Laboratory Research Operations Analyst

The Ohio State University; Columbus (OH); On-site; USD 56,000 - 73,000; Full time

Job summary

The Laboratory Research Operations Analyst at The Ohio State University will manage day-to-day operations of the Incubator Lab Space within the Pelotonia Research Center Innovation District.

The role requires coordinating safety, compliance, and stewardship of a multi-tenant lab that supports startups, external partners, and researchers while enforcing policies and maintaining high standards of scientific integrity.

Qualifications

• Requires a Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience.
• Two years of relevant experience in a BSL-2 or higher biological life sciences lab.
• Experience balancing operational needs with safety and compliance.

Responsibilities

• Oversee day-to-day operations, safety, compliance, and stewardship of a shared lab space.
• Manage equipment use, user training, troubleshooting, and maintenance coordination.
• Support purchasing, inventory, supplier management, and vendor coordination.
• Collaborate with ERIK, JobsOhio, SciTech, EHS, and incubator users to maintain a compliant, efficient lab environment.

Skills

BSL-2 lab experience

Compliance knowledge

Communication

Conflict resolution

Education

Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience

Job description

Job Title:Laboratory Research Operations AnalystDepartment:ERIK | Pelotonia Research Center | Earnings Operation

Position Overview

The Laboratory Research Operations Analyst assigned to the Incubator Lab Space within the Pelotonia Research Center Innovation District is responsible for the day-to-day operations, safety, compliance, and stewardship of a shared laboratory environment supporting startup companies, entrepreneurs, and external research partners. This position serves as the primary operational and compliance resource for incubator laboratory users and works collaboratively with the Principal Project Manager to ensure the laboratory space maintains the highest standards of safety, cleanliness, professionalism, and scientific integrity.

The position provides technical and operational oversight of laboratory equipment and shared resources, including equipment use, user training, troubleshooting, and maintenance coordination. The role also supports laboratory purchasing, inventory and supply management, vendor coordination, and operational planning, serving as a knowledgeable resource for laboratory users and helping ensure the incubator operates efficiently, safely, and in accordance with university and regulatory requirements.

The Laboratory Research Operations Analyst will partner closely with Enterprise for Research, Innovation, and Knowledge (ERIK), JobsOhio, SciTech, Environmental Health & Safety (EHS), and incubator users to support a service-oriented laboratory ecosystem that advances innovation and economic development in Columbus, Ohio. The successful candidate must demonstrate the ability to build strong relationships with laboratory users while confidently enforcing laboratory policies, addressing non-compliance and equipment maintenance needs, and promoting a culture of shared accountability in a multi-tenant research environment.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience.
• Two years of relevant experience in a BSL-2 or higher biological life sciences lab.

Desired Qualifications

• Three or more years of relevant experience.
• Strong knowledge of laboratory operations, chemical hygiene, biosafety, and regulatory compliance.
• Ability to influence and hold stakeholders accountable with strong conflict resolution, communication, and relationship management skills.
• Demonstrated experience balancing customer service, partnership, and policy enforcement.
• Ability to address sensitive compliance matters professionally and consistently while identifying and addressing compliance concerns and appropriately escalating safety, operational, or stakeholder issues when necessary.
• Experience in shared-use laboratory, incubator, biotech, startup, academic research, or multi-tenant research environments preferred.

Application Materials

• A resume and cover letter submitted at the time of application are strongly desired.

Salary

The salary range for this position is $56,300 - $72,700, annually. The offer for this position will be based on the selected candidate’s education and experience while being balanced with internal equity and the unit’s available budget.

Work Location

This is an in-person position working in the Pelotonia Research Center at the Ohio State University’s innovation district.

Additional Information

Ohio State will not sponsor applicants for a work visa for this position.

Starting Day One: Comprehensive Benefits

Ohio State benefits give you options to take care of what matters most to you — and opportunities to make adjustments as your life and needs change, including:

• Medical, dental and vision coverage, with Ohio State paying a significant portion of the cost.
• Paid time off, including sick and vacation time and 11 holidays.
• State retirement plan or an alternative retirement plan, both with generous employer contributions.

Enterprise for Research, Innovation and Knowledge Overview

Join the Research Development Office within the Enterprise for Research, Innovation and Knowledge (ERIK) at The Ohio State University and become a part of a dynamic, forward-thinking team dedicated to pushing the boundaries of discovery and innovation. ERIK positions Ohio State to expand curiosity-driven research and creative expression, further develop our research community of faculty, staff, and students, and grow the innovation ecosystem to address big challenges and improve communities locally and globally. We are seeking passionate individuals who are committed to making a meaningful impact through collaboration, innovation, and excellence. To learn more about our mission and work, please visit our ERIK website.

Position Mapping

Function: Research Administration

Sub-Function: Laboratory Research and Operations

Career Band and Level: S2

Location:Pelotonia Research Center (1040)Position Type:RegularScheduled Hours:40Shift:First Shift

Final candidates are subject to successful completion of a background check. A drug screen or physical may be required during the post offer process.

The university is an equal opportunity employer, including veterans and disability.