Position Overview

Daily Responsibilities / Job Description

The Scientific Service Specialist will provide critical lab support at a customer site in San Diego, CA. Responsibilities include liquid handler operation, routine maintenance, lab consumable management, lab sanitation services, and biohazardous waste handling per established SOPs and company policies.

A successful candidate must be detail-oriented, highly organized, and possess strong communication skills with the ability to work independently.

Job Responsibilities

Scientific Support

• Receive prepared samples and perform setup, operation, and breakdown of:
  • mRNA expression normalization methods
  • Automated transfection methods
• Operate liquid handlers (Hamilton, Biomek)

Instrument Maintenance

• Prepare, run, and evaluate liquid handling robots using NIST traceable volume verification tools and reagents (Artel)
• Recalibrate, purge air, and prime liquid handlers
• Manage liquid handler pipette calibration records
• Confirm each LAMP/OEM maintenance event receives a signed service report (electronic preferred)
• Daily tip rinse and check for plate washers
• Weekly flush, solution refill, and cleaning of plate washers and sealers

Inventory Management & Instrument Stocking

• Order kits and consumables through the customer portal
• Manage delivery, storage, and stock levels
• Pre-fill automated mini-prep stations
• Stock automation enclosures
• Break down consumables pallets
• Restock solutions for chromatography/spectrophotometers
• Restock automated pipette tips
• Daily buffer station check and stock maintenance
• Prepare simple solutions
• Restock mini-prep kits

Laboratory Waste & Sterilization

• Remove and transport biohazardous waste to the designated staging area
• Pick up potentially infectious biohazardous waste (liquid) and dispose of it in the lab sink or floor drain
• Decontaminate lab benches and instruments/equipment

Interaction Level

• With Management/Team Members: Daily

Skills Overview

Qualifications & Experience

Option 1:

• Associate’s Degree in Science/Engineering AND 1-2 years of Laboratory Experience

Option 2:

• High School Diploma (or equivalent) AND 3-5 years of Laboratory Experience

Must-Have Skills

• Experience with laboratory management systems and electronic lab notebooks
• Knowledge of general laboratory safety practices
• Familiarity with automation laboratory equipment
• Aseptic technique
• Excellent customer service skills
• Ability to interpret client requests and communicate effectively

Preferred Skills

• Bachelor’s Degree in Science/Engineering
• Strong hand pipetting skills
• Pharmaceutical laboratory experience (preferably Biomek or other automated liquid handlers)
• Ability to work independently after training

Technology Requirements

• Proficiency in Microsoft 365 (Outlook, Teams, Word, Excel)

Additional Requirements

• Physical Activity & Environment:

  • Must move between labs, corridors, adjoining rooms, and buildings onsite
  • Regular bending, squatting, stretching, and reaching
  • Occasionally move or lift up to 25 lbs (potential for lifting up to 50 lbs)
  • Ability to observe details at close range, color vision, depth perception, and adjust focus
  • Frequently operate lab equipment (plate washers, interferometers, liquid handlers, automation tools)
  • Occasionally operate a computer and other office machinery

• Potential Risks:

  • Exposure to lab-based hazards (chemicals, biologicals, potent compounds, research material, etc.)
  • Handling of hazardous waste per local, state, and federal regulations
  • Use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) (e.g., lab coat, safety glasses)