Operations Specialist

Tempus; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 55,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

Tempus, a leader in precision medicine, seeks an Operations Specialist for the Biological Modeling Lab. You will build tracking tools, dashboards, and lightweight automations using Google platforms and coding to drive operational and financial efficiency.

In this role, you will coordinate with internal teams and external vendors, develop cost models, manage Purchase Orders, and translate data into clear reports for leadership while ensuring compliance with CLIA/CAP standards.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's or master's in Life Sciences, Data Analytics, or related field.
• Experience building financial models and managing PO workflows.
• Proficiency with Looker dashboards and Google Workspace tools.
• Strong organizational, analytical, and vendor-facing communication.

Responsibilities

• Build, maintain, and optimize operational tracking tools and dashboards.
• Develop cost models and budget allocations to support lab spending.
• Create, track, and manage Purchase Orders (POs) across teams.
• Serve as primary liaison with external vendors and manage quotes/delivery schedules.
• Design workflow improvements for sample and data coordination.
• Summarize operational and financial metrics into leadership reports.
• Assist in SOP development, quality reporting, and audit readiness for CLIA/CAP labs.
• Coordinate cross-functional meetings for internal operations and collaborations.

Skills

Looker Dashboards

Google Workspace

Python

JavaScript

SQL

Vendor management

Cost modeling

PO workflows

Data analytics

Project coordination

Education

Bachelor's or Master's in Life Sciences / Data Analytics

Tools

Looker

Google Apps Script

Sheets

SQL

Python

Job description

Passionate about precision medicine and advancing the healthcare industry?

Recent advancements in underlying technology have finally made it possible for AI to impact clinical care in a meaningful way. Tempus' proprietary platform connects an entire ecosystem of real-world evidence to deliver real-time, actionable insights to physicians, providing critical information about the right treatments for the right patients, at the right time.

The Operations Specialist plays a crucial role in driving the operational and technical efficiency of the Biological Modeling Lab. Sitting at the intersection of operations, project management, and technical systems, this role is responsible for streamlining daily workflows, building custom tracking and financial tools, and managing critical vendor relationships.

The ideal candidate brings a strong analytical mindset paired with practical technical skills-leveraging lightweight coding, Google platform capabilities, and dashboard building to automate manual processes, create accurate cost models, and oversee purchase order workflows. By bringing exceptional organization, seamless communication, and proactive problem-solving to lab operations, this position ensures projects are executed efficiently, cost-effectively, and in compliance with regulatory standards.

Core Responsibilities

• Build, maintain, and optimize custom operational tracking tools, dashboards, and automated systems using Google platforms and lightweight coding.
• Develop and manage cost models, financial tracking tools, and budget allocations to support lab spending and forecasting.
• Create, track, and manage Purchase Orders (POs), serving as the main operational link between internal teams and purchasing departments.
• Serve as the primary point of contact for external vendors, handling quotes, delivery schedules, and clear ongoing communication.
• Design and implement workflow improvements to optimize the coordination of sample and data flow across lab projects.
• Summarize key operational and financial metrics into clear reports and visual dashboards for leadership.
• Assist in SOP development, quality reporting, and audit readiness for CLIA/CAP laboratory operations.
• Coordinate and lead cross-functional meetings for internal lab operations and external academic collaborations.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Life Sciences, Data Analytics, or a related field.
• Experience building financial models, tracking cost structures, and managing purchase order workflows.
• Proficiency with project management tools and business intelligence tools like Looker Dashboards.
• Exceptional organizational, analytical, and vendor-facing communication skills.
• Ability to prioritize tasks independently and thrive in a fast-paced environment.

Preferred Qualifications

• 1-3 years of experience in the life sciences industry.
• Experience building, maintaining and using Looker Dashboards.
• Demonstrated technical capability with Google Workspace (Google Apps Script, Sheets, Docs), web integrations, and foundational coding/scripting skills (e.g., Python, JavaScript, SQL).

CHI: $55,000-$70,000 USD

The expected salary range may vary for other locations. Actual salary may vary based on qualifications and experience. Tempus offers a full range of benefits, which may include incentive compensation, restricted stock units, medical and other benefits depending on the position.

We are an equal opportunity employer. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.