Sample Operations Administrator

Cogent Biosciences; Boulder (CO); On-site; USD 70,000 - 80,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Stock awards

Full medical/dental/vision coverage

401(k) match

Job summary

Cogent Biosciences is seeking a skilled Sample Operations Administrator to support our research teams by managing compounds and samples, ensuring accurate tracking, and driving process improvements. You will partner with chemists and scientists to deliver materials for critical programs in a fast-paced lab setting.

The role combines laboratory operations, inventory control, and system optimization, with opportunities to lead large-scale improvements and contribute to a culture of safety and

Qualifications

• BA or BS with at least 2 years of laboratory, scientific operations, inventory management, or related experience.
• Experience using Microsoft Excel and Word.
• Familiarity with databases, inventory systems, or data management platforms.
• Strong interpersonal and customer-service skills.
• Ability to lift and move materials weighing up to 35 pounds.

Responsibilities

• Manage end-to-end workflow for compound and sample processing supporting internal and external assay requests.
• Maintain and optimize inventory management systems, databases, and workflow applications used across research operations.
• Ensure accuracy and integrity of sample tracking, storage, and inventory records.
• Conduct annual inventory audits and implement best practices for inventory control.
• Coordinate preparation and shipment of compounds for project-specific and offsite research activities.
• Serve as a key resource and eventual subject matter expert for sample management systems and related processes.
• Troubleshoot operational and system issues, partnering with IT and scientific stakeholders to resolve challenges.
• Analyze workflows, identify opportunities for improvement, and lead initiatives that enhance efficiency, accuracy, and researcher experience.
• Lead operational projects such as large-scale compound inventory reconciliations and database improvement efforts.
• Collaborate daily with chemists, biologists, and laboratory staff to ensure research needs are met on schedule.
• Communicate proactively when operational issues may impact project timelines.
• Train colleagues on sample processing workflows, systems, and best practices.
• Present updates, recommendations, and operational insights both verbally and in writing.
• Maintain laboratory equipment, supplies, and workspaces to ensure operational readiness.
• Build proficiency with specialized laboratory equipment and operational procedures.
• Support broader lab operations activities, including chemical receiving, inventory management, sterilization processes, material handling, and laboratory services coverage as needed.
• Champion a culture of safety, quality, and continuous improvement.

Skills

Laboratory operations

Inventory management

Communication skills

Interpersonal skills

Education

BA/BS in related field

Tools

Excel

Word

Database systems

Job description

Cogent Biosciences is a publicly traded biotechnology company focused on developing novel precision therapies to treat a broad range of patients with unmet medical needs. Cogent’s lead program, bezuclastinib, is designed to selectively and potently inhibit exon 17 mutations found within the KIT receptor tyrosine kinase, including KIT D816V. KIT D816V is responsible for driving a rare and serious condition called Systemic Mastocytosis, and exon 17 mutations are also found in patients with gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GIST), a type of cancer with strong dependence on oncogenic KIT signaling. Bezuclastinib has exhibited promising initial data across all three trials: APEX in AdvSM, SUMMIT in NonAdvSM and PEAK in GIST, including an encouraging safety profile across 600+ patients in single agent and combination dosing.

The Role

Are you highly organized, technically curious, and motivated by supporting breakthrough science? We are seeking a Sample Operations Administrator to play a critical role in enabling our research teams to move discoveries forward. This position sits at the intersection of laboratory operations, sample management, technology, and scientific collaboration.

In this role, you will be a trusted partner to chemists, biologists, and laboratory scientists, ensuring compounds and samples are accurately managed, inventoried, tracked, and delivered to support critical research programs. You'll have the opportunity to drive process improvements, lead operational initiatives, and become a subject matter expert in systems that are essential to our scientific success.

Responsibilities

Drive Sample & Inventory Operations

• Manage the end-to-end workflow for compound and sample processing supporting internal and external assay requests.
• Maintain and optimize inventory management systems, databases, and workflow applications used across research operations.
• Ensure accuracy and integrity of sample tracking, storage, and inventory records.
• Conduct annual inventory audits and implement best practices for inventory control.
• Coordinate preparation and shipment of compounds for project-specific and offsite research activities.

Become a Systems & Process Expert

• Serve as a key resource and eventual subject matter expert for sample management systems and related processes.
• Troubleshoot operational and system issues, partnering closely with IT and scientific stakeholders to resolve challenges efficiently.
• Analyze workflows, identify opportunities for improvement, and lead initiatives that enhance efficiency, accuracy, and researcher experience.
• Lead operational projects such as large-scale compound inventory reconciliations and database improvement efforts.

Partner with Scientific Teams

• Collaborate daily with chemists, biologists, and laboratory staff to ensure research needs are met on schedule.
• Communicate proactively when operational issues may impact project timelines.
• Train colleagues on sample processing workflows, systems, and best practices.
• Present updates, recommendations, and operational insights both verbally and in writing.

Support Laboratory Operations

• Maintain laboratory equipment, supplies, and workspaces to ensure operational readiness.
• Build proficiency with specialized laboratory equipment and operational procedures.
• Support broader lab operations activities, including chemical receiving, inventory management, sterilization processes, material handling, and laboratory services coverage as needed.
• Champion a culture of safety, quality, and continuous improvement.

Qualifications

• BA or BS with at least 2 years of laboratory, scientific operations, inventory management, or related experience.
• Experience using Microsoft Office applications, particularly Excel and Word.
• Familiarity with databases, inventory systems, or data management platforms.
• Strong interpersonal and customer-service skills.
• Ability to regularly lift and move materials weighing up to 35 pounds.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with ChemDraw, laboratory information systems, or scientific databases.
• Familiarity with chemical compounds, laboratory safety practices, and chemical hazard awareness.
• Understanding of laboratory workflows within research, biotechnology, pharmaceutical, or scientific environments.
• Experience coordinating inventory, logistics, or sample management processes.

Salary Range

$70,000 - 80,000 USD

Exact compensation will vary based on skills, experience, and location.

Our Locations

Waltham, MA: Our headquarters is located in the Greater Boston life sciences community, with an open, collaborative office environment designed to support teamwork and connection. Employees benefit from convenient on-site amenities, including free on-site parking and gym facilities in the building.

Boulder, CO: Our Boulder location is home to Cogent’s discovery research organization and a key scientific hub with strong leadership based on site. Situated in the greater Denver-Boulder biopharmaceutical corridor, this office plays a central role in advancing our discovery efforts and pipeline.

Our Offer To You

At Cogent Biosciences, we offer a competitive salary, bonus, and ongoing stock awards, alongside a benefits package that sets us apart. We cover 100% of medical, dental, and vision premiums for you and your family, and help reduce out-of-pocket costs by funding up to 75% of in-network deductibles. Our benefits also include a 401(k) match with immediate vesting, generous paid time off, 12 weeks of fully paid parental leave, paid family and medical leave for all employees regardless of location, and company-paid short-term disability coverage for up to 20 weeks. Additional perks like wellness programs, tuition reimbursement, and inclusive family-forming support help you thrive at work and beyond.

We are proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. Our goal is to have a diverse workforce. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, age, color, religion, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, veteran status or disability, or any other status protected under federal, state, or local law. All employment is decided on the basis of qualifications, merit, and business need.