Lab Assistant Jobs in Santa Cruz, CA (NOW HIRING)

About Arc Institute

Arc Institute is an independent nonprofit research organization at the interface of artificial intelligence and biology, working to accelerate scientific progress and understand the root causes of complex diseases. Founded in 2021 and based in Palo Alto, Arc partners with Stanford University, UC Berkeley, and UC San Francisco.

Unlike academia, our scientists have long-term funding and industry-like resources. Unlike industry, they're free to pursue high-risk, long-term research without commercial pressures. Arc's Technology Centers and Core Investigator labs work side by side, integrating experimental and computational biology under one roof to tackle problems neither could solve alone.

Our two Institute Initiatives reflect this model in action:

• Virtual Cell Initiative: Building a full-stack virtual cell model to identify disease mechanisms and nominate drug targets,  accelerating the path from biological insight to clinical trials.
• Alzheimer's Disease Initiative: Mapping the genes, pathways, and environmental factors behind Alzheimer's disease to develop drug candidates that address root causes.

More than 300 Arconauts work together at our Palo Alto headquarters, backed by substantial long-term philanthropic funding.

About the position

We are seeking a Lab Operations Assistant to join the Scientific Operations team at Arc for an initial period of 6 months, with the opportunity to convert to a full-time employee role based on our assessment at the end of that period of our continued business needs and your performance.

The Lab Operations Assistant is dedicated to providing exceptional support to Arc's research labs. Responsibilities include media preparation and media QC, ordering and restocking consumables and other laboratory materials, glassware preparation, and other ad hoc tasks. This is primarily a manual labor role; the majority of your time will be spent on hands-on, physical tasks. Comfort with and commitment to physical work is essential.

About you

• You are a self-starter with strategic vision, a hands-on approach, and a strong belief in safe lab practices
• You anticipate needs and deliver results independently with minimal supervision
• You are able to evaluate and triage competing priorities in order to maintain a nimble, effective approach to daily operations
• You have a passion for problem solving 
• You have a deep understanding of customer service and a customer-first mindset
• You are highly dependable, with a strong sense of responsibility and commitment to your work.

In this position you will

• Perform media preparation and media QC
• Order and restock consumables and other laboratory materials
• Clean, sterilize, prepare, and distribute glassware, ensuring appropriate levels of glassware inventory in all areas of operations
• Assist with management of launderable lab coats, scrubs, and towels
• Assist with basic equipment maintenance, moving, and installation
• Assist with gas management, including CO2, LN2, and dry ice
• Serve as a backup for shipping/receiving and chemical inventory management
• Adhere to safety guidelines and procedures, ensuring safety is the highest priority
• Demonstrate clear, concise and effective communication with lab members and team to ensure a high level of service.
• Work with the Lab Operations Manager and Lead to prioritize tasks and assignments, providing recommendations to maximize efficiency and productivity
• Independently handle operational processes or projects and proactively identify opportunities for improvement
• Participate in process improvement initiatives
• Author or revise Internal Procedures or Standard Operating Procedures as applicable

Requirements

• 0-1 years prior laboratory operations experience
• Minimum education level: BS degree in biological sciences
• Must be able to multi-task and prioritize tasks
• Must have the ability to lift 50 pounds and occasionally move heavy equipment 
• Should possess strong attention to detail with critical analytical skills 
• Should be resourceful and possess good organization skills
• Should possess the ability to independently solve problems and troubleshoot while performing work
• Must be proactive and able to self-initiate
• Should possess effective communication skills
• Should demonstrate proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite and other general use software applications
• Prolonged periods standing and walking throughout facilities
• Must be able to bend, lift, stretch, and climb at times

The hourly rate range for this position is $25 - $31 per hour. These amounts reflect the range that the Institute reasonably would expect to pay a new hire or internal candidate for this position. The actual compensation paid to any individual for this position may vary depending on factors such as experience, market conditions, education/training, skill level, and whether the compensation is internally equitable, and does not include bonuses, commissions, differential pay, other forms of compensation, or benefits.