Laboratory Associate

Portal Innovations; Providence (RI); On-site; USD 45,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading life sciences incubator in Providence, Rhode Island is seeking a Lab Associate to oversee laboratory operations and support research activities. The ideal candidate will have at least 2 years of lab experience, possess a Bachelor of Science degree, and demonstrate strong communication and customer service skills. This role involves maintaining lab safety, managing equipment, and adhering to protocols. Competitive salary and benefits are offered based on experience.

Qualifications

• 2+ years of experience in a laboratory environment.
• Familiarity with startup environment is a plus.
• Strong communication skills and customer service skills.
• Bachelor of Science Degree or equivalent in biology, chemistry, engineering, or related life sciences.

Responsibilities

• Oversee lab activities related to day-to-day operations.
• Maintain a safe working environment.
• Manage laboratory equipment ensuring proper functionality.
• Manage lab consumables inventory and support usage at point-of-use stations.
• Support upkeep and cleanliness of common lab areas.
• Perform daily site walkthroughs and troubleshoot issues.
• Maintain cryogenic gas and cold storage usage.
• Lead management of equipment remote alarm systems and participate in 24-hr emergency response.
• Implement equipment maintenance schedules to ensure uptime.
• Assist with procurement: quotes and vendor follow-ups.
• Collaborate with Sr. Director to implement site best practices.
• Provide basic operating training on common lab equipment.

Skills

Laboratory experience

Equipment cleaning and maintenance

Chemical and biological waste management

Communication skills

Customer service

Education

Bachelor of Science Degree or equivalent

Tools

Microsoft Office

SDS management software

Job description

Who We Are Looking For

Portal Innovations, LLC is launching Portal Innovations at Ocean State Labs in Providence, Rhode Island (the “Incubator”) in Q1 2026. The Incubator will support exceptional life sciences innovators by providing them with the resources and community they need, including fully equipped lab space, access to capital and introductions to industry experts and partners. The Lab Associate will oversee lab activities related to day‑to‑day operations. The ideal candidate is a multi‑talented individual – highly capable, self‑directed, member‑focused, and employs a high level of autonomy while being collaborative within a small team. This role reports to the Sr. Director of Scientific and Business Operations.

What You Will Do

Facilities and Laboratory Operations

• Maintain a safe working environment by adhering to company policies and procedures.
• Assist in the build out, organization, and furnishing of Ocean State Labs.
• Lead the development of SOPs, protocols and manuals relevant to laboratory equipment/projects, including startup and shutdown procedures.
• Manage the consumables inventory program and provide daily support of lab consumables at point‑of‑use stations throughout the labs.
• Support upkeep and cleanliness of common lab areas.
• Implement and execute daily walkthroughs of the sites and help troubleshoot any issues that may arise.
• Cold Storage – Maintain and monitor cryogenic gas and cold storage usage.
• Lead the management of critical equipment remote alarm systems and serve as a member of the 24‑hr emergency response team.
• Implement and manage equipment maintenance procedures and schedules to ensure instrument and equipment uptime.
• Manage laboratory equipment including daily tasks to ensure instruments are working properly to optimize service life.
• Procurement Management – Assist with purchasing, including learning the procurement system, requesting quotes and following up with vendors.
• Partner with the Sr. Director of Scientific and Business Operations to implement Portal Innovations site best practices.
• Support the Sr. Director of Scientific and Business Operations and Executive Director with other ad‑hoc duties and projects.
• Equipment Training – Provide basic operating training on common laboratory equipment.

Environmental Health and Safety (EHS)

• Assist in various aspects of the EHS program, including but not limited to enforcing compliance (e.g., proper storage of chemicals, inventory management of supplies), emergency response and incident reporting.
• Manage the electronic inventory of chemicals and Safety Data Sheets (SDS).
• Ensure liquid and solid waste are regularly picked up by EHS personnel.
• Collaborate with the EHS consultant to support training and policies – support SOP creation and validation.
• Site Audit Support – Coordinate with the operations team to prepare the site for inspections within laboratories and facilities, EHS and security; monitor completion of corrective actions.

Qualifications & Experience

• 2+ years of experience in a laboratory environment, experience in equipment cleaning and maintenance, chemical and biological waste management.
• Bachelor of Science Degree or equivalent, preferably in biology, chemistry, engineering or a related life sciences discipline.
• Familiarity with a startup environment – a plus.
• Working knowledge of cellular, molecular, and microbiology techniques – a plus.
• Personable, detail oriented, and articulate with strong communication skills.
• Excellent customer service skills; display a professional can‑do attitude.
• Perform duties with the highest regard for safety and quality.
• Must be reliable, flexible, motivated and operate proactively.
• Must be able to lift a minimum of 25 lbs and stand for extended periods of time.
• Basic computer skills, including proficiency in Microsoft Office, Word and Excel.
• Ability to prioritize tasks and meet deadlines.

Compensation

Portal Innovations offers a competitive salary and benefits package based on experience.

Work Authorization / Security‑Clearance Requirements

Must be eligible to work in the United States.

Equal Employment Opportunities

Portal is committed to equal employment opportunities regardless of race, color, ancestry, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, marital status, disability, gender identity, or veteran status.