Laboratory Support Technician IV

Overview:

Business Title: Lab Services Specialist IV

Position Title: Laboratory Support Technician IV

Division: Consumer Products Services

Entity: ATL

Location: Indianapolis, IN

Reports to: Manager

FLSA: Non-exempt

Hours Worked: Typically, Monday through Friday, forty-hours per week.

However, must be flexible to meet the needs of the department and complete other projects as assigned.

Position Summary:

The Lab Services Specialist IV ensures laboratory equipment and facilities are well maintained, coordinates repairs and preventative maintenance, and manages lab processes such as equipment calibration and waste disposal. Serving as the main liaison between scientists and vendors, this role oversees stockroom supplies, schedules vendor interactions, supports equipment installations and lab moves, and ensures compliance with safety regulations for all critical equipment and spaces. Additional tasks may include making buffers, preparing large batches of reagents/media, or other laboratory needs.

This role is expected to have a high level of client and vendor interaction with a focus on supporting laboratory research. The ideal candidate will possess a high level of initiative and will be motivated, energetic, and forward thinking.

Duties and Responsibilities:

It is everyone’s responsibility to live out our Values and Absolutes by Shaping a World of Trust while ensuring responsible progress.

• Ensure that laboratory equipment and facilities are in good working order; identify issues and submit repair requests to appropriate vendors. This may include ad hoc repair requests, preventative maintenance, or other related services.  
• Coordinate lab clean-ups, order/pickup of pallet boxes, and help maintain lab spaces.
• Create, implement, and help maintain department processes which may include pipette calibration, freezer defrosting, BSC decontamination, and/or other lab related functions.
• Serve as the liaison between scientists and vendors to ensure that local stockrooms are appropriately stocked for project needs, CO2/LNO2 reserves are adequate, and other daily laboratory needs are met.
• Coordinate with vendors and scientists to schedule onsite demonstrations, external vendor visits, or other training opportunities to facilitate optimal equipment use.
• Create backup plans in preparation of an equipment failure and if necessary, rapidly execute.
• Facilitate new equipment installation, laboratory moves, equipment decommissioning, or other lab related services which may require coordination of multiple vendors.
• Function as the primary liaison between lab personnel and vendors to ensure all critical equipment is alarmed and properly monitored; ensure all equipment and laboratory spaces are properly labelled as defined by local safety regulations.
• Coordinate proper laboratory waste disposal which may include ordering bins (i.e. biohazard, recycling), submitting tickets for pickup, and/or interacting with environmental health and safety to implement proper waste stream disposal.
• Prepare buffers, media, or other lab related reagents. This may include making/resuspending reagents, labeling tubes/plates, aliquoting single-use tubes, and monitoring inventory.

• Assist in turnaround planning and cost estimation for instrumentation work.
• Identify and implement new technologies and specify upgrades to instrument systems.
• Write and develop SOP’s, policies, procedures, and protocols.
• Source, compare, and evaluate quotes from multiple suppliers.
• Track order status, deliveries, and back orders.
• Negotiate and communicate with vendors and build relationships.
• Utilize electronic notebook system and maintain proper documentation (POs, quotes, SDS files, contracts).
• Knowledge of how to access the latest revisions of standards, protocols, and test methods, without direction.
• Interface with senior staff for direction on interpretations pertaining to compliance and standards.
• Provide feedback to department manager regarding departmental systems, processes and recommendations for improvements and meeting department / quality objectives.
• Participate with senior staff in client meetings / visits, when appropriate.
• Consult with other technicians / engineers on various issues, seeking direction as needed.
• Write, train, implement and update lab procedures with direction from senior staff
• Assist with any special projects as needed.
• Follow the guidelines set forth with clients and in the Company Quality, Health, Safety, Security and Environmental policies and procedures.
• Comply with clients and Company management systems in accordance with appropriate regulatory agencies.
• Follows the guidelines set forth by clients and the Company Quality Manual and Safety / Chemical Hygiene Plan.
• Adhere to the requirements of the Company Quality System.
• Other duties as defined by Manager, department needs and workload.

Skills & Proficiencies:

• Must have excellent interpersonal skills – being approachable, demonstrate initiative, adaptable, and project a positive attitude.
• Strong foundation in problem solving and process improvement: must be flexible, open-minded, and creative.
• Strong project management skills, effective communication skills, self-directed, and must have the ability to multi-task and deliver results in a dynamic environment.
• Technical Writing
• Effectively balance competing tasks and priorities.
• Ability to learn quickly and work in a team environment.
• Ability to clearly communicate scientific needs and specifications to suppliers.
• Understanding of laboratory equipment and consumable needs.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Knowledge of scientific products, equipment, materials, and vendors.
• Proficient with Microsoft Office (Word, Excel).
• Understanding of procurement systems.
• Excellent organization and time management skills.
• Ability to effectively multi-task and rapidly adjust to change.
• Maintain high performance and flexibility in a dynamic laboratory setting.
• Champions company values.
• Ability to oversee large projects involving multiple laboratories.
• Strong technical aptitude and/or broad technical knowledge in various areas.
• Technical problem solving and process improvement skills.
• Motivation to learn higher level activities.

Education and Experience:

• Degree requirement: Bachelor's Degree in Science, or closely related field
• Minimum of two (2) year of lab experience (either through an industry or academic research position)
• Minimum of one (1) year of lab instrumentation and maintenance

• Experience in purchasing, supply chain, or scientific procurement

An equivalent combination of education and experience may be accepted in lieu of above.

Compensation Range: $28.00-$32.00 per hour  (e.g., the job posting is not necessarily reflective of actual compensation that may be earned, and actual compensation is subject to variation due to such factors as locations, education, experience, and skillset).