Lab Operations Associate Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Bonneville Labs is a flexible coworking and traditional lab space operator and developer optimized for a community of Bio-Doers, emerging biotechnology companies, community partners, and life sciences market leaders. Bonneville Labs believes that research and development organizations can innovate faster when their mind-share is freed up from operations to focus on discovery and product development. Bonneville Labs seeks to improve our world and lives by eliminating operational hurdles and reducing the cost of research and development for our member companies and allowing them to go forward, faster toward world changing discoveries and businesses.
The Lab Operations Specialist - Associate Lead plays a pivotal role in managing and improving Bonneville Labs shared laboratory and office facilities. This role combines direct, hands-on lab operations with leadership in project execution, vendor management, and customer experience. The individual will be responsible for ensuring that our members have a safe, compliant, and reliable work environment, while also making improvements to processes and supporting the growth of Bonneville Labs' operational excellence.
The ideal candidate has a strong lab operations background, can self-manage with minimal supervision, and thrives in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.
Key Responsibilities
Lab & Facilities Operations

• Perform and oversee all duties associated with site operations, including those typically carried out by coordinators and technicians.
• Proactively interact with member scientists to identify, document, and resolve issues with services, equipment, and supplies; use a ticketing system to track and communicate resolution progress.
• Lead and coordinate with the Bonneville Labs (BVL) team and outside vendors for lab support services, equipment maintenance, and facilities management.
• Maintain facility and equipment compliance, including:
• • Chemical inventory management, including receiving, tracking, and waste disposal.
  • Autoclaving dishes/media and providing sterilization services.
  • Cleaning and upkeep of common equipment areas (biosafety cabinets, incubators, shared instruments).
  • Performing routine inspections of safety showers, eyewash stations, fire extinguishers, and maintaining PPE/safety supply stations.
  • Monitoring and replenishing shared resources such as dry ice and liquid nitrogen.
  • Coordinating medical/biohazardous waste removal and transfer to accumulation areas.
• Support member onboarding and offboarding processes; track progress using spreadsheets and operational systems.
• Manage and deliver training for members proper use of shared equipment.
• Assist with site improvements and cleaning to ensure Bonneville Labs remains an appealing, professional environment.
• Travel between Bonneville Labs sites and member sites as needed (up to 50%).

• Contribute to the creation, updating, and implementation of Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for site operations.
• Suggest, lead, and implement process improvements to enhance efficiency, safety, and the overall customer experience.
• Track and maintain operational quality metrics, key performance indicators (KPIs), and apply lean methodologies for continuous improvement.
• Help refine policies and procedures that will serve as templates for current and future Bonneville Labs sites.

• Collaborate with the Bonneville Labs team to ensure outstanding experience for member companies.
• Provide customer-facing support and service, maintaining responsiveness and professionalism at all times.
• Act as a trusted partner to members, ensuring their operational needs are anticipated and met.
• Participate and lead customer meetings to support ongoing services.

• Perform other duties as assigned by management to support the success of Bonneville Labs.

• Bachelor's degree in life sciences or related field (required).
• Minimum 3 years of experience in a laboratory operations, facilities management, or research setting.
• Experience in a customer-facing role (3 years desirable).
• Project coordination or project management experience strongly preferred.

• Strong organizational skills, detail-oriented, and able to self-manage in a dynamic, fast-changing environment.
• Proficiency in written and verbal communication in English.
• Computer skills: proficiency with Microsoft Office/Google Suite; experience with ticketing/tracking systems or project management software desirable.
• Ability to follow established protocols while also contributing to process improvements.
• Strong customer service mindset and ability to collaborate across teams.

• No formal certifications required, but training in EH&S, HazMat, and bloodborne pathogens is highly desirable.

• Must possess a valid driver's license; able to travel between sites up to 50% of the time (including East Bay locations).
• Ability to lift up to 50 lbs.; role requires walking, standing, bending, reaching, and carrying light objects (<10 lbs.) regularly.
• Must be able to perform all duties with the highest regard for safety, quality, and site protocols.