Lab Support Specialist

Avantor • Gaithersburg, MD

4d • $45,000 - $72,450

About The Position

In this role, you will report to the Site Manager and will work closely with the Avantor’s Advanced Laboratory Services professionals to serve our customers by performing customized, mission-based lab work and research protocols that help return time back to science. Avantor’s Advanced Laboratory Services team is a crucial part of the Avantor Services group serving over 500 customers in biopharma, pharmaceutical, educational, industrial, and high-tech industries with customizable, flexible solutions and end-to-end laboratory operations support. In this role you will: Laboratory Operations & Support Perform routine laboratory procedures such as media and buffer preparation, reagent/solvent mixtures, filtrations, material weighing, and basic physical testing. Support senior staff by preparing materials and assisting with experiments. Maintain and verify laboratory equipment (e.g., balances, pH meters). Manage inventory and labeling of chemicals, glassware, and gas cylinders. Executed routine histology and microtomy procedures utilizing instruments such as rotary microtomes, cryostats, paraffin embedding systems, tissue processors, and automated slide stainers. Sample Management Receive and check in samples using manual or electronic tracking systems. Assign proper storage locations and maintain accurate storage records. Complete and maintain all paperwork associated with sample deliveries. Prepare, secure, and package samples for shipment; document contents for manifests. Coordinate with shipping/receiving teams to schedule and stage outbound items. Material Management – Human Biological Samples (HBS) Handle Human Biological Samples in accordance with biosafety protocols, privacy standards, and ethical guidelines. Label and accession HBS into the Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS). Manage HBS disposal following established processes. Operate and maintain HBS storage systems, including –80°C freezers, –180°C liquid nitrogen freezers, and ambient storage cabinets. Maintain documentation, tracking, and inventory accuracy related to HBS and associated storage equipment. Disclaimer: The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by employees assigned to this classification. They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required of employees assigned to this position. Avantor is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. Why Avantor? Dare to go further in your career. Join our global team of 14,000+ associates whose passion for discovery and determination to overcome challenges relentlessly advances life-changing science. The work we do changes people's lives for the better. It brings new patient treatments and therapies to market, giving a cancer survivor the chance to walk his daughter down the aisle. It enables medical devices that help a little boy hear his mom's voice for the first time. Outcomes such as these create unlimited opportunities for you to contribute your talents, learn new skills and grow your career at Avantor. We are committed to helping you on this journey through our diverse, equitable and inclusive culture which includes learning experiences to support your career growth and success. At Avantor, dare to go further and see how the impact of your contributions set science in motion to create a better world. Apply today!

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent work experience required
• Minimum 2+ years in lab operations required
• 2 years of hands-on experience in histology and microtomy, including precise tissue sectioning required
• Microsoft Teams and Office Suite proficiency
• Knowledge of lab equipment maintenance and safety protocols
• Familiarity with inventory systems and KPI reporting

Nice To Haves

• SHE safety training
• Hazardous materials handling (IATA/DOT)
• Lab operations or equipment maintenance certifications

Responsibilities

• Perform routine laboratory procedures such as media and buffer preparation, reagent/solvent mixtures, filtrations, material weighing, and basic physical testing.
• Support senior staff by preparing materials and assisting with experiments.
• Maintain and verify laboratory equipment (e.g., balances, pH meters).
• Manage inventory and labeling of chemicals, glassware, and gas cylinders.
• Executed routine histology and microtomy procedures utilizing instruments such as rotary microtomes, cryostats, paraffin embedding systems, tissue processors, and automated slide stainers.
• Receive and check in samples using manual or electronic tracking systems.
• Assign proper storage locations and maintain accurate storage records.
• Complete and maintain all paperwork associated with sample deliveries.
• Prepare, secure, and package samples for shipment; document contents for manifests.
• Coordinate with shipping/receiving teams to schedule and stage outbound items.
• Handle Human Biological Samples in accordance with biosafety protocols, privacy standards, and ethical guidelines.
• Label and accession HBS into the Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS).
• Manage HBS disposal following established processes.
• Operate and maintain HBS storage systems, including –80°C freezers, –180°C liquid nitrogen freezers, and ambient storage cabinets.
• Maintain documentation, tracking, and inventory accuracy related to HBS and associated storage equipment.

Benefits

• Health & Wellness: Medical, Dental, Vision, and Wellness programs.
• Time Off: PTO, company-paid holidays, choice holidays.
• Financial Well-Being: FSA, HSA, commuter benefits, 401(k), tuition assistance, employee stock purchase plan.
• Added Protection: Critical illness, accident, legal, identity theft, pet, auto, and home insurance.
• Recognition: Earn points to redeem for gifts and products.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level