Laboratory Operations Assistant

The New York Stem Cell Foundation (NYSCF) Research Institute is a highly successful nonprofit whose mission is to accelerate cures through stem cell research.

We are seeking a Laboratory Operations Assistant to support the NYSCF laboratory’s daily operations. Reporting to the Director of Laboratory Operations, you will play a key role in maintaining the efficiency of lab functions, ensuring a safe and clean environment, and supporting the laboratory. You describe yourself as a detail-oriented and highly organized team player. This is an excellent opportunity for an individual looking to develop their skills in a fast-paced laboratory setting within a dynamic organization.

The role requires a weekly commitment of 20–25 hours capped and is based onsite at our laboratory in Manhattan. The schedule is flexible, with work hours available Monday through Friday between 9:30 AM and 5:30 PM, with a maximum of 7 hours per day. Additionally, there may be occasional opportunities to work on weekends.

What you'll do:

• Lab Operations Support: Assist in daily activities by providing operational support, monitoring equipment, providing supplies, and performing other duties within the laboratory.
• Equipment Maintenance: Manage the routine maintenance and calibration of laboratory equipment, documentation, repair scheduling, and reporting malfunctions or issues to relevant teams.
• Safety Compliance: Ensure laboratory safety standards and protocols are consistently followed. Assist in maintaining and updating safety data sheets (SDS), lab safety signage, personal protective equipment (PPE), and hazardous medical and chemical waste handling.
• Cleaning & Organization: Ensuring the laboratory is organized and well-kept, including common spaces and equipment.
• Administrative Support: Provide general administrative support, including new hire onboarding and managing vendor relationships.
• Other duties as assigned.

What we're looking for:

• A high school diploma or equivalent.
• Previous experience working in a laboratory environment is an advantage.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Ability to work both independently and as part of a team.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Basic understanding of laboratory equipment and safety procedures.
• Proficiency in MS Office Suite (Excel, Word, etc.).
• Ability to lift and move lab supplies and equipment as necessary (typically up to 25 lbs).
• Physical Demands: Ability to sit, stand, walk, and bend for extended periods.
• Work Environment: The role is performed in a laboratory setting, and PPE is required per safety protocols. Training will be provided.

The hourly rate for this position is $22 per hour (non-negotiable). This role is classified as part time non-exempt and is not eligible for benefits.

At NYSCF, we believe diversity in all forms makes us a better team, and we celebrate it. Yet studies have shown that women, people of color, and other minoritized individuals in STEM may be less likely to apply to jobs where they do not meet all of the criteria. Therefore, if you are excited about this role but your past experience does not align perfectly with every qualification in the job description, we encourage you to apply anyway. You may be just the right candidate for this or other roles.

NYSCF is an equal opportunity employer, and we value diversity in our organization. We provide equal opportunities to all applicants for employment without discrimination or harassment based on any characteristic protected by law.