Lab Technician, Tissue Sample Inventory

PerkinElmer; South San Francisco (CA); On-site; USD 75,000 - 95,000; Full time

Job summary

PerkinElmer is seeking a Lab Technician, Tissue Sample Inventory in the South San Francisco area to support our research pipeline by managing tissue sample logistics and inventory. You will coordinate shipments with internal teams and external vendors, while maintaining meticulous records for sample integrity.

The role requires strong communication, organizational skills, and experience with data handling in Excel or similar tools, plus familiarity with LIMS or tissue banking software.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree with 2+ years of lab experience or Associate's with 4+ years in a lab setting.
• Direct experience with biological sample management or lab logistics is preferred.
• Familiarity with tissue banking software or LIMS databases is desirable.

Responsibilities

• Manage lifecycle of tissue samples including inventory, registration, and archival of slides and blocks.
• Coordinate shipments and tasks across internal teams and external vendors.
• Maintain meticulous records to ensure sample integrity and accessibility for research.
• Provide organizational support for Anatomic Pathology tissue panels and ensure safety compliance.

Skills

Communication

Organization

Analytical Mindset

Data Fluency

Education

Bachelor's degree (lab experience)

Associate's degree + 4 years experience

Tools

Labware Biorepository

Excel

Job description

Job Title: Lab Technician, Tissue Sample Inventory

Location(s): Merck (South San Francisco) - Customer Site CA

Job Description

Join our dynamic team South San Francisco, where you will play a crucial role in supporting our innovative research pipeline. We are seeking a motivated and highly organized individual to manage the logistics and inventory of critical tissue samples. This is an excellent opportunity for an exceptional communicator and team player who thrives in a fast-paced, collaborative environment and is adaptable to evolving scientific needs.

Job Responsibilities

Manage the complete lifecycle of tissue samples, including inventory, registration, and archival of stained slides and tissue blocks. Serve as a key communication link, coordinating shipments and tasks across internal scientific teams and with external vendors. Maintain meticulous records and catalogs to ensure sample integrity and accessibility for ongoing research. Provide essential organizational support for the Anatomic Pathology laboratory's tissue panels. Maintain training and compliance in areas of health and safety, security, environmental and operational aspects of daily activities in the working environment. Nothing in this job description restricts management’s right to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities of this job at any time.

Critical Skills

• Communication: Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with a proven ability to collaborate effectively across diverse teams.
• Organization: Strong organizational and time-management skills, with a demonstrated ability to manage multiple priorities in a flexible, fast-paced environment.
• Analytical Mindset: Keen attention to detail with strong problem-solving and analytical abilities.
• Data Fluency: Proficiency in managing and organizing tabular data using tools like Microsoft Excel.

Basic Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree with 2+ years of relevant work experience in a laboratory setting OR Associate's degree with a minimum of 4 years of relevant experience in a laboratory setting.

Preferred Qualifications

• Direct experience in biological sample management or laboratory logistics.
• Familiarity with tissue banking software (e.g., Labware Biorepository) or similar LIMS databases.
• Hands‑on experience in a biology or histology laboratory setting.
• Experience working with data analysis and visualization tools (e.g., R, Spotfire, Excel).

Working Environment

Must be able to work in a laboratory, controlled environments requiring personal protective equipment (e.g., lab coat, safety glasses, etc.) in laboratory. Job pace may be fast and job completion demands may be high. Must be able to remain in a stationary position more than 25% of the time. The person needs to occasionally move between labs, corridors, adjoining rooms, and buildings onsite. Frequently operate on instruments, objects, tools or controls, which will require regularly bending, squatting, stretching and reaching in order to perform in a service function. Occasionally move or lift up to 25 pounds (potential for occasional lifting of up to 50 pounds). Specific vision abilities required by this position include without limitation, the ability to observe details at close range distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus in order to perform the essential service functions of this position. Occasionally operates a computer and other office machinery, such as a calculator, copy machine, and computer printer.

Employee may be required to handle hazardous waste according to local, state, and federal regulations. Duties may include identifying, handling, generating, accumulating, storing and labeling hazardous waste. Potential risk to lab-based hazards including but not limited to extreme temperature, biological materials, and hazardous chemicals. May be required to complete Medical Clearance, Respiratory Protection Training, and Fit Testing to wear a respirator as protection against hazards present in the laboratory environment.

The annualcompensation range for this full-time position is $75,000 to $95,000. The final base pay offered to the successful candidate will be determined by factors including internal equity, work location, as well as individual qualifications, such as job-related skills, experience, and relevant education or training.

PerkinElmer is committed to creating a diverse environment and is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability status, age, or veteran status or any other characteristics protected by applicable law. PerkinElmer is committed to a culturally diverse workforce.

Are you ready to help improve the lives of millions of people and create a healthier world? When you work at PerkinElmer, that’s exactly what you’ll do. From our dedicated scientists and world‑class operations employees to our innovative R&D professionals and committed sales and service groups, we’re a unique team of 5,000+ global colleagues who come to work every day knowing we’re making a difference. Through innovation, collaboration, and believing in our mission, we strive to create an inspiring and inclusive culture for our employees, so that they can be their best and, together, create a better tomorrow.