Lab Jobs in Berkeley, CA

The Lab Operations Specialist serves as a key liaison between internal and external stakeholders for all inventory-related activities within the laboratory. This role provides accurate and efficient operational support for the movement, storage, control, and protection of raw materials, supplies, work-in-process products, and finished goods. The specialist helps ensure that materials are handled in compliance with established procedures and quality standards, enabling reliable and timely support for research and manufacturing operations.

• Work closely with cross-functional teams, including Manufacturing Operations, Donor Center, and Quality Assurance, to receive, inspect, release, store, monitor, and issue materials internally, as well as ship finished goods to customers.
• Ensure final disposition of materials and finished goods follows established processes, procedures, and quality requirements.
• Schedule and perform inventory cycle counts, ensuring all counts are completed accurately and on time.
• Investigate and troubleshoot inventory discrepancies identified during cycle counts and update designated metric reports accordingly.
• Monitor storage space availability within assigned areas and recommend improvements to optimize space utilization.
• Participate in reviewing and updating material handling Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and company guidelines.
• Assist in the development and maintenance of Manufacturing Operations metrics to track performance and efficiency.
• Support training activities for existing and new employees and assist with recruitment efforts for new material handlers as requested.
• Comply with company policies and adhere to all safety requirements when handling materials or working in designated areas.
• Ensure equipment is maintained to high operational standards and promptly report any discrepancies or issues to management.
• Support management in continuous improvement initiatives aimed at optimizing and increasing the efficiency of material handling operations.
• Participate in special projects and perform other related duties as assigned.
• Perform responsibilities while wearing appropriate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) when required.
• Proactively execute material handling activities, including shipping and receiving functions such as inspection, tagging, packaging of materials, discarding boxes appropriately, and maintaining the shipping area in an organized condition.
• Pick, pull, and package materials for internal issuance and off-site shipping in accordance with established procedures.
• Handle finished goods materials under cryo-frozen conditions following applicable procedures and safety guidelines.
• Apply basic inventory management principles, including First-In-First-Out (FIFO) and Kanban methodologies, to ensure proper stock rotation and availability.
• Perform quality control inspections for incoming raw materials in alignment with applicable procedures and quality standards.
• Support the use and accuracy of electronic and paper-based inventory control systems and contribute to maintaining reliable inventory records.

• Minimum of 5 years of experience in lab management.
• Hands-on experience with lab operations and lab equipment.
• Knowledge and practical application of Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP).
• Strong understanding of ERP systems and inventory transactions.
• Ability to write clear and accurate Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).
• Strong computer skills, including proficiency with Microsoft Excel.
• Physical ability to move moderately heavy and bulky materials safely.
• Ability to work effectively with cross-functional teams and multiple stakeholders.
• Strong attention to detail and accuracy in inventory control and documentation.
• Commitment to following safety requirements and using PPE as required.

• Experience with electronic and paper-based inventory control systems.
• Experience handling cryo-frozen materials.
• Knowledge of quality standards such as ISO 9001.
• Working knowledge of creating pivot tables in Microsoft Excel.
• Familiarity with basic inventory management systems, including FIFO and Kanban.
• Experience performing quality control inspections for incoming raw materials.
• Experience participating in continuous improvement initiatives within operations or logistics environments.

This role is based onsite in Emeryville and supports a laboratory environment that collects and processes donated blood and bone marrow specimens into samples used by researchers worldwide. The position follows a Monday through Friday schedule with flexible working hours, supporting both manufacturing and research-focused operations. Work is performed in a lab and warehouse setting that involves handling raw materials, supplies, and cryo-frozen finished goods, with regular use of lab equipment and inventory management systems. The role requires consistent adherence to safety protocols, including the use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) when handling materials or working in designated areas, and the physical ability to move moderately heavy and bulky materials. The environment emphasizes quality, operational efficiency, and continuous improvement, providing an opportunity to contribute directly to advancing scientific research through reliable and well-managed lab operations.

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Emeryville, CA.

The pay range for this position is $35.00 - $38.00/hr.

Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following: • Medical, dental & vision • Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital • 401(k) Retirement Plan – Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available • Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents) • Short and long-term disability • Health Spending Account (HSA) • Transportation benefits • Employee Assistance Program • Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)

This is a fully onsite position in Emeryville,CA.

This position is anticipated to close on Jul 31, 2026.