Equipment Associate I

POSITION SUMMARY: 

The Equipment Associate is primarily responsible for the service and support of instruments utilized in the R&D laboratory based in Austin, TX. The scope of support includes installation, calibration, maintenance, repair, and documentation of activities for all equipment in the laboratory. The Equipment Associate will be the primary point of contact for R&D lab personnel regarding safe equipment operations and equipment services.  The Equipment Associate is also responsible for assisting laboratory support personnel with critical tasks such as inventory management, supply ordering, laboratory safety checks and audits, corrective actions, and communication with various R&D teams as needed.

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES: 

• Coordinate and/or perform instrument installations and qualifications per equipment protocols
• Diagnose and troubleshoot any system concerns to minimize downtime
• Work with Quality Assurance to determine qualification (IQ/OQ/PQ), calibration and preventive maintenance (PM) requirements so as to comply with regulations
• Communicate with vendors to generate price quotes and schedule PMs, calibrations, instrument repairs, and other services.
• Maintain a program for PM, routine maintenance and calibration to ensure all lab equipment remains fit for purpose
• Prepare equipment SOPs. Support and comply with the company’s Quality Management System policies and procedures
• Track all service activities utilizing system(s) developed in accordance with service procedures and laboratory policies
• Ensure all service documentation is complete, timely, and accurate following Good Documentation Practices (GDP)
• Perform inventory checks for R&D lab spaces and replenish supplies as needed
• Order supplies from internal and external sources as needed
• Perform regular safety checks and assist with Safety audits as well as perform any corrective actions needed that may result from safety audits/checks
• Communicate with various members of the R&D team to schedule instrument downtime for maintenance or repairs, inform them of supply deliveries, update them about the status of requests, etc

QUALIFICATIONS: 

• BS/BA in biomedical engineering, biological sciences or related fields
• Industry-related experience, especially in supporting lab equipment, preferred

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES: 

• Excellent communication (verbal and written) and interpersonal skills
• Excellent attention to detail, organization, and accuracy
• Excellent adaptability in a fast-changing environment
• Self-motivated
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team
• Maintain a high level of professionalism and responsibility
• Comply with company policies

Preferred skills:

• Familiar with IQ/OQ/PQ of instruments
• Experience working in BSLI and BSLII laboratories as well as familiarity with Biosafety requirements and guidelines as established by applicable regulatory bodies such as OSHA and CDC
• Familiar with DNA Isolation and Purification, PCR, Cell Culture, Next Generation Sequencing, etc
• Familiar with LIMS
• Experience in automation and/or operating high-throughput instruments

PHYSICAL DEMANDS & WORK ENVIRONMENT: 

• Duties are typically performed in an office and/or laboratory setting
• This position requires the ability to use a computer keyboard, communicate over the telephone and read printed material
• Ability to lift 40lbs
• This position requires the ability to squat, bend, and reach
• Duties may occasionally require working outside normal working hours (evenings and weekends)