Lab Operations / Research Associate

Who we are

Cultivarium builds scientific tools that turn biological discovery into real-world capability. As a Frontier Research Contractor, we provide technical solutions and hands-on support to partners working on the problems of today. Born a Focused Research Organization, we are drawn to the hardest technological problems in biology and built to tackle them with intensity. We prize builders who efficiently leverage resources to deliver tangible solutions at the frontier, for outsized societal benefit. Our ambition is to study and engineer non-model organisms across the entire tree of life.

What we are looking for

The organisms we work with at Cultivarium sit, by definition, outside the comfort zone of most biology labs. We're looking for a driven, resourceful, and responsible Lab Operations Research Associate who is not only capable but actively seeks out new challenges on a regular basis. In this role you'll combine hands-on wet-lab support with core lab-operations responsibilities, serving as the hub that keeps our research running safely, smoothly, and efficiently. You'll work closely with microbiologists, molecular biologists, and automation engineers to establish and maintain world-class operations.

This is a full-time, on-site position, including occasional on-call availability for after-hours lab emergencies. The successful candidate thrives in a fast-paced, research-driven environment and enjoys bringing structure, clarity, and momentum to ambitious scientific projects.

Responsibilities:

• Own day-to-day lab operations and serve as the responsible person for safety compliance — including on-call emergency response for after-hours incidents (equipment failures, safety, environmental or containment concerns).

• Support cell and microbial culture operations — maintenance of mammalian cell lines and microbial cultures (bacteria, yeast, fungi), media and reagent prep, cryopreservation, and upkeep of biosafety cabinets, CO2 incubators, and liquid nitrogen storage.

• Manage EHS interactions and lab compliance — permits, protocols, training, external liaising — and maintain and enforce lab policies.

• Manage laboratory equipment (cataloging, maintenance, repair coordination, calibration) and procurement end to end — vendor relationships, pricing, ordering, tracking, invoicing — keeping consumables, reagents, and samples stocked, prepared, and shipped.

• Perform routine lab-support duties — autoclaving, glassware washing, common-supply prep — and generate status reports on inventory, spend, incidents, and protocol deviations.

• Proactively improve scientific processes to reduce risk and increase efficiency, and take on other operational duties as needed.

• Bring high agency and high standards — take ownership, give and receive candid feedback, and push the team to be its best in service of the science.

Basic Qualifications:

• You believe that a lab operating at its peak is what lets science push to its limits, and that keeping it there is your edge.

• Authorized to work in the U.S. without sponsorship.

• BS/MS in microbiology, molecular biology, environmental biology, or a related field.

• 4+ years of hands-on experience in a microbiology lab.

• Hands-on culture experience across mammalian cell lines and microbial cultures (bacteria, yeast, and/or fungi) — sterile/aseptic technique, passaging, cryopreservation, and maintenance of cell-culture-grade equipment (biosafety cabinets, CO2 incubators, liquid nitrogen storage).

• Experience handling vendor legal contracts, MTA documentation, and material shipping, plus familiarity with standard lab equipment, safety, and biosafety procedures.

• Highly organized and detail-oriented — a collaborative self-starter who manages competing priorities, adapts as needs evolve, and proactively improves processes.

• Excellent communication and collaboration skills; proficient with Microsoft Office and Google Drive/Docs.

Advanced Qualifications:

• Lab-operations experience in a startup or fast-paced research environment.

• Proficiency with the Quartzy ordering system.

• Experience managing highly automated, high-throughput screening laboratories.

• Experience with viral, plant, mammalian laboratory procedures and equipment.

• Supervisory experience.

We offer:

• An opportunity to change the world and work with some of the smartest and most talented experts from different fields.

• Excellent medical, dental, and vision insurance through a PPO plan; parental leave.

• Generous time off + paid holidays.

• Allowance for fitness and wellness activities.

We are an Equal Employment Opportunity employer that proudly pursues and hires a diverse workforce. We do not make hiring or employment decisions on the basis of race, color, religion or religious belief, ethnic or national origin, nationality, sex, gender, gender-identity, sexual orientation, disability, age, military or veteran status, or any other basis protected by applicable local, state, or federal laws or prohibited by Company policy. We strive for a healthy and safe workplace and strictly prohibit harassment of any kind.