilities tickets through our ticketing platform in a timely manner.
- Maintains an efficient system of inventory control to ensure there are proper levels of supplies of reagents and consumables in the laboratory available for use, allowing for no waste of inventory, reagents, or products due to shelf storage expiration.
- Maintains an efficient system of sample inventory control to ensure records are up-to-date and accurate and ensures there is adequate space for storage.
- Supports daily shipping requests ensuring timely delivery of critical samples and equipment.
- Regularly engages and troubleshoots with cold chain logistics providers to safely transport temperature critical material across international borders.
- Ensures safety measures in the laboratory are being followed, takes initiative to update safety SOPs, training material and documentation, and provides appropriate safety training to new hires and external providers.
- Assists in yearly departmental budgeting.
- Assists team and laboratory members with day-to-day operational needs to improve workflows and ensure coverage within the laboratory.
- Will receive all necessary training to be able to work in offices and controlled laboratory environments. Due to the nature of the work in the laboratory it is mandatory to wear personal protective equipment. There is a risk of potential exposure to chemicals and biohazards.
Key Qualifications:
- BSc in life sciences with a minimum of 2 years related lab experience.
- Experience with lab equipment management and maintenance.
- Demonstrated experience with procurement and logistics support.
- Demonstrated experience with writing standard operating procedures.
- Competency in computer skills and familiarity with Microsoft Office programs (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, etc.) required.
- Strong problem-solving skills and ability to work with a variety of software platforms.
- Excellent communication skills, both oral and written; must be able to manage time and priorities efficiently.
- Must have the ability to maintain a constructive working relationship with all staff, vendors, and co-workers.
- A proven ability to be highly productive in a fast-paced work environment with excellent attention to detail.
- Must be a self-starter demonstrating initiative, a positive attitude, and the ability to work in an independent and organized manner.
- Ability to, on occasion, lift 20kg and/or work with a partner to lift anything heavier.
- Experience with shipping and cold chain logistics is an asset.
- Working knowledge of procure-to-pay processes is an asset.
