Biotech Sample Operations Specialist

Cogent Biosciences; Boulder (CO); On-site; USD 70,000 - 80,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Stock awards

Full medical/dental/vision coverage

401(k) match

Job summary

Cogent Biosciences is seeking a skilled Sample Operations Administrator to support our research teams by managing compounds and samples, ensuring accurate tracking, and driving process improvements. You will partner with chemists and scientists to deliver materials for critical programs in a fast-paced lab setting.

The role combines laboratory operations, inventory control, and system optimization, with opportunities to lead large-scale improvements and contribute to a culture of safety and

Qualifications

• BA or BS with at least 2 years of laboratory, scientific operations, inventory management, or related experience.
• Experience using Microsoft Excel and Word.
• Familiarity with databases, inventory systems, or data management platforms.
• Strong interpersonal and customer-service skills.
• Ability to lift and move materials weighing up to 35 pounds.

Responsibilities

• Manage end-to-end workflow for compound and sample processing supporting internal and external assay requests.
• Maintain and optimize inventory management systems, databases, and workflow applications used across research operations.
• Ensure accuracy and integrity of sample tracking, storage, and inventory records.
• Conduct annual inventory audits and implement best practices for inventory control.
• Coordinate preparation and shipment of compounds for project-specific and offsite research activities.
• Serve as a key resource and eventual subject matter expert for sample management systems and related processes.
• Troubleshoot operational and system issues, partnering with IT and scientific stakeholders to resolve challenges.
• Analyze workflows, identify opportunities for improvement, and lead initiatives that enhance efficiency, accuracy, and researcher experience.
• Lead operational projects such as large-scale compound inventory reconciliations and database improvement efforts.
• Collaborate daily with chemists, biologists, and laboratory staff to ensure research needs are met on schedule.
• Communicate proactively when operational issues may impact project timelines.
• Train colleagues on sample processing workflows, systems, and best practices.
• Present updates, recommendations, and operational insights both verbally and in writing.
• Maintain laboratory equipment, supplies, and workspaces to ensure operational readiness.
• Build proficiency with specialized laboratory equipment and operational procedures.
• Support broader lab operations activities, including chemical receiving, inventory management, sterilization processes, material handling, and laboratory services coverage as needed.
• Champion a culture of safety, quality, and continuous improvement.

Skills

Laboratory operations

Inventory management

Communication skills

Interpersonal skills

Education

BA/BS in related field

Tools

Excel

Word

Database systems

Job description

Cogent Biosciences is seeking a skilled Sample Operations Administrator to support our research teams by managing compounds and samples, ensuring accurate tracking, and driving process improvements. You will partner with chemists and scientists to deliver materials for critical programs in a fast-paced lab setting.

The role combines laboratory operations, inventory control, and system optimization, with opportunities to lead large-scale improvements and contribute to a culture of safety and