Laboratory Operations Associate (Contract)

COMPANY DESCRIPTION Founded through Flagship Pioneering’s venture creation engine, Terrana Biosciences is a cutting-edge agricultural biotechnology company developing innovative RNA-based products to address global agricultural challenges. We are committed to advancing sustainable farming solutions through precision technologies that ensure environmental safety and regulatory compliance. THE ROLE Terrana Biosciences is building a new generation of RNA-based technologies to transform agriculture. We are seeking a proactive, detail-oriented contract Laboratory Operations Associate to join our team in Research Triangle Park, North Carolina. In this role, you will ensure our laboratories operate safely, efficiently, and in compliance with regulatory requirements. You’ll support scientists by managing laboratory operations and striving for continuous improvement and operational efficiency. KEY RESPONSIBILITIES Partner with scientists and cross-functional teams to anticipate operational needs and minimize disruptions to research. Manage daily laboratory operations, including purchasing support, shipping and receiving, inventory, vendor and service contracts, equipment maintenance, documentation, and record keeping. Champion a strong culture of laboratory safety. Coordinate biological and chemical waste disposal in compliance with regulations. Support USDA permitting and other regulatory compliance activities. Respond to occasional after-hours laboratory emergencies and assist the Controlled Environment Agriculture team with plant care when needed. PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE & QUALIFICATIONS Bachelor’s degree in Biology, Chemistry, Biotechnology, or a related scientific discipline with 5+ years of relevant experience. Co-op and internship experience may be considered. Ability to work onsite, full-time in Research Triangle Park, NC. Strong organizational, communication, problem-solving, and multitasking skills. Commitment to safety, quality, and continuous improvement. Additional Qualifications: Experience supporting laboratory operations in biotechnology, pharmaceutical, or life science organizations. Experience with plant care or greenhouse operations. Experience with LIMS and laboratory or project management software preferred. Knowledge of laboratory safety regulations, hazardous materials handling, and regulatory compliance. Familiarity with IATA/DOT shipping, BSL-1/BSL-2 operations, OSHA, EPA/RCRA, USDA APHIS requirements, or project leadership is a plus. A proactive, service-oriented approach. The ability to anticipate needs, solve problems, and adapt in a fast-paced environment. Strong collaboration skills and a desire to support a mission-driven scientific team. LOCATION: Durham, NC ABOUT FLAGSHIP PIONEERING: Flagship Pioneering invents and builds platform companies, each with the potential for multiple products that transform human health, sustainability and beyond. Since its launch in 2000, Flagship has originated more than 100 companies. Many of these companies have addressed humanity’s most urgent challenges: vaccinating billions of people against COVID-19, curing intractable diseases, improving human health, preempting illness, and feeding the world by improving the resiliency and sustainability of agriculture. Flagship has been recognized twice on FORTUNE’s “Change the World” list, an annual ranking of companies that have made a positive social and environmental impact through activities that are part of their core business strategies and has been twice named to Fast Company’s annual list of the World’s Most Innovative Companies. Learn more about Flagship at www.flagshippioneering.com . At Flagship, we accept impossible missions to enable bigger leaps. Our core values guide us through uncertainty and toward lasting impact. We are an equal opportunity employer . All qualified applicants will be considered for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disab