Lab Operations Assistant Jobs in Berkeley, CA (NOW HIRING)

Cogent Scientific, an insourced contract research organization, is looking for the right people to accomplish our Mission: to support the life sciences industry by cultivating and empowering exceptional scientists to deliver specialized laboratory services that advance research, foster collaboration, and accelerate innovation through quality and a shared commitment to excellence. We can offer you the chance to build on your skills and knowledge while working among experts in their fields and with cutting-edge instrumentation.

Cogent Scientific offers competitive pay, attractive benefits (such as medical/dental/vision insurance; 401(k); parental leave; PTO and paid holidays; etc.) and an exciting work environment. This position may include relocation benefits as well. We aim to recruit the best people who stand out among their peers and embody our Core Values:

• Client Focused: We only succeed when our clients succeed.
• Outstanding: We deliver meticulous results through outstanding performance.
• Good: We act ethically and morally.
• Employee-Centric: We honor and support our employees.
• Nimble: We are prepared to adapt in an ever-changing industry.
• Team-Oriented: We collaborate with each other and with our clients.

We currently have a role available for a Contract Pharma Lab Operations Coordinator. This role would last approx. 12 months (no guarantee of length). Providing successful completion of assignment, employee would be considered for other roles with Cogent Scientific at the South San Francisco location.

Job duties include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Performing daily lab operations tasks as directed by the lab operations manager, including maintaining organization across lab spaces, common areas, and storage rooms.
• Handling receiving, unpacking, and stocking of consumables and supplies for lab storage, tissue culture rooms, media fridges, and freezer reagents.
• Monitoring and tracking inventory of chemicals, buffers, consumables, and general supplies; flag restocking needs proactively.
• Supporting equipment preventative maintenance scheduling and vendor coordination.
• Conducting routine lab tasks including biohazard waste disposal, hazardous waste disposal, buffer refills, glassware washing, and autoclave operations.
• Performing regular lab walkthroughs to assess general lab condition; escalate issues to appropriate contacts.
• Assisting with the physical coordination and execution of laboratory moves, including packing, labeling, transporting, and unpacking equipment, supplies, and materials.
• Supporting the decommissioning and recommissioning of lab spaces, including equipment staging and placement per approved floor plan layouts.
• Coordinating with facilities contacts and external vendors to facilitate equipment installation and infrastructure readiness.

Job requirements include, but are not limited to:

• AS degree in chemistry, biology or related science and/or equivalent college coursework in the sciences.
  • New BS graduates will also be considered.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office products (Outlook, Excel, Word); comfort with basic digital tools and systems.
• Ability to lift up to 25 lbs. regularly and occasionally assist with moving heavier lab equipment with appropriate support.
• Excellent communication skills - verbal and written.
• Works well both as a team and as an individual.
• Demonstration of excellent team player skills, very strong attention to detail, very strong problem-solving skills, a high level of learning agility, and the ability to work across functions. The ideal candidate will be enthusiastic and self-motivated, with the leadership and communication skills necessary to operate effectively in a fast-paced multidisciplinary environment with flexibility and an adaptable approach to goal delivery.
  

This is a day shift position (approx. 8a-5p local time).

Cogent Scientific provides equal employment opportunities to all applicants and does not discriminate based on any legally protected characteristic.

Additionally, if you require a reasonable accommodation during the application or interview process, please let us know.

This job posting will close by 8/3/2026 or when a candidate is identified, whichever comes first.