Laboratory Specialist

firstPRO, Inc; Cambridge (MA); On-site; USD 41,328 - 55,104; Full time

Job summary

A staffing firm is seeking a Lab Operations Specialist in Cambridge, MA. The role involves implementing freezer inventory for a biologics research team and requires hands-on experience with freezer management and LEAN principles. Candidates should have 3+ years in lab operations and be detail-oriented to ensure data accuracy and safety in cold storage environments. This is a 3+ month onsite contract.

Qualifications

• 3+ years in research lab operations, preferably in biologics.
• Proven track record of freezer inventory implementation.
• Practical experience with LEAN/5S methodologies.

Responsibilities

• Implement freezer inventory for biologics research team.
• Audit cold storage and create a master map.
• Train users and define inventory cycle-count cadence.

Skills

Research lab operations

Freezer inventory implementation

LEAN/5S experience

Excel skills

Data hygiene

Communication with scientists

Tools

Freezer management software

Barcode scanners

Cryo-labels

Job description

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firstPRO is now accepting resumes for a Lab Operations Specialist role in Cambridge, MA. This is a 3+ month contract and onsite.

We’re seeking a hands-on contractor to implement an end-to-end freezer inventory for a biologics research team and to standardize functional bench areas using LEAN/5S. You’ll label racks/boxes, load records into a freezer management system, and leave behind clear SOPs and training so the system sustains.

Responsibilities

• Freezer inventory implementation
• Audit all cold storage (e.g., -80 °C, -20 °C, 4 °C, LN2) and create a master map (freezer - shelf - rack - box - position)
• Establish naming conventions and metadata fields (sample type, owner, project, lot, date, status, hazard)
• Print and apply cryo-compatible labels; implement barcode schema (e.g., Code 128/QR) for racks, boxes, and tubes
• Configure a freezer management system including roles/permissions, required fields, and location hierarchy
• Reconcile legacy spreadsheets; migrate and/or bulk-import records; de-duplicate; resolve unknown/orphaned samples with owners
• Draft SOPs/quick-start guides and train users; define stewardship/ownership and inventory cycle-count cadence

Qualifications

• 3+ years in research lab operations (biologics preferred: proteins/antibodies, cells, reagents)
• Proven freezer inventory implementation (barcoding/labeling, data migration, user training)
• Practical LEAN/5S experience; able to facilitate small events and create visual standards
• Comfortable with freezer management software and bulk-import workflows; strong Excel skills
• Familiarity with barcode scanners, cryo-labels, and thermal printers; detail-oriented data hygiene
• Able to lift up to 30 lbs and work safely in cold rooms/freezers; strong communication with scientists and EH&S
• Experience in BSL-1 and BSL-2 research environments

Senioriy level

• Mid-Senior level

Employment type

• Contract

Note: The original posting includes additional role listings and notices not directly related to this Lab Operations Specialist position. These have been omitted to focus on the core responsibilities and requirements of this role.