Lab Operations Associate

Merge Labs is a frontier research lab with the mission of bridging biological and artificial intelligence to maximize human ability, agency and experience. We’re pursuing this goal by developing fundamentally new approaches to brain-computer interfaces that interact with the brain at high bandwidth, integrate with advanced AI, and are ultimately safe and accessible for anyone to use.

About the team:

The Lab Operations team is the operational backbone of Merge Labs, responsible for the end-to-end lifecycle of our R&D environment - from conceptualizing and building the physical infrastructure to operating it at scale. We maintain a wide scope of ownership that spans Equipment Management, Safety, Lab Facilities, Procurement, and Logistics, ensuring that every aspect of the laboratory functions seamlessly. We view operations not as a support function, but as a catalyst; our mission is to create a world-class Lab Operations System that not only enables our scientists and engineers but, through integrated systems and operational excellence, actively accelerates their progress.

About the role:

Reporting to the Head of Labs, you will keep the lab ready for research and carry out the equipment and workspace changes our scientists need. You will coordinate closely with the other Lab Ops associates and ULS to keep priorities, coverage, and handoffs clear, combining hands-on setup and troubleshooting with service coordination and daily checks of ULS work.

In this role, you will:

• Coordinate daily lab operations with the other Lab Ops associates and our on-site Unity Lab Services (ULS) team. Set priorities and coverage, check completion and quality of recurring work - such as glassware, autoclaving, waste-bin resets, restocking, incubator water, and ethanol refills - and follow up on gaps. Provide hands-on backup when ULS is unavailable or essential work needs immediate attention.
• Keep work records current and accurate - document equipment moves and configurations, troubleshooting, service visits, and completed tasks in the team's existing systems. Update the relevant equipment and maintenance records so others can see what changed, what is ready, and what still needs attention.
• Keep lab equipment working and ready for use, supporting installation and configuration, sourcing compatible parts, troubleshooting problems, and handling minor mechanical repairs under the guidance of the Head of Labs. Coordinate mechanical vendors and equipment service providers, including preparing for visits, communicating downtime, and following repairs and maintenance through to completion. Check that equipment works as expected before returning it to use.
• Support the lab's supply chain by coordinating routine stocking and receiving with the other Lab Ops associates and ULS. Handle equipment deliveries and unpacking, help move equipment into place, and resolve missing or damaged shipments. Check that shared supplies are available and temperature-sensitive materials are promptly stored.
• Maintain a safe operating environment through walkthroughs and hazard checks, coordination of waste pickups and records, upkeep of safety labels and signage, and follow-through on inspection actions under EH&S guidance.
• Serve as the first line of defense for facility issues, triaging gas, water, cold-storage, and other utility problems. Coordinate on-site vendor access and planned utility work, and verify that affected equipment is safely shut down and returned to operation.
• Respond to day-to-day lab requests, clarifying what researchers need and how urgently, coordinating with the other Lab Ops associates and ULS, and keeping researchers informed through resolution. Stay flexible as priorities shift and follow through on open items.
• Make practical changes that improve the lab, setting up and reconfiguring benches and equipment, mounting accessories, and organizing shared storage and point-of-use supplies. Check space, parts, and utility requirements, coordinate changes to gas and vacuum connections, and confirm completed setups are ready for use.

You might thrive in this role if you have:

• Multidisciplinary technical fluency: You can understand what a scientist needs from a bench or instrument and work through the practical requirements to make it usable, including space, utilities, accessories, and safety. You ask useful questions, troubleshoot methodically, and know when to bring in a specialist.
• Mechanical aptitude and a hands-on approach: You enjoy figuring out how equipment fits and works, are comfortable using basic tools, and can work through equipment installation, parts sourcing, and minor repairs. You take guidance well and know when to involve a specialist.
• A strong operational foundation: We seek a candidate with experience in Life Sciences or Facility Management who understands the physical realities of a wet lab; from the nuance of cold chain logistics to the strict regulatory requirements of hazardous waste streams.
• A builder’s mindset: You notice recurring problems and make practical improvements, whether that means changing a bench setup, finding a better storage solution, or writing a simple checklist. You work with ULS to make recurring tasks clear and check that changes solve the problem.
• Vendor coordination experience: You can coordinate mechanical vendors and equipment service providers, explain the issue clearly, confirm what is needed before a technician arrives, and keep installations and repairs moving when parts or schedules change. You communicate professionally and follow up until the work is complete.
• Execution discipline: You take ownership of tasks and small projects with minimal guidance, anticipate dependencies, and follow through on open items. You check the finished result and keep researchers informed of progress and delays.
• Adaptability: You are comfortable moving between planned lab changes, urgent equipment issues, and daily operational coverage as priorities shift in a growing research lab.

If you're excited about this role but don't meet every qualification, please apply. As we build, we're hiring for complementary strengths to form a high-impact team.

For more information about hiring at Merge, please visit our Hiring FAQ https://app.notion.com/p/Hiring-FAQ-34807970692180e88dd6d701b83cbf7b?source=copy_link

Merge Labs does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, marital status, physical or mental disability, medical condition, genetic information, family status, ancestry, citizenship, U.S. military (state and federal) and veteran status, or any other legally protected status. It is our intention that all applicants be given equal opportunity and that selection decisions are based on job related factors. We are an equal opportunity employer.

Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

We are committed to providing reasonable accommodations to applicants with disabilities, and requests can be made by emailing accommodations@merge.io.