Laboratory Operations Associate

What We are Looking For:

Portal Innovations, LLC, is launching Portal Innovations at Ocean State Labs in Providence, Rhode Island (the “Incubator”) in Q1 2026. The Incubator will support exceptional life sciences innovators by providing them with the resources and community they need including fully equipped lab space, access to capital and introductions to industry experts and partners. The Lab Associate will oversee lab activities related to day-to-day operations. The ideal candidate for this position is a multi-talented individual – highly capable, self-directed, member focused and employs a high level of autonomy in their work while being collaborative within a small team. This role will report to the Sr. Director of Scientific and Business Operations.

What You Will Do:

Facilities and Laboratory Operations

• Maintain a safe working environment by adhering to company policies and procedures.
• Assist in the build out, organization, and furnishing of Ocean State Labs.
• Lead the development of SOPs, protocols and manuals relevant to laboratory equipment/projects, including startup and shutdown procedures.
• Manage the consumables inventory program and providing daily support of lab consumables at point of use stations throughout the labs.
• Support upkeep and cleanliness of common lab areas.
• Implement and execute daily walkthroughs of the sites and help troubleshoot any issues that may arise.
• Cold Storage - Maintain and monitor cryogenic gas and cold storage usage.
• Lead the management of critical equipment remote alarm systems and serve as a member of 24-hr emergency response team.
• Implement and manage equipment maintenance procedures and schedules to ensure instrument and equipment uptime.
• Manage laboratory equipment including daily tasks to ensure instruments are working properly to optimize service life.
• Procurement Management - Assist with purchasing, including learning procurement system, requesting quotes and following up with vendors.
• Partner with the Sr. Director of Scientific and Business Operations to implement Portal Innovations site best practices.
• Support the Sr. Director of Scientific and Business Operations and Executive Director with other ad-hoc duties and projects.
• Equipment Training - Provide basic operating training on common laboratory equipment.

Environmental Health and Safety (EHS)

• Assist in various aspects of EHS program, including but not limited to enforcing compliance (e.g., proper storage of chemicals, inventory management of supplies), emergency response and incident reporting.
• Manage the electronic inventory of chemicals and Safety Data Sheets (SDS).
• Ensure liquid and solid waste are regularly picked up by EHS personnel.
• Collaborate with EHS consultant to support training and policies - support SOP creation and validation.
• Site Audit Support - Coordinate with operations team to prepare site for inspections within laboratories and facilities, EHS and security; monitor completion of corrective actions.

Qualifications & Experience:

• 2+ years of experience in a laboratory environment, experience in equipment cleaning and maintenance, chemical and biological waste management.
• Bachelor of Science Degree or equivalent, preferably in biology, chemistry, engineering or related life sciences discipline.
• Familiarity with a startup environment, a plus.
• Working knowledge of cellular, molecular, and microbiology techniques, a plus.
• Personable, detail oriented, and articulate with 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 reliable, flexible, motivated and operate proactively.
• Must be able to lift a minimum of 25 lbs. and be able to stand for extended periods of time.
• Basic computer skills including Microsoft Office with proficiency in Word and Excel
• Ability to prioritize tasks and meet deadlines.

What We Offer:

• Dental Insurance
• Health insurance
• Vision insurance
• Flexible Time
• Parental Leave
• 401K

Compensation: Portal Innovations offers a competitive salary and benefits package based on experience.

Work Authorization/Security-Clearance Requirements:Must be eligible to work in the United States.

Portal is committed to equal employment opportunities regardless of race, color, ancestry, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, marital status, disability, gender identity, or Veteran status.