Operations Technician II - First Shift

Location

Rockville, Maryland – Fisher BioServices business of Thermo Fisher Scientific.

Work Schedule

Standard (Mon‑Fri) – First Shift 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM. Core hours are generally 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, with additional or non‑traditional hours as required by business needs. The position participates in a site on‑call rotation that may include after‑hours, weekend, and holiday coverage.

Pay

Hourly rate: $21.00 – $24.87.

Responsibilities

As an Operations Technician II you will ensure critical client materials are accurately managed, documented, and maintained throughout repository operations, supporting inventory accuracy, discrepancy resolution, and compliant operations while improving processes and maintaining material traceability.

• Independently perform receipt, inventory, storage, retrieval, and preparation of biological specimens, clinical agents, and other client materials.
• Investigate material and specimen movement history to identify and resolve inventory discrepancies.
• Resolve complex inventory and data discrepancies, including identification changes, duplicate or redundant records, and multi‑field corrections per approved documentation and client or management instructions.
• Compile and review inventory data to support specimen storage, retrieval, reconciliation, and reporting.
• Verify materials and associated documentation prior to shipment and review incoming receipt records for accuracy and completeness.
• Perform specimen consolidation, reorganization, reconciliation, and inventory maintenance projects with increased independence.
• Investigate inventory inaccuracies and recommend corrective actions or escalation when necessary.
• Assist with training peers on approved SOPs, work instructions, equipment use, storage and retrieval methods, material handling, and inventory system transactions.
• Provide operational input for the development and revision of SOPs, work instructions, and other controlled procedures.
• Participate in process‑improvement activities focused on operational efficiency, data accuracy, compliance, and material traceability.
• May process biological samples according to approved client requirements, including blood‑component separation and aliquoting.
• May support printing services, including label printing, preparation of job packets, supply inventory maintenance, and minor preventive maintenance of thermal‑transfer label printers.
• Escalate quality, safety, inventory, or procedural issues to appropriate management or Quality personnel when required.
• Perform all activities in accordance with applicable SOPs, work instructions, quality systems, cGMP requirements, and safety procedures.
• Perform other duties as assigned based on business needs.

Education

High school diploma or equivalent required. Bachelor’s degree in a science‑related field preferred.

Experience

• Minimum 1 year of relevant experience in repository operations, sample management, inventory, shipping/receiving, laboratory operations, or a related field.
• Experience with data entry and computerized inventory, storage, or retrieval systems.
• Preferred: several years of experience working in a biological sample repository.
• Experience working with multiple inventory management systems.
• Experience with powered industrial equipment (e.g., forklifts) when applicable.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Strong attention to detail with the ability to maintain accurate inventory, documentation, and material traceability.
• Ability to investigate inventory discrepancies, review material movement history, and support resolution of inventory issues.
• Effective written and verbal communication skills; ability to work independently within established procedures.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications, including Outlook, Excel, and Word.
• Working knowledge of computerized inventory management systems and cold‑storage/repository operations.
• Knowledge of Universal Precautions, general laboratory practices, quality systems, and applicable cGMP requirements.
• Ability to assist with peer training and contribute to operational process improvements.

Physical Requirements / Work Environment

• Ability to work in cold‑storage environments and around dry ice, liquid nitrogen, cryogenic materials, and potentially hazardous or infectious materials.
• Ability to work in walk‑in refrigerators and freezers and handle materials stored at temperatures as low as approximately –196 °C.
• Ability to stand for extended periods and lift and carry up to 50 lb.
• May be required to push or maneuver heavy liquid nitrogen dewars using appropriate equipment and procedures.
• Must wear required personal protective equipment and follow all applicable safety procedures.
• May be required to use a platform ladder or operate powered industrial equipment when appropriately trained and authorized.

Compensation and Benefits

• Competitive hourly pay ($21.00 – $24.87) with eligibility for a variable annual bonus based on company, team, and/or individual performance.
• Medical, dental, and vision plans with health incentive programs.
• Employee assistance and family support programs, including commuter benefits and tuition reimbursement.
• At least 120 hours of paid time off (PTO), 10 paid holidays annually, paid parental leave (3 weeks for bonding and 8 weeks for caregiver leave), accident and life insurance, and short‑ and long‑term disability.
• Retirement and savings programs, including a competitive 401(k) plan.
• Employee Stock Purchase Plan (ESPP) offering the opportunity to purchase company stock at a discount.