Careers at LabCentral

Who are we?  

About LabCentral 

Founded in the heart of Kendall Square in 2013, LabCentral is a network of shared laboratory spaces and scientific communities that serve as a launchpad for high-potential life-sciences and biotech start-ups. We deliver first-class facility and operational support, skilled laboratory personnel, and an expansive events program designed to add value to the community and promote connectivity ‒ as well as the other critical services and support that early-stage companies need to begin start-up operations.    

About the Blavatnik Harvard Life Lab Longwood  

The Blavatnik Harvard Life Lab Longwood is a collaborative workspace for early-stage, high-potential start-ups founded by Harvard students, alumni, postdoctoral scholars and faculty. The 10,000-square-foot lab is located on the HMS campus, in the heart of the Longwood Medical Area. Building on the success of the pioneering Pagliuca Harvard Life Lab in Allston, this new lab offers the Longwood community a closer, more convenient location under the same infrastructure and governance. Part of Harvard Medical School’s Therapeutic Initiative, it provides users with diverse resources, including access to HMS Core Facilities, industry-specific programming, and expert advisors. 

What is this role?  

Do you take pride in providing stellar customer service and helping others learn how to use new systems? Are you passionate about building community? Do you consistently go above and beyond, forming strong connections with people? Are you good with details, flexing your investigative side, and thinking critically about processes?  

LabCentral is seeking a part-time Operations Assistant. Reporting directly to the Longwood Life Lab Senior Manager, this role requires organizational skills, attention to detail, and willingness to provide high-quality customer service.  

You’ll be a great fit for this role if you have 1–2 years of experience in operations, administrative support, facilities coordination, or a similar role with a strong customer service component. Bonus points if you’re the kind of person who notices when the café is running low before anyone else does, enjoys keeping spaces organized and running smoothly, and doesn’t mind jumping in to solve problems on the fly. 

We’re looking for someone who is proactive, detail-oriented, and takes pride in creating a well-functioning, welcoming environment. Strong organizational skills and comfort with juggling multiple priorities are key. If you like being the person who keeps everything moving behind the scenes, this role is for you. 

What will I do?  

Responsibilities:  

• Oversee café operations, including ordering, inventory management, and coordination of vendor deliveries 
• Perform morning walkthroughs, maintaining conference rooms, and stocking cafés  
• Assist with internal communications by creating and posting signage and weekly newsletters  
• Serve as the Primary contact with Harvard Mailing Staff and manage incoming deliveries including temperature sensitive and urgent packages.  
• Additional support as needed to support the Harvard team   

What do I bring?  

Desired qualifications:  

• 1-2 years of experience  
• Time management, organization, and decision-making skills  
• Strong attention to detail  
• Stellar customer service skills and anticipatory thinking to avoid issues before they arise  
• Ability to build relationships with residents  
• Work effectively both independently and collaboratively within a team environment  
• Enjoy continuously learning, tackling whatever comes your way  
    

What your first six months will look like:  

• Complete needed training on aspects of café ordering and operating in a co-working space. 
• Learn our systems and provide feedback on how to do things better  
• Learn more about our residents and their research  
• Continue to build your skills and set goals for personnel and professional growth  

Work environment:  

• Fully onsite in Longwood, from 8:00AM-12:00PM, Monday-Friday. 
• Ability to sit for long periods, to move around an office environment, and to communicate information and ideas so others will understand  
• Ability to lift and carry a minimum of 25 pounds  

Compensation and Benefits  

• Pay Rate: $21/hour 
• Commuter Benefits: We fully cover the cost of a monthly MBTA pass to support your commute. 
• Fantastic Work Environment: Be inspired by colleagues and residents, and work in vibrant spaces that are stocked with a variety of snacks. Plus, we offer in-house programming on thought-provoking and diverse topics!  
• Community Perks: Access to a variety of wellness and local benefits, including discounted fitness classes and a community supported agriculture program.  

 Equal Opportunity Employer     

LabCentral is committed to building teams that reflect the fabric of the city around us. We welcome all candidates regardless of race, color, ancestry, gender identity or expression, religion, national origin, sexual orientation, age, citizenship, marital status, disability, Veteran status, or any other legally protected status. Any other human expressions and experiences not mentioned here are equally welcome. If you require an accommodation, please let us know. We are proud to be an equal opportunity employer.