Lab Operations Associate - Innovation Labs

Phase2 Technology; Austin (TX); On-site; USD 50,000 - 54,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive health benefits

Tuition assistance

Free access to university libraries

Job summary

Phase2 Technology in Austin, Texas is looking for a Lab Operations Associate to support the Innovation Labs, ensuring smooth daily operations and facility management. This critical position involves assisting with equipment maintenance, safety compliance, and providing support for company members.

The ideal candidate will have at least an associate's degree in a scientific discipline and a minimum of one year of experience in a lab setting. Strong organizational and communication skills are essential for success in this dynamic environment.

Qualifications

• Associate’s degree in a scientific discipline (e.g., biology, chemistry).
• Minimum of 1 year experience in an academic or commercial laboratory.
• Familiarity with laboratory safety programs.

Responsibilities

• Assist in daily operations of lab facilities.
• Install, maintain, and troubleshoot lab equipment.
• Implement safety programs and maintain chemical hygiene.

Skills

Laboratory equipment operation

Organizational skills

Communication skills

Detail-oriented

Education

Associate's degree in a scientific discipline

High-school diploma with equivalent experience

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

Job Posting Title

Lab Operations Associate - Innovation Labs

Hiring Department

Discovery to Impact

Position Open To

All Applicants

Weekly Scheduled Hours

20

FLSA Status

Non-Exempt from FLSA

Earliest Start Date

Immediately

Position Duration

Expected to Continue Until Jun 17, 2027

Location

UT MAIN CAMPUS

Job Details

Discovery to Impact stands at the heart of transforming academic research into real‑world solutions, serving as the pivotal bridge between campus innovators and industry. Our mission is to harness the power of over 130 campus programs dedicated to entrepreneurship and intellectual property, guiding groundbreaking research from concept to commercial success. Through fostering strategic partnerships with corporations, investors, and entrepreneurs, we ensure that the University’s innovations transition from labs and studios into services, solutions, and products that profoundly benefit society.

Purpose

UT Discovery to Impact Innovation Labs is a brand‑new, state‑of‑the‑art 10,000‑square‑foot bioscience incubator designed to be a launchpad for innovative startup companies. Our role is to support companies as they discover, create, and build technologies to improve the human experience through solving real‑world problems. The Lab Operations Associate will support the Innovation Labs Manager in the daily operations, maintenance, and development of this program. This hands‑on role is essential in ensuring the smooth functioning of a shared laboratory facility, assisting with equipment and facility management, safety compliance, training, and support for company members.

Benefits

• Competitive health benefits (employee premiums covered at 100%, family premiums at 50%)
• Voluntary Vision, Dental, Life, and Disability insurance options
• Generous paid vacation (8 hours/month), paid holidays (10+/year), sick time (8 hours/month), and longevity pay
• Teachers Retirement System of Texas, a defined benefit retirement plan, with 8.25% employer matching funds
• Additional Voluntary Retirement Programs: Tax Sheltered Annuity 403(b) and a Deferred Compensation program 457(b)
• Flexible spending account options for medical and childcare expenses
• Robust free training access through LinkedIn Learning plus professional conference opportunities
• Tuition assistance
• Expansive employee discount program including athletic tickets
• Free access to UT Austin’s libraries and museums with staff ID card
• Free rides on all UT Shuttle and Austin CapMetro buses with staff ID card

Responsibilities

• Assist in the day‑to‑day operations of the facilities, including people‑first client support, equipment and facility management, safety, quality assurance, and inventory management. Serve as a point of contact for lab and building issues.
• Assist with installing, calibrating, maintaining, and troubleshooting laboratory equipment and instruments. Perform routine checks, keep maintenance logs up to date, sterilize and clean glassware, coordinate with vendors for maintenance and repair, provide training, and support equipment scheduling systems.
• Assist in implementing and maintaining all UT EHS and lab safety programs, including use of PPE, proper chemical hygiene, chemical inventory tracking, and hazardous waste disposal.
• Assist in creating and updating standard operating procedures for equipment use, maintenance, training, and safety protocols.
• Ensure all spaces and infrastructure are clean, sanitary, and in good repair. Coordinate with UT Facilities, building management, and custodial staff to address maintenance, installation, repair, and construction needs. Prepare space for new companies to join and ensure proper move‑out procedures are followed.
• Organize, track, and manage inventory of lab consumables and break‑room provisions. Assist with purchasing and receiving. Optimize resource use.
• Provide hands‑on training for equipment use, safety programs, security, and emergency preparedness.
• Assist in on‑ and off‑boarding company members. Coordinate with Human Resources and Environmental Health and Safety to ensure appropriate processes are followed. Provide daily support to company members to optimize research productivity.
• Support tours, events, and marketing efforts to promote the Innovation Labs and engage with the startup and research community.
• Other duties as needed.

Required Qualifications

• Associate’s degree in a scientific discipline (e.g., biology, chemistry, bioengineering) OR high‑school diploma with two years of equivalent experience.
• Training in a scientific discipline or equivalent experience.
• Minimum of 1 year of experience in an academic or commercial laboratory, including operation and maintenance of laboratory equipment.
• Working towards a bachelor’s degree in a scientific discipline (e.g., biology, chemistry, bioengineering)
• Familiarity with laboratory safety programs and hazardous waste procedures.
• People‑first focus with an optimistic attitude.
• Strong organizational and communication skills.
• Detail‑oriented with a commitment to excellence.
• Must be able to lift over 50 pounds and be able to stand for multiple hours at a time.
• Ability to work collaboratively in a fast‑paced, interdisciplinary environment.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office.

Preferred Qualifications

• Familiarity with bioscience laboratory settings, including experience with cellular, molecular, and microbiology techniques.
• Experience with quality systems and inventory management.
• Knowledge of UT systems and procedures (EHS, BFS).
• Experience supporting startup or incubator companies.

Hourly Rate

$25/hr

Work Schedule

Part‑time: 20‑40 hrs/week; Mon‑Fri. Fixed‑term position for 1 year.

Required Materials

• Resume/CV
• Cover Letter
• 3 work references with contact information; at least one reference should be from a supervisor

Equal Opportunity Employer

The University of Texas at Austin, as an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer, complies with all applicable federal and state laws regarding nondiscrimination and affirmative action. The University is committed to a policy of equal opportunity for all persons and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, marital status, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, disability, religion, or veteran status in employment, educational programs and activities, and admissions.