Lab Operations Technician
PsychoGenics is a preclinical CRO with expertise in central nervous system (CNS) and orphan disorders. Our mission is to provide the best validated disease models and comprehensive preclinical capabilities to help companies discover the next generation of treatments for severely disabling CNS and orphan disorders and reduce the attrition rate in clinical development. We are known for our cutting-edge translational approach to research, our customized solutions, the breadth, and quality of our work, as well as for our ability to identify statistically relevant phenotypic changes that help our clients quantify the efficacy of their treatments before they move into the clinic. With an extensive portfolio of highly predictive disease models and unparalleled experience performing studies for biopharmaceutical companies of all sizes, we enable clients to deliver much needed superior clinical candidates to patients.
The Lab Operations Technician is responsible for coordinating and executing the shipment, receipt, tracking, and documentation of biological samples, study materials, test articles, laboratory supplies, and live animals. This position serves as the primary logistics resource supporting domestic and international shipments while ensuring compliance with applicable regulatory, client, carrier, and company requirements.
The role requires strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and the ability to coordinate effectively with Study Directors, Project Managers, Vivarium Operations, Laboratory Operations, clients, vendors, couriers, and regulatory agencies.
Main Responsibilities:
Shipment Logistics and Coordination:
- Coordinate domestic and international shipments of biological samples, tissue specimens, compounds, test articles, laboratory supplies, and study materials.
- Prepare, review, and maintain shipment documentation including, but not limited to:
- Chain of custody forms
- Commercial invoices
- Customs declarations
- Health certificates
- Import/export regulatory permits including USDA
- Shipment manifests and box maps
- Schedule courier pickups and deliveries and communicate shipment details to internal and external stakeholders.
- Track shipments in transit and proactively address delays, customs holds, or delivery exceptions.
- Ensure shipments are packaged in accordance with client requirements and applicable regulations.
- Coordinate replenishment and availability of shipping supplies including dry ice, insulated shippers, labels, and packaging materials.
- Maintain complete shipment records and archives.
- Ensure all logistics activities comply with company SOPs, client requirements, international shipping regulations, and applicable animal transport standards.
- Maintain accurate records of permits, shipping documentation, and regulatory correspondence.
- Assist in development and revision of logistics-related SOPs, forms, and training materials.
Live Animal Shipment Logistics:
- Coordinate domestic and international transportation of research animals with approved vendors, breeders, quarantine facilities, and carriers.
- Work closely with Vivarium Operations to schedule animal arrivals and departures.
- Ensure required permits, health documentation, veterinary certificates, and transportation records are completed and maintained.
- Monitor animal shipment status and communicate shipment updates to stakeholders.
- Assist with contingency planning and response to transportation delays or unexpected logistical issues.
Laboratory Operations Support:
- Assist with sample tube preparation, labeling, and organization.
- Maintain clean and organized laboratory workspaces.
- Support equipment service scheduling and maintenance activities.
- Assist with freezer, refrigerator, and storage inventory management.
- Participate in audits and inspections as required.
Qualifications:
- Associate's degree with relevant laboratory or logistics experience or a Bachelor's degree in Biology, Life Sciences, Operations Management, Supply Chain, or related field.
- Experience coordinating domestic and international shipments.
- Experience with laboratory operations, sample management, animal research, or supply chain logistics preferred.
- Experience working with biological samples, temperature-controlled shipments and/or regulated materials preferred.
- Excellent organizational and planning skills.
- Strong attention to detail and documentation accuracy.
- Ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines simultaneously.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications.
- Ability to work independently and collaboratively across departments.
- Knowledge of international shipping procedures, customs documentation, and courier management preferred.
- Ability to lift and move packages and laboratory supplies up to 50 pounds.
- Ability to work in a laboratory, storage, and shipping environments.
- Ability to occasionally coordinate shipments outside of standard business hours when necessary.
Total Rewards Plan
PsychoGenics offers competitive performance-based compensation, comprehensive benefits, and career development opportunities. This role is eligible for annual performance-based raise and discretionary bonus for both individual and PsychoGenics annual performance. Our benefits include:
- Medical, dental, vision and life insurance plans
- HSA, FSA and dependent FSA
- Short- and long-term disability plans
- Stock-based incentive plan
- 401K with company contribution
- Tuition reimbursement
- Generous paid time off policy and paid parental leave policy
- EAP
- Additional voluntary benefits
PsychoGenics is a veteran/disability/equal opportunity employer.
We take pride in maintaining a diverse work environment. We do not discriminate in recruitment, hiring, training, promotion, or other employment practices for reasons of race, color, religion, age, sex (including pregnancy, gender identity or expression and sexual orientation), parental status, national origin, age, disability, genetic information (including family medical history), political affiliation, status as a protected veteran, or any other legally protected status. We strive to create a workplace that cultivates bold innovation through collaboration and allows our people to unleash their full potential.
Reasonable Accommodation
PsychoGenics provides qualified individuals with reasonable accommodation during the application and hiring process. If you require assistance or need reasonable accommodation due to disability, please contact Human Resources at: careers@psychogenics.com
Nearest Major Market: New York City