Associate Laboratory Operations
Santa Monica, CA - USA
Job Summary
Associate Laboratory Operations
Introduction to role:
Are you energized by keeping complex laboratories running so scientists can focus on breakthroughs that reach patients faster In this full-time onsite role based in Santa Monica you will be the operational backbone for our Process Sciences and Analytical Technologies laboratory spaces ensuring they are safe ready and compliant every day.
As the key link between scientific users laboratory operations site services vendors and other partners you will turn plans into actioncoordinating instruments supplies cold storage and training so experiments start on time and stay on track. Your work reduces downtime protects critical materials and accelerates learning cycles that ultimately benefit patients.
This is a high-visibility position where operational discipline meets problem-solving. From orchestrating service visits to navigating a cold storage outage you will make informed decisions that keep science moving. Do you thrive in fast-moving settings where your coordination turns potential setbacks into smooth recoveries
Accountabilities:
- Lab Operations Readiness: Maintain safe organized and efficient lab environments by overseeing common-use supplies PPE lab coats glassware and consumables; own stock replenishment workspace organization and cold storage coordination to minimize interruptions to scientific work.
- Cold Storage Continuity: Lead or support freezer refrigerator and cold room cleanouts; coordinate responses during outages or repairs; track inventory moves and notify impacted users; execute and document backup storage actions for temperature-sensitive materials to protect integrity and continuity.
- Instrument and Vendor Coordination: Maximize instrumentation uptime by scheduling maintenance repairs and service visits; act as the liaison for vendor access; keep lab users informed on service timing and status; partner with scientists to allocate lab space for instruments reagents and shared resources; ensure usage and operational activities are accurately tracked with Facilities and Lab Operations.
- Inventory Reagents and Materials Stewardship: Maintain inventories for common and selected critical reagents and consumables; monitor stock levels and coordinate timely replenishment; improve visibility and readiness through shared inventory systems and stewardship of communal materials.
- Training Communication and User Support: Onboard new lab users and visitors with clear inductions on operational practices shared resources and site expectations; provide training support for common workflows and where appropriate assist with assay or instrument-related training alongside scientific experts; communicate operational updates service events and issues promptly; facilitate problem-solving sessions and escalate thoughtfully when needed.
- Safety Quality and Compliance: Partner with lab users and safety representatives to uphold high standards of safety compliance and housekeeping; complete documentation in line with Good Documentation Practice; maintain required training in health safety security environmental and operational procedures; champion 5S and other continuous improvement initiatives.
- Cross-Functional Partnership and Continuous Improvement: Work closely with scientists operations colleagues facilities service providers and site stakeholders to deliver seamless support; contribute to process improvements operational documentation resource-sharing tools and knowledge transfer; cross-train and provide backup coverage; over time standardize and scale best practices that enhance the laboratory user experience and operational efficiency.
Essential Skills/Experience:
- Bachelors degree in a scientific discipline laboratory operations or a related field with 2 years of laboratory support or operations experience.
- Experience working in a laboratory scientific operations laboratory support or a related environment.
- Demonstrated ability to coordinate across multiple stakeholders manage competing priorities and follow through on operational tasks.
- Strong organizational skills with attention to detail and a commitment to safety quality and compliance.
- Effective written and verbal communication skills.
- Proficiency with standard digital tools used for communication inventory tracking scheduling and documentation.
Desirable Skills/Experience:
- Experience supporting laboratory operations in a biopharmaceutical biotechnology research or regulated environment.
- Familiarity with laboratory instrumentation coordination reagent and consumable inventory management and shared resource oversight.
- Experience supporting onboarding training and workflow standardization in laboratory settings.
- Knowledge of 5S lean laboratory practices cold storage management and/or vendor and service coordination.
- Experience working collaboratively with scientific teams while maintaining an operations-focused scope of responsibility.
Why AstraZeneca:
Here operational excellence directly amplifies scientific impact. You will work at the forefront of science with the visibility and voice to influence how teams deliver results partnering with diverse experts to unlock smarter faster ways of working. Expect a supportive environment that pairs ambition with kindness where unexpected teams gather in the same room to unleash bold thinking and where even setbacks become shared learning that moves us forward. Your contribution will protect critical research speed decisions and ultimately help deliver medicines to patients who need themwhile you grow your skills across cutting-edge technologies and collaborative networks recognized across the enterprise.
Own the heartbeat of our Santa Monica labs and turn operational excellence into patient impactsubmit your application today to shape how breakthroughs happen!
The annual base pay for this position ranges from $90960 to $136441. Our positions offer eligibility for various incentivesan opportunity to receive short-term incentive bonuses equity-based awards for salaried roles and commissions for sales roles. Benefits offered include qualified retirement programs paid time off (i.e. vacation holiday and leaves) as well as health dental and vision coverage in accordance with the terms of the applicable plans.
Date Posted
14-Jul-2026Closing Date
20-Jul-2026Our mission is to build an inclusive environment where equal employment opportunities are available to all applicants and furtherance of that mission we welcome and consider applications from all qualified candidates regardless of their protected characteristics. If you have a disability or special need that requires accommodation please complete the corresponding section in the application form.
Required Experience:
IC
About Company
AstraZeneca is an equal opportunity employer. AstraZeneca will consider all qualified applicants for employment without discrimination on grounds of disability, sex or sexual orientation, pregnancy or maternity leave status, race or national or ethnic origin, age, religion or belief, ... View more