Lab Operations Specialist

The Planet Group; Philadelphia (Philadelphia County); On-site; USD 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

The Planet Group is seeking a Laboratory Equipment Coordinator in Philadelphia to maintain inventories, monitor critical systems, and coordinate certifications and maintenance across multiple labs. You will work with technicians, IT, vendors, and leadership to ensure timely service and compliance. The role requires an A.S.

or B.S. in Life Sciences or Facilities Management, plus 1–2 years of relevant experience in pharma, biotech, or life sciences settings.

Qualifications

• A.S. or B.S. degree in Life Sciences or Facilities Management with a technical/management focus.
• Strong interpersonal and collaboration skills.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Strong problem-solving ability and attention to detail.

Responsibilities

• Maintain accurate and up-to-date laboratory equipment inventories.
• Monitor fixed laboratory equipment such as fume hoods, exhaust fans, biosafety cabinets, and other critical systems.
• Manage laboratory equipment service contracts and ensure preventive maintenance is completed on schedule.
• Coordinate equipment certifications, calibrations, and maintenance activities across laboratories.
• Coordinate equipment repairs between laboratory teams and external service providers.
• Monitor cold-storage systems and respond to potential freezer or equipment failures.
• Support laboratory emergency planning and response, including power outages and infrastructure projects.
• Coordinate with technicians, laboratory users, IT, vendors, and leadership to address equipment and operational needs.
• Escort and monitor external service technicians while onsite and ensure compliance with company policies.
• Coordinate deliveries, packages, gas deliveries, and laboratory equipment installations.
• Support procurement of laboratory supplies and consumables.
• Troubleshoot general laboratory operational issues.
• Develop and maintain procedures supporting compliant laboratory operations.
• Partner with the Lab Safety Officer to maintain safety systems and ensure PPE is available and current.
• Perform general laboratory maintenance activities, including supply stocking, eyewash and safety shower checks, waste removal, and related tasks.

Skills

Interpersonal skills

Verbal and written comms

Problem solving

Organizational skills

Education

Associate or Bachelor degree in Life Sciences or Facilities Management

Job description

• Maintain accurate and up-to-date laboratory equipment inventories.
• Monitor fixed laboratory equipment such as fume hoods, exhaust fans, biosafety cabinets, and other critical systems.
• Manage laboratory equipment service contracts and ensure preventive maintenance is completed on schedule.
• Coordinate equipment certifications, calibrations, and maintenance activities across laboratories.
• Coordinate equipment repairs between laboratory teams and external service providers.
• Monitor cold-storage systems and respond to potential freezer or equipment failures.
• Support laboratory emergency planning and response, including power outages and infrastructure projects.
• Coordinate with technicians, laboratory users, IT, vendors, and leadership to address equipment and operational needs.
• Escort and monitor external service technicians while onsite and ensure compliance with company policies.
• Coordinate deliveries, packages, gas deliveries, and laboratory equipment installations.
• Support procurement of laboratory supplies and consumables.
• Troubleshoot general laboratory operational issues.
• Develop and maintain procedures supporting compliant laboratory operations.
• Partner with the Lab Safety Officer to maintain safety systems and ensure PPE is available and current.
• Perform general laboratory maintenance activities, including supply stocking, eyewash and safety shower checks, waste removal, and related tasks.

Required Qualifications

• A.S. or B.S. degree in Life Sciences or Facilities Management with a technical/management focus.
• At least 1 year of experience in a pharmaceutical, biotech, life sciences, academic, or industry environment.
• At least 2 years of experience implementing maintenance and repair programs in an R&D facility.
• Strong interpersonal and collaboration skills.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Strong problem-solving ability with the ability to anticipate downstream impacts.
• Highly organized with strong attention to detail, accuracy, and follow-through.