Laboratory Operations Associate (Contract)

Flagship Pioneering, Inc.; North Carolina; On-site; USD 40,000 - 51,000; Full time

Job summary

Flagship Pioneering, Inc. in North Carolina seeks a contract Laboratory Operations Associate to ensure safe, compliant, and efficient laboratory operations in support of Terrana Biosciences. You will assist scientists and help drive continuous improvement in lab processes.

The role emphasizes coordinating purchasing, waste disposal, regulatory tasks, and after-hours support while fostering a culture of safety and reliability in a fast-paced agricultural biotech environment.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in biology, chemistry, biotechnology, or a related scientific discipline with 5+ years of relevant experience.
• Co-op and internship experience may be considered.

Responsibilities

• Partner with scientists to anticipate operational needs and minimize disruptions.
• Manage daily laboratory operations: purchasing, shipping/receiving, inventory, vendor contracts, equipment maintenance, records.
• Champion a strong culture of laboratory safety.
• Coordinate biological and chemical waste disposal per regulations.
• Support USDA permitting and other regulatory compliance activities.
• Respond to after-hours laboratory emergencies and assist with plant care when needed.

Skills

Strong organizational skills

Effective communication

Problem-solving

Multitasking

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Biology, Chemistry, Biotechnology, or a related scientific discipline

Tools

LIMS

Laboratory/project management software

Job description

COMPANY DESCRIPTION

Founded through Flagship Pioneering’s venture creation engine, Terrana Biosciences is a cutting-edge agricultural biotechnology company developing innovative RNA-based products to address global agricultural challenges. We are committed to advancing sustainable farming solutions through precision technologies that ensure environmental safety and regulatory compliance.

THE ROLE

Terrana Biosciences is building a new generation of RNA-based technologies to transform agriculture. We are seeking a proactive, detail-oriented contract Laboratory Operations Associate to join our team in Research Triangle Park, North Carolina.

In this role, you will ensure our laboratories operate safely, efficiently, and in compliance with regulatory requirements. You’ll support scientists by managing laboratory operations and striving for continuous improvement and operational efficiency.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Partner with scientists and cross-functional teams to anticipate operational needs and minimize disruptions to research.
• Manage daily laboratory operations, including purchasing support, shipping and receiving, inventory, vendor and service contracts, equipment maintenance, documentation, and record keeping.
• Champion a strong culture of laboratory safety.
• Coordinate biological and chemical waste disposal in compliance with regulations.
• Support USDA permitting and other regulatory compliance activities.
• Respond to occasional after-hours laboratory emergencies and assist the Controlled Environment Agriculture team with plant care when needed.

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE & QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s degree in Biology, Chemistry, Biotechnology, or a related scientific discipline with 5+ years of relevant experience. Co-op and internship experience may be considered.
• Ability to work onsite, full-time in Research Triangle Park, NC.
• Strong organizational, communication, problem-solving, and multitasking skills.
• Commitment to safety, quality, and continuous improvement.

Additional Qualifications:

• Experience supporting laboratory operations in biotechnology, pharmaceutical, or life science organizations.
• Experience with plant care or greenhouse operations.
• Experience with LIMS and laboratory or project management software preferred.
• Knowledge of laboratory safety regulations, hazardous materials handling, and regulatory compliance.
• Familiarity with IATA/DOT shipping, BSL-1/BSL-2 operations, OSHA, EPA/RCRA, USDA APHIS requirements, or project leadership is a plus.
• A proactive, service-oriented approach.
• The ability to anticipate needs, solve problems, and adapt in a fast-paced environment.
• Strong collaboration skills and a desire to support a mission-driven scientific team.

LOCATION: Durham, NC

ABOUT FLAGSHIP PIONEERING:

Flagship Pioneering invents and builds platform companies, each with the potential for multiple products that transform human health, sustainability and beyond. Since its launch in 2000, Flagship has originated more than 100 companies. Many of these companies have addressed humanity’s most urgent challenges: vaccinating billions of people against COVID-19, curing intractable diseases, improving human health, preempting illness, and feeding the world by improving the resiliency and sustainability of agriculture.

Flagship has been recognized twice on FORTUNE’s “Change the World” list, an annual ranking of companies that have made a positive social and environmental impact through activities that are part of their core business strategies and has been twice named to Fast Company’s annual list of the World’s Most Innovative Companies. Learn more about Flagship at www.flagshippioneering.com.

At Flagship, we accept impossible missions to enable bigger leaps. Our core valuesguide us through uncertainty and toward lasting impact.

We are an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will be considered for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

We recognize that great candidates often bring unique strengths without fulfilling every qualification. If you have some of the experience listed above but not all, please apply anyway. We are dedicated to building diverse and inclusive teams and look forward to learning more about your background and interest in Flagship.

Recruitment & Staffing Agencies : Flagship Pioneering and its affiliated Flagship Lab companies (collectively, “FSP”) do not accept unsolicited resumes from any source other than candidates. The submission of unsolicited resumes by recruitment or staffing agencies to FSP or its employees is strictly prohibited unless contacted directly by Flagship Pioneering’s internal Talent Acquisition team. Any resume submitted by an agency in the absence of a signed agreement will automatically become the property of FSP, and FSP will not owe any referral or other fees with respect thereto.

The pay range for this role is $29 - $37 per hour and the contractor will be employed by a third-party staffing company. Certain employee benefits may be available to the contractor through the staffing company after meeting minimum criteria. Compensation and benefits information is based on Terrana Biosciences, Inc.’s good faith estimate as of the date of publication and may be modified in the future.