Position Type: Temporary, Fully In-Person
Location: Billerica, MA
Duration:  3 months
Schedule: Mon-Thurs, 10am-4 pm

Position Overview

OpenBiome Foundation is seeking a reliable, detail-oriented temporary technician to assist with the preparation of biological research samples for shipment. This role involves working on-site at our storage facility, organizing and transferring samples from long-term freezer storage into designated shipping vial boxes, and accurately updating inventory and shipping records.

This position is well-suited for someone who is comfortable performing highly structured, repetitive tasks for extended periods of time and who takes pride in accuracy and follow-through.

Key Responsibilities

• Review provided sample manifests to identify specific bio-samples for retrieval
• Locate and retrieve samples from freezer storage using inventory identifiers
• Transfer samples into designated vial boxes according to shipment requirements
• Accurately record box numbers and box coordinate locations for each sample
• Update inventory systems to reflect sample relocation and status changes
• Prepare and maintain detailed shipping manifests indicating sample contents and locations
• Follow all handling, labeling, and documentation procedures precisely
• Maintain an organized, methodical workflow throughout the process

Required Qualifications

• Exceptional attention to detail and accuracy
• Comfort performing repetitive, methodical tasks for several hours at a time
• Strong organizational skills and ability to follow written procedures
• Basic computer proficiency for data entry and inventory updates
• High level of reliability, punctuality, and consistency
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision

Preferred Qualifications

• Prior experience with inventory management, lab support, or sample handling
• Familiarity with spreadsheet-based tracking or inventory systems
• Experience working in regulated, procedural, or compliance-driven environments

Work Environment

• On-site work in a large biological and pharmaceutical storage facility
• Tasks require standing, walking, and manual handling of small sample containers
• Work is structured, quiet, and detail-focused rather than fast-paced
• Must wear pants and closed-toed shoes
• Some PPE required on-site

Why This Role Matters

Accurate preparation and documentation of these samples is critical to downstream research and end-user success. Precision and care in this role directly impact data integrity and shipment quality.

Compensation

$25.00 per hour. This is a temporary, at-will position and is not eligible for benefits unless required by law.

About OpenBiome Foundation

OpenBiome’s mission is to expand patient access to microbiome therapies and drive scientific discoveries that shape the future of health. We launched the first public stool bank in the United States, creating a scalable, rigorously tested way for hospitals to offer investigational Fecal Microbiome Therapy (FMT) to patients with C. difficile. To date, we delivered more than 72,000 investigational treatments to over 1,300 hospitals and clinics.

Now, OpenBiome is uniquely positioned to make an important contribution to microbiome research with our collection of over 80,000 bio-samples. We are partnering with a local university to conduct research on a subset of these samples. It has the potential to provide critical insights into a healthy human microbiome.

OpenBiome Foundation is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, status as a protected veteran, status as a qualified individual with disability, or any other legally protected status. All applicants must be able to show proof of eligibility to work in the United States.