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Lab Operations Specialist Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Tempus

Operations Specialist

Chicago, IL

$55K - $70K/yr

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 ...

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How much do lab operations specialist jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 6, 2026, the average hourly pay for lab operations specialist in the United States is $23.38, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $19.23 and $26.92 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a lab operations specialist?

Lab Operations Specialists are professionals responsible for managing the daily activities and logistics within laboratory environments. They ensure that lab equipment is maintained, supplies are stocked, and all safety protocols are followed. Additionally, they often coordinate with researchers, oversee inventory management, and help implement standard operating procedures to keep the lab running efficiently. Their work is vital for supporting scientific research and guaranteeing a safe, organized workspace.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a lab operations specialist?

To thrive as a Lab Operations Specialist, you need a solid background in laboratory procedures, safety protocols, inventory management, and a degree in a scientific discipline. Familiarity with laboratory information management systems (LIMS), calibration tools, and compliance standards like GLP or ISO is typically required. Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and effective communication help you efficiently manage workflows and support scientific teams. These competencies are essential for maintaining smooth laboratory operations, ensuring safety, and supporting high-quality research outcomes.

What are some common challenges faced by lab operations specialists, and how can they be overcome?

Lab Operations Specialists often face challenges such as managing multiple priorities, maintaining compliance with safety and regulatory standards, and ensuring smooth coordination among diverse teams. Staying organized, developing strong communication skills, and keeping up-to-date with industry protocols can help tackle these issues effectively. Proactively addressing equipment maintenance and fostering collaborative relationships with researchers and technicians also contribute to a well-functioning laboratory environment.

What is the difference between Lab Operations Specialist vs Laboratory Technician?

AspectLab Operations SpecialistLaboratory Technician
CredentialsTypically requires a bachelor's degree in a science or related fieldOften requires an associate degree or certification in laboratory techniques
Work EnvironmentSupports lab workflows, manages equipment, and ensures compliancePerforms tests, prepares samples, and records data
Employer & Industry UsageUsed across biotech, pharma, and research labs for operational rolesCommon in clinical, medical, and research laboratories for testing roles

The Lab Operations Specialist focuses on managing lab processes, equipment, and compliance, while the Laboratory Technician primarily conducts tests and prepares samples. Both roles are essential in laboratory settings but differ in responsibilities and required credentials.

Do you need a degree to be a lab operations specialist?

A degree is often preferred for a lab operations specialist role, but requirements vary by employer. Relevant skills such as laboratory techniques, attention to detail, and familiarity with lab equipment can sometimes substitute for formal education, especially with experience or certifications. Some positions may require a bachelor's degree in a related field like biology, chemistry, or biomedical sciences.
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Lab Operations Specialist jobs near you
Infographic showing various Lab Operations Specialist job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 84% Full Time, 13% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 94% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $48,620 per year, or $23.4 per hour.

Operations Specialist

Tempus

Chicago, IL

$55K - $70K/yr

Full-time

Posted 11 days ago

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.

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