USA - Lab Technician

USA - Lab Technician#25-69287

Cambridge, MA

All On-site

Job Description

Complete on-site role at Cambridge, MA (Working from 3 different labs, within walking distance)

Top skills needed: Familiarity with freezer management skills, experience with data entry and inventory management

Contract Lab Operations Specialist (Freezer Inventory & LEAN Lab Organization)

Duration: [12 weeks], [30-40 hrs/week] (with option to extend)

About the role

We're seeking a hands-on contractor to implement an end-to-end freezer inventory for a biologics research team and to standardize functional bench areas using LEAN/5S. You'll label racks/boxes, load records into a freezer management system, and leave behind clear SOPs and training so the system sustains.

Key responsibilities

Freezer inventory implementation

Audit all cold storage (80 C, 20 C, 4 C, LN2) and create a master map (freezer shelf rack box position).

Establish naming conventions and metadata fields (sample type, owner, project, lot, date, status, hazard).

Print and apply cryo-compatible labels; implement barcode schema (e.g., Code 128/QR) for racks, boxes, and tubes.

Configure a freezer management system [e.g., FreezerPro] including roles/permissions, required fields, and location hierarchy.

Reconcile legacy spreadsheets; migrate and/or bulk-import records; de-duplicate; resolve unknown/orphaned samples with owners.

Draft SOPs/quick-start guides and train users; define stewardship/ownership and inventory cycle-count cadence.

LEAN / 5S lab organization

Run a light-weight 5S event for priority bench areas (Sort, Set in Order, Shine, Standardize, Sustain).

Standardize bench layouts by function (e.g., PCR, protein assays, purification); create visual controls/shadow boards.

Qualifications

3+ years in research lab operations (biologics preferred: proteins/antibodies, cells, reagents).

Proven freezer inventory implementation (barcoding/labeling, data migration, user training).

Practical LEAN/5S experience; able to facilitate small events and create visual standards.

Comfortable with freezer management software and bulk-import workflows; strong Excel skills.

Familiarity with barcode scanners, cryo-labels, and thermal printers; detail-oriented data hygiene.

Able to lift up to 30 lbs and work safely in cold rooms/freezers; strong communication with scientists and EH&S.

Experience in BSL-1 and 2 research environments.

Basic familiarity with chemical/biological labeling standards and hazard communication.

EEO:

Mindlance is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate in employment on the basis of - Minority/Gender/Disability/Religion/LGBTQI/Age/Veterans.