Equipment Associate

About the role

This position supports laboratory instruments within the R&D department. You will be the main contact for lab personnel regarding equipment operation and services. Your work ensures all lab equipment is properly installed, maintained, and repaired.

Key facts

What you'll do

• Act as the primary contact for automation instrument coordination.
• Arrange for vendor repairs and maintenance for lab instruments like sequencers and freezers.
• Create and update AutoCAD drawings for instrument placement and lab space planning.
• Coordinate instrument installations and qualifications following established protocols.
• Collaborate with Quality Assurance to define qualification (IQ/OQ/PQ), calibration, and preventive maintenance (PM) needs for regulatory compliance.
• Obtain price quotes from vendors and schedule PMs, calibrations, and repairs.
• Communicate with R&D team members to schedule instrument downtime, provide supply delivery updates, and inform them about request statuses.
• Manage a program for PM, routine maintenance, and calibration to keep all lab equipment functional.
• Develop equipment Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and adhere to the company's Quality Management System.
• Track all service activities using designated systems and procedures.
• Ensure all service documentation is complete, timely, and accurate, following Good Documentation Practices (GDP).
• Order necessary supplies from internal and external sources.

Requirements

• AA/AS or BS/BA degree in biomedical engineering or a related field.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Strong interpersonal skills.
• High attention to detail, organization, and accuracy.
• Adaptability in a changing work environment.
• Self-motivated and able to work independently and as part of a team.
• Maintain a high level of professionalism and responsibility.
• Adherence to company policies.
• Ability to lift 40 lbs.
• Ability to squat, bend, and reach.

Nice to have

• Experience in laboratory automation or operating high-throughput instruments.
• Familiarity with IQ/OQ/PQ of instruments.
• Experience in BSLI and BSLII laboratories, including knowledge of Biosafety requirements from OSHA and CDC.
• Proficiency in DNA isolation, purification, PCR, cell culture, and next-generation sequencing techniques.
• Familiarity with Laboratory Information Management Systems (LIMS).

Skills & tools

• AutoCAD

Practical notes

Industry-related experience, especially in supporting lab equipment, is preferred. Duties are typically performed in an office or laboratory setting. Occasional work outside normal hours (evenings and weekends) may be required. Employee benefits include medical, dental, vision, life, and disability plans. Free testing and fertility care benefits are provided for employees and their immediate families. Other benefits include pregnancy and baby bonding leave, 401k, and commuter benefits.