Intern (General) - Lab Operations

ADP; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 21,000 - 30,000; Part time

Job summary

Portal Innovations is seeking a detail-oriented Lab Ops intern for Fall 2026 at the UChicago Science Incubator in Hyde Park, Chicago. You will help coordinate lab resources and equipment, shadow diverse startup workflows, and contribute to equipment training materials for the incubator ecosystem.

You will support routine equipment upkeep, safety procedures, SOP postings, and the deployment of AI lab management tools to improve the member experience.

Qualifications

• Pursuing an Associate or Bachelor’s degree in a related field.
• Detail-oriented with strong communication and teamwork.
• 1–2 years of foundational science interest or experience.

Responsibilities

• Learn and support coordination and management of lab resources and equipment for startup teams.
• Assist with routine maintenance of incubators; support safety and organization protocols and audits.
• Help standardize lab SOP postings and communicate updates to members.
• Assist with the deployment of AI lab management tools to improve the member experience.
• Partner with the Member Experience team to develop programming and summer events at the incubator.
• Support on-site events like lunch and learns, workshops, networking events, and community programming.
• Collaborate with the on-site team to promote programs reflecting the incubator culture.
• Assist with general administrative tasks and day-to-day operations of a collaborative workspace.

Skills

Strong communication

Team player

Attention to detail

Education

Associate or Bachelor's degree in related field

Job description

Opportunity: Lab Ops 2026 Fall Internship

Time Commitment: 20 -30 Hours a week

Location: ON SITE- Chicago - Hyde Park

What We Are Looking For: Portal Innovations is seeking a detail-oriented intern to join our Lab Operations team at our UChicago Science Incubator. As part of our team, you will play a vital role in maintaining the efficient day-to-day operations of our shared lab spaces, shadow different companies within the lab environment to understand diverse workflows and needs, and contributing to the creation of equipment training materials for the entire incubator ecosystem.

What This Internship Will Entail:

• Learn and support coordination and management of lab resources and equipment for startup teams, supporting the day-to-day functions of the incubator
• Assist with routine maintenance of incubators; support scheduled ongoing equipment upkeep activities. Assist with safety and organization protocols: inventory management, implementation of safety procedures, and maintaining a clean, organized work environment (e.g., bi-weekly safety kit checks, quarterly chemical audits, quarterly cold storage audits)
• Help standardize lab SOP postings; assist in communicating lab updates, maintenance notices, and clean out schedules to members
• Assist with the deployment of AI lab management tools that will improve the overall member experience
• Partner with the Member Experience team to develop programming and summer events at the incubator
• Support seamless on-site execution of events like lunch and learns, workshops, networking events, and community programming
• Collaborate with your on-site team to promote programs and events that reflect the energy and culture of our incubator community
• Support general administrative tasks and gain exposure to the day-to-day operations of a collaborative workspace

What we're looking for:

• Students working towards their Associates or Bachelors in related field
• Strong communication skills and a team-first attitude
• 1-2 years of foundational interest or experience in any science concentration or a related field
• Comfort asking questions and a willingness to take on new challenges
• Ability to work well with others

Compensation:$18.50 per hour 20 -30 Hours a week MAX

Work Authorization/Security-Clearance Requirements:

Must be eligible to work in the United States.

Portal is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. We consider qualified applicants without regard to race, color, ancestry, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, marital or family status, disability, genetic information, veteran status, or any other legally protected basis under provincial, federal, state, and local laws, regulations, or ordinances.