Title: Lab Operations Specialist (Freezer Inventory & LEAD Lab Organization)
Client: Takeda Pharmaceuticals
Location: Cambridge, MA (onsite 5 days/week)
Virtual Interviews - Will consider relocating candidates
Visa - Open
Top skills needed: Familiarity with freezer management skills, experience with data entry and inventory management
We re seeking a hands-on contractor to implement an end-to-end freezer inventory for a biologics research team and to standardize functional bench areas using LEAN/5S. You ll label racks/boxes, load records into a freezer management system, and leave behind clear SOPs and training so the system sustains.
Key responsibilities
Freezer inventory implementation
Audit all cold storage (?80 C, ?20 C, 4 C, LN?) and create a master map (freezer - shelf - rack -box - position).
Establish naming conventions and metadata fields (sample type, owner, project, lot, date, status, hazard).
Print and apply cryo-compatible labels; implement barcode schema (e.g., Code 128/QR) for racks, boxes, and tubes.
Configure a freezer management system [e.g., FreezerPro] including roles/permissions, required fields, and location hierarchy.
Reconcile legacy spreadsheets; migrate and/or bulk-import records; de-duplicate; resolve unknown/orphaned samples with owners.
Draft SOPs/quick-start guides and train users; define stewardship/ownership and inventory cycle-count cadence. LEAN / 5S lab organization
Run a light-weight 5S event for priority bench areas (Sort, Set in Order, Shine, Standardize, Sustain).
Standardize bench layouts by function (e.g., PCR, protein assays, purification); create visual controls/shadow boards.
Qualifications
3+ years in research lab operations (biologics preferred: proteins/antibodies, cells, reagents).
Proven freezer inventory implementation (barcoding/labeling, data migration, user training).
Practical LEAN/5S experience; able to facilitate small events and create visual standards.
Comfortable with freezer management software and bulk-import workflows; strong Excel skills.
Familiarity with barcode scanners, cryo-labels, and thermal printers; detail-oriented data hygiene.
Able to lift up to 30 lbs and work safely in cold rooms/freezers; strong communication with scientists and EH&S.
Experience in BSL-1 and 2 research environments.
Basic familiarity with chemical/biological labelling standards and hazard communication.