Laboratory Operations Specialist
South San Francisco, CA, US
Scientific
Associate Degree
Full Time, Temporary
$23-27 per hour
Entry Level
On-site
Biotechnology/Pharmaceuticals
First Shift (Day)
South San Francisco, CA, US
$23-27 per hour
Entry Level
Full Time, Temporary
Biotechnology/Pharmaceuticals
On-site
Scientific
Associate Degree
First Shift (Day)
Job details
Kelly® Science & Clinical is seeking a Laboratory Operations Specialist, for a contract-to-hire opportunity in South San Francisco, CA. If you are driven by the prospect of translating cutting-edge scientific discoveries into tangible advancements and are poised to advance your career, join us as we pioneer progress in the biotechnology and medical device industries.
Workplace: Onsite in South San Francisco, CA.
Position Title: Laboratory Operations Specialist
Position Type: Contract-to-hire
Pay rate: $23-27 per hour.
Company: Kelly® Science & Clinical
Are you passionate about supporting breakthrough science and building the infrastructure that accelerates innovation? We are seeking a Lab Operations Specialist I to join a dynamic team powering world-changing discoveries at the forefront of biotechnology. As a critical member of our lab operations group, you’ll help empower scientists and innovators by providing exceptional support across state-of-the-art research facilities throughout the Bay Area.
About the Role
As a Lab Operations Specialist I, you will be an essential part of the engine that keeps high-impact scientific environments running smoothly. You’ll collaborate with cross-functional teams—supporting ground-breaking research through operational excellence and top-tier customer service. This is an excellent opportunity for someone who thrives in a dynamic environment where process improvement, problem-solving, and hands-on support are paramount.
Key Responsibilities
- Deliver outstanding onsite support and customer service to researchers, emerging biotech companies, and life sciences teams working across multiple lab sites in the Bay Area.
- Proactively partner with scientists to address needs related to equipment, supplies, and essential services; efficiently record and resolve requests using modern tracking systems.
- Foster strong, professional relationships with clients and internal teams—ensuring excellent communication and a collaborative work environment.
- Follow and help optimize standard operating procedures for document management, safety, and quality assurance.
- Coordinate with external vendors for preventative maintenance and equipment services.
- Handle day-to-day lab operations, including inventory management, supply replenishment, waste handling, and equipment maintenance.
- Suggest and implement ideas to improve operational workflows and site efficiency.
- Participate in administrative responsibilities such as invoicing, database maintenance, mail/shipping, and overall organization.
- Support EH&S initiatives (waste management, chemical inventory, biosafety, and regular facility inspections).
- Contribute to a positive, team-oriented workplace by sharing feedback, ideas, and support.
- Perform hands-on lab support activities including autoclaving, cleaning, restocking consumables, and maintaining high standards throughout shared workspaces.
- Take on special projects and additional responsibilities as assigned.
What We’re Looking For
- At least 1 year of experience in a professional or lab environment (biotech or life sciences preferred).
- Demonstrated experience delivering high-quality, customer-facing support.
- Highly organized, detail-oriented, and able to balance routine tasks with ad-hoc priorities in a fast-paced setting.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to engage effectively with internal and external stakeholders.
- Proficiency in MS Office Suite and Google Workspace tools.
- Reliable transportation is essential—ability to commute between sites, respond to urgent needs, or attend meetings as required.
- Physically capable: able to lift up to 50 lbs, and comfortable with extended periods at a computer.
- Familiarity with laboratory EH&S practices, hazardous material handling, or bloodborne pathogen training strongly preferred.
Preferred Skills and Attributes
- Training in EH&S, HazMat, and biosafety best practices.
- Experience managing multiple priorities, meeting deadlines, and staying positive under pressure.
- Self-starter with excellent discretion, sound judgment, and high ethical standards.
- Strong project management and time management abilities.
- Commitment to confidentiality and client-focused support.
Education
- High School Diploma required.
- Associate’s degree in a relevant field is a plus.
Why Join Us?
This is a unique opportunity to work behind the scenes in the biotech industry, supporting the innovators shaping our future. You’ll gain invaluable exposure to advanced research environments, cross-disciplinary collaboration, and meaningful impact in the life sciences space. Grow your career while empowering discovery!
If your qualifications align with the requirements of this role, we invite you to apply and take the next step in your career journey. Rest assured, even if this opportunity isn’t the perfect match, your profile will remain within our network, ensuring you’re connected to a wealth of future opportunities in the field of science and clinical research.
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Why Kelly® Science & Clinical?
Kelly Science & Clinical is your connection to premier scientific and clinical companies looking to hire industry experts just like you. Our team creates expert talent solutions to solve the world’s most critical challenges. Every day, we match science professionals with dream jobs that fit their skills, interests, and career goals—it’s the way we think job searching should be. Nearly 100 percent of our science recruiters have a professional background and education in science, so we know a thing or two about the science market and how to get your expertise noticed.About Kelly
Work changes everything. And at Kelly, we’re obsessed with where it can take you. To us, it’s about more than simply accepting your next job opportunity. It’s the fuel that powers every next step of your life. It’s the ripple effect that changes and improves everything for your family, your community, and the world. Which is why, here at Kelly, we are dedicated to providing you with limitless opportunities to enrich your life—just ask the 300,000 people we employ each year.Kelly is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all qualified employees and applicants regardless of race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, national origin, disability, veteran status, age, marital status, pregnancy, genetic information, or any other legally protected status, and we take affirmative action to recruit, employ, and advance qualified individuals with disabilities and protected veterans in the workforce. Requests for accommodation related to our application process can be directed to the Kelly Human Resource Knowledge Center. Kelly complies with the requirements of California’s state and local Fair Chance laws. A conviction does not automatically bar individuals from employment. Kelly participates in E-Verify and will provide the federal government with your Form I-9 information to confirm that you are authorized to work in the U.S.