Lab Coordinator

About Candel Therapeutics and Our Mission

Candel Therapeutics is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company dedicated to creating innovative off-the-shelf multimodal immunotherapies targeting cancer. Our solutions employ genetically engineered adenovirus and HSV platforms designed to trigger systemic personalized anti-tumor responses. Following promising Phase 3 clinical results for our premier candidate, we are poised for impactful growth, driven by a culture valuing diversity, collaboration, transparency, and accountability. Our team is committed to making a difference for patients and their families by fostering an environment of trust, flexibility, and innovation.

Position Overview

We are seeking a Lab Coordinator to oversee the daily operational aspects of our laboratory facilities at our Needham, MA location. This role acts as the key liaison to ensure smooth laboratory functionality, allowing scientists to focus on critical research tasks. The coordinator manages supply inventories, equipment logistics, vendor relations, sample handling, and facility organization with precision, proactively addressing potential issues and strengthening interdepartmental collaborations.

Key Responsibilities

• Oversee and orchestrate daily lab operations to maintain organized, efficient, and compliant workspaces.
• Manage procurement, receiving, storage, and tracking of laboratory supplies, reagents, and consumables.
• Maintain strong vendor relationships to coordinate equipment deliveries, servicing, and scheduled maintenance.
• Supervise equipment records including calibration, preventative maintenance, and service logs.
• Handle logistics for biological sample shipments, ensuring proper documentation of the chain-of-custody.
• Keep laboratory areas and storage systems well-organized to uphold operational standards.
• Assist with onboarding processes by arranging workstation setups, personal protective equipment (PPE), laboratory access, and orientations.
• Support safety compliance by managing safety stock, facilitating inspections, and collaborating with Environmental Health & Safety teams.
• Maintain thorough documentation, logs, and records in line with company protocols.
• Ensure waste disposal, housekeeping, and facility support operates seamlessly.
• Coordinate shared lab resources such as scheduling lab time, conference rooms, and equipment reservations.
• Collaborate with multiple departments including Research, Translational Medicine, Analytical Development, Manufacturing, Quality, and Facilities to guarantee lab readiness and efficiency.
• Identify and implement improvements in lab processes and organization to enhance productivity.
• Contribute to special projects and additional operational initiatives as requested.

Qualifications and Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Biology, Chemistry, Biotechnology, Life Sciences, or a closely related scientific field preferred.
• Between two to five years of experience supporting operations in biotechnology, pharmaceutical, or research laboratories.
• Demonstrated ability in inventory management, purchasing, and operational coordination within laboratory settings.
• Experience managing laboratory equipment and coordinating with vendors.
• Previous work experience in a regulated laboratory environment is advantageous.
• Familiarity with inventory or purchasing management systems is a plus.
• Exceptional organizational and project management skills with an acute attention to detail.
• Capacity to prioritize multiple concurrent projects effectively within a dynamic environment.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, fostering collaboration and customer-focused service to scientific teams.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office suite, especially Excel, and an aptitude for learning new laboratory management software.
• Highly self-driven with the ability to work independently while supporting interdisciplinary teams.

Additional Information

All candidates must be authorized to work in the United States without requiring sponsorship. Currently, sponsorship support is unavailable. This role offers a salary range of $88,000 to $100,000 annually. The position is fully onsite at our Needham, Massachusetts facility.