Operations Specialist

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

Job summary

Tempus AI in Chicago seeks an Operations Specialist to optimize lab operations through lightweight coding, Google Workspace tools, and Looker dashboards. You will streamline daily workflows, build cost models, manage Purchase Orders, and coordinate with vendors to ensure cost-effective, compliant project execution.

The role requires strong analytical skills, vendor communication, and project management abilities in a fast-paced environment.

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 PO workflows.
• Proficiency with project management tools and BI tools like Looker.
• Strong organizational, analytical, and vendor-facing communication skills.

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 ongoing communication.
• Design and implement workflow improvements to optimize staff and data flow across lab projects.
• Summarize key operational and financial metrics into reports and dashboards for leadership.
• Assist in SOP development, quality reporting, and audit readiness for CLIA/CAP lab operations.
• Coordinate and lead cross-functional meetings for internal lab ops and external collaborations.

Skills

Financial modeling

Cost tracking

PO workflows

Project management

Vendor communication

Education

Bachelor's or Master's degree in Life Sciences, Data Analytics, or a related field

Tools

Looker Dashboards

Google Workspace

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.