Lab Support Technician

- United States - VWR International; Cambridge (MA); On-site; USD 39,000 - 41,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health and wellness programs

Paid time off and holidays

401(k) and financial benefits

Job summary

Avantor's Advanced Laboratory Services in Cambridge, MA is seeking an organized support associate to assist with lab operations and inventory. This role emphasizes accurate inventory handling, equipment calibration, and adherence to lab safety policies.

You will work closely with the Area Operations Manager and Advanced Laboratory Services teams to ensure timely processing of shipments, clean spaces, and reliable data entry across inventory systems.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required; bachelor's degree preferred.
• 2–4 years in material handling and inventory replenishment.
• 2–3 years in a laboratory setting with standard procedures.
• Calibrating equipment and proper biowaste handling.
• Proficient in Excel; experience with inventory systems preferred.
• Familiarity with SHE policies and aseptic techniques are a plus.

Responsibilities

• Perform biowaste disposal and maintain clean, organized lab spaces.
• Sanitize benches and surfaces following SOPs and using proper cleaning equipment.
• Receive incoming packages and communicate promptly with end users.
• Clean and maintain fume hoods according to safety standards.
• Manage inventory tasks, including autoclaving and proper documentation.
• Change out gas cylinders, maintain accurate gas cylinder reporting, and ensure proper storage in designated areas.
• Respond to requests from scientists and provide timely assistance.
• Replenish snacks for researchers and maintain cleanliness in breakroom areas.
• Perform administrative tasks such as signing in and out guests.
• Accurately record information in inventory systems and ensure items are placed in appropriate locations.
• Support other areas of the business as needed—flexibility and willingness to assist are essential.
• Maintain Excel spreadsheets for inventory tracking and reporting.
• Deliver exceptional customer service with professionalism and follow-through.
• Demonstrate strong problem-solving skills and attention to detail.

Skills

Material handling

Inventory replenishment

Laboratory experience

Excel

Inventory systems

SHE policies

Aseptic techniques

Communication

Education

High school diploma or GED

Bachelor's degree preferred

Tools

Calibration equipment

Inventory software

Job description

The Opportunity

In this role, you will report to the Area Operations Manager and will work closely with the Avantor's Advanced Laboratory Services professionals to serve our customers by performing customized, mission-based lab work and research protocols that help return time back to science.

Location: Cambridge, MA

Shift: Monday-Friday 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM

Hourly Rate: $28/hr. - $30/hr.

Benefits

• Health and Wellness: Medical, Dental, Vision and Wellness programs


• Time Off: Paid Time Off (PTO), Company paid holidays, Choice holidays etc.


• Financial Well Being: Spending Accounts: Flexible Spending Account (FSA), Health Savings Accounts (HSA), commuter benefits, 401(k), tuition assistance, employee stock purchase plan discount


• Added Protection Coverage: To include critical illness, hospital indemnity, accident, legal, identity theft protection, pet, auto and home insurance


• Recognition: Celebrate your peers and earn points to redeem on gifts and products

What we're looking for

Education

• High school diploma or GED required; Bachelor's degree preferred.

Experience

• 2-4 years of experience in material handling and inventory replenishment.


• 2-3 years of experience in a laboratory setting, demonstrating familiarity with standard laboratory procedures.


• Proficient in equipment calibration and knowledgeable of proper biowaste handling procedures.


• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, especially Excel; experience with inventory systems preferred.


• Familiarity with SHE lab policies and aseptic techniques is a plus

Soft Skills & Expectations

• Ability to remain flexible and adaptable in a fast-paced environment with changing priorities.


• Maintain professionalism and high-quality standards to meet customer expectations.


• Be friendly, approachable, and self-organized , with strong follow-up skills when working with onsite contacts.


• Demonstrate proactivity -anticipate needs, take initiative, and stay ahead of customer requirements.


• Build trust through reliability and consistent performance ; act as a self-starter who can work independently.


• Maintain clear, consistent communication with team members, customers, and stakeholders.


• Exhibit situational awareness -recognize when tasks need to be completed without waiting for instructions.


• Ask questions when clarification is needed and seek solutions proactively.


• Strong communication and organizational skills with attention to detail.


• Ability to problem-solve effectively and manage tasks with precision.


• Professional demeanor and a customer service mindset .


• Willingness to assist across departments and adapt to evolving needs.


• Experience with Excel and inventory systems preferred.

How you will thrive and create an impact

Avantor's Advanced Laboratory Services team is a crucial part of the Avantor Services group serving over 500 customers in biopharma, pharmaceutical, educational, industrial, and high-tech industries with customizable, flexible solutions and end-to-end laboratory operations support. In this role you will:

• Perform biowaste disposal and maintain clean, organized lab spaces.


• Sanitize benches and surfaces following SOPs and using proper cleaning equipment.


• Receive incoming packages and communicate promptly with end users.


• Clean and maintain fume hoods according to safety standards.


• Manage inventory tasks, including autoclaving and proper documentation.


• Change out gas cylinders, maintain accurate gas cylinder reporting, and ensure proper storage in designated areas.


• Respond to requests from scientists and provide timely assistance.


• Replenish snacks for researchers and maintain cleanliness in breakroom areas.


• Perform administrative tasks such as signing in and out guests.


• Accurately record information in inventory systems and ensure items are placed in appropriate locations.


• Support other areas of the business as needed-flexibility and willingness to assist are essential.


• Maintain Excel spreadsheets for inventory tracking and reporting.


• Deliver exceptional customer service with professionalism and follow-through.


• Demonstrate strong problem-solving skills and attention to detail.

Disclaimer

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by employees assigned to this classification. They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required of employees assigned to this position. Avantor is proud to be an equal opportunity employer.

Why Avantor?

Dare to go further in your career. Join our global team of 14,000+ associates whose passion for discovery and determination to overcome challenges relentlessly advances life-changing science.

The work we do changes people's lives for the better. It brings new patient treatments and therapies to market, giving a cancer survivor the chance to walk his daughter down the aisle. It enables medical devices that help a little boy hear his mom's voice for the first time. Outcomes such as these create unlimited opportunities for you to c