Technical Lab Assistant, VentureStudio Bio-NEST

Position Overview

We are seeking a dedicated Lab Assistant to support Bio-NEST, a specialised bioincubation facility at Ahmedabad University. This role encompasses instrument handling and maintenance, inventory management, data collection and analysis, and events programming support. The Lab Assistant maintains laboratory excellence, ensures user safety, and supports biotechnology startups, researchers, and students while managing facility operations across molecular biology, microbiology, tissue culture, and chromatography laboratories

Key Roles and Responsibilities

Laboratory Operations

• Instrumentation
• Scheduling, maintenance, calibration and SOP
• Provide technical support and training to users
• Assist with repairs, procurement of spares and consumables
• Documentation and record-keeping
• Inventory
• Manage inventory of instruments, chemicals, glassware, plasticware and any other consumables
• Maintain record of usage and assist in procurement
• Compliance
• Ensure adherence to campus security, surveillance, biosafety, waste disposal, good laboratory practices and emergency operating procedures
• Ensure adherence to best practices for an organised, clean and efficient laboratory environment
• Submit relevant data, as required, to VentureStudio, Ahmedabad University or any other Government of private organisation, with prior permission

Programmes and Events

• Assist in organising activities for promotion and increased utilization of Bio-NEST facility
• Assist in organising activities that help promote the products and services of Bio-NEST users
• Assist in organising training sessions to educate startups, students and industry community about the latest advancements in biotechnology
• Coordinate with university students and faculty for research projects and academic collaborations
• Support student internships and research assistantships

Networking and Partnerships

• Facilitate visits from various ecosystem stakeholders including academia, industry, government and private organisations
• Facilitate networking activities that improve ecosystem connectivity, startup connects and support growth of the facility
• Assist in developing new partnerships and collaborations to improve the incubation support system

Essential Educational Qualification

• Bachelor's degree in Biotechnology, Microbiology, Biochemistry, Life Sciences, or related field
• Minimum 1 year or laboratory experience in Industry or Academia OR
• Master’s degree in Biotechnology, Microbiology, Biochemistry, Life Sciences, or related field

Additional preferred qualification

• Certified training or experience obtained in academic or industry R&D
• Certified training or experience obtained in chromatography, cell culture, molecular biology, biochemistry, microbiology or biochemistry techniques

Technical Skills

• Minimum 6 months of experience in life science laboratory (industry or academic)
• Working knowledge of basic laboratory instruments like pH meter, incubator, laminar flow cabinet, and spectrophotometer
• Computer proficiency: MS Office, Google Workspace
• Understanding of good laboratory practices

Soft Skills

• Attention to detail in record-keeping, equipment maintenance, and safety procedures
• Technical aptitude for learning new equipments and techniques
• Clear communication with diverse users including students, faculty, industry experts and startups
• Proactive problem-solving and efficient time management abilities
• Fluency in English and Gujarati with strong scientific writing abilities
• Ability to comprehend technical documentation
• Basic data analysis and statistical knowledge
• Ability to work independently and manage multiple priorities
• Creative problem-solving and innovative thinking
• Emotionally balanced with efficient time management
• Comfortable with public speaking and representing organisation at events