Laboratory Operations Associate

Who Is Portal Innovations:

Portal Innovations is a biotech venture development engine, focused on early-stage life science enterprises. We help exceptional life sciences innovators build their companies where they live and beyond. Launched in 2020, we surround these entrepreneurs with the resources and network they need for seed capital, state-of-the-art lab space, a community-based ecosystem, and access to experts in their fields and prospective investors and partners.

We are looking for colleagues who bring grit to our daily opportunities, seeing every task as a chance to grow. Our team strives to have a deep understanding of our members' needs, and we are dedicated to ensuring Portal is a vibrant and uplifting environment for everyone. Our people-centricity begins with how we empower each other—prioritizing a culture of mutual care so we can provide world-class service to the companies we support. In our collaborative space, we celebrate our wins and approach new challenges with resilience, viewing them as fuel for innovation to enhance the lives of our members. If you are excited to work alongside a team dedicated to making a meaningful impact, we want to meet you

About the Role:

Portal Innovations is seeking a dynamic and collaborative Lab Operations Associate to join the UChicago Science Incubator. The UChicago Science Incubator is a University of Chicago initiative managed in partnership between the Polsky Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation at the University of Chicago and Portal Innovations. The incubator supports innovative science-based companies in the areas of life sciences, quantum, energy technology, and AI.

Reporting to the Manager of Lab Operations, the Lab Operations Associate will assist in the routine operation of the shared laboratory incubator space to provide full support to our member companies and partners. We are looking for a collaborative and self-directed individual who enjoys working in a startup environment and will work collaboratively with the incubator team.

The Lab Operations Associate will champion high performance of the site by assisting with facilities and laboratory operations, customer service delivery, and environmental health/safety. The Lab Operations Associate will also support communication and onboarding of safety and compliance information to members.

This position provides an excellent opportunity to support promising startup companies in their most formative years while developing laboratory and business skills in a cutting-edge facility.

This is a FULL-TIME role. This role offers a dependable, ON-SITE routine from Monday through Friday. While we primarily stick to our standard business hours, our team does need to have flexibility and occasionally extends the day to meet the evolving needs of our growing business.

In This Role You Can Expect To:

Facilities and Laboratory Operations

• Perform preventative maintenance (PM), and routine maintenance on shared equipment.
• Develop standard operating procedures for the start-up and shutdown of shared equipment. Provide basic operating training on common laboratory equipment.
• Assist in obtaining quotes, preparing purchase orders, and following up with vendors for laboratory, office, and facilities of equipment, goods, and consumables.
• Ensure that hazardous and biohazardous materials are correctly handled and stored.
• Maintain and monitor cryogenic gas and dry ice usage.
• Support upkeep and cleanliness of common lab areas, including but not limited to, changing gas cylinders, logging packages, and ensuring compliance with SOPs.
• Assist in daily walkthroughs of the sites and help troubleshoot any issues that may arise
• Provide back-up support to ensure shipments are received, processed, and recipients notified utilizing package tracking software.
• Support SOP creation and validation.

Customer Service

• Support member experience by participating in onboarding and offboarding processes, and periodic member meetings.
• Answer member questions and create a welcoming environment. Help the incubator team foster a collaborative, supportive culture.

Environmental Health and Safety (EHS)

• Provide support to staff, member companies, vendors, and visitors with respect to customer EHS standards adherence.
• Assist with the organization and preparation of Safety Committee meetings. Support execution of action items.
• Assist with safety planning and preparation (e.g., evacuations.) Assist the Operations Manager in completing incident reports.
• Coordinate with the Operations team to prepare the site for inspections within laboratories and facilities, EHS, and security. Monitor completion of corrective actions.
• Assist with liquid and solid waste pickups and proper storage of chemical and biohazard waste.
• Other
• Additional duties include keeping lab, office, and kitchen spaces clean and well-stocked and acting as a responder for equipment alarms and laboratory or facility emergencies
• On-site presence during core work hours required, occasionally early morning, evening, weekend, and/or holidays may be required.

To Be Successful In This Role, You Have:

• Strong communication skills
• Excellent Customer Service Skills; display a professional can-do attitude
• Perform duties with the highest regard for safety and quality
• Must be able to lift up to 25lbs minimum and be able to stand for multiple hours at a time
• Basic computer skills including Microsoft Office with proficiency in Word and Excel

Qualifications We Are Looking For:

• Minimum of one (1) year experience in a laboratory environment, experience in equipment cleaning and maintenance, chemical and biological waste management
• Bachelor of Science Degree, preferably in biology/chemistry, genetics, or related discipline
• Experience with analytical equipment (HPLC, flow cytometer, etc.) a plus
• Familiarity with cellular, molecular, and microbiology techniques
• Outstanding organizational skills and ability to prioritize multiple tasks and/or projects, inventory management and ordering
• Experience handling BSL-2 materials, hazardous chemicals and waste, and compressed gas
• Desire to work in a dynamic, fast-paced startup environment, wear multiple hats
• Strong process optimization skills and scientific troubleshooting skills

Our Total Rewards Offerings:

Competitive Salary Based on Experience

Salary Range For This Role:$60-70k annually

Benefits:

• Excellent Medical, Dental and Vision
• Life and Disability Benefits
• Flexible PTO Policy
• Generous Parental Leave
• 401K Program
• In Office Perk: Unlimited Coffee and Snacks to keep you going throughout the day

Work Authorization/Security-Clearance Requirements:

Must be eligible to work in the United States.

Portal is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. We consider qualified applicants without regard to race, color, ancestry, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, marital or family status, disability, genetic information, veteran status, or any other legally protected basis under provincial, federal, state, and local laws, regulations, or ordinances.