Lab Coordinator

About Forge

Forge, a member of Ajinomoto Bio-Pharma Services, is a gene therapy development engine, focused on enabling access to life changing gene therapies and helping bring them from idea into reality. We partner with innovators in the gene therapy community: scientists, physicians, biotech/pharma companies, and patient groups. We bring expertise in gene therapy manufacturing and therapeutics development to the table, helping to champion teams that are navigating the long road from the lab bench to the bedside. Our goal is simple but vital to patients living with disease, and we take it seriously. With a patient-first approach, we are forging new models for working together to better accelerate these transformative medicines to reach those who need them the most.

Forge is based in Columbus, Ohio, in a 200,000 square foot facility known affectionately by team members as, the Hearth. The Hearth, is a custom-designed cGMP facility dedicated to AAV manufacturing and hosts scalable, end-to-end manufacturing services.

About the role:

The Laboratory Coordinator, QC Analytical Testing is responsible for day-to-day coordination of laboratory operations to ensure that QC spaces are well-maintained, and compliant with GMP expectations. Key responsibilities include oversight of laboratory cleaning and 5S activities, support for equipment calibration and preventive maintenance (PM), pipette verifications, and sample shipment for external testing. This role will work closely with the Laboratory Manager and QC staff to support smooth laboratory operations and execution of GMP testing.

What you'll do:

Assist with scheduling for release and stability testing across all client programs for AAV, plasmids, and cell banks

Coordinate and/or perform pipette verifications, equipment calibrations, and equipment preventive maintenance with internal teams and external vendors.

Maintain logs and records of completed PM and calibration events in compliance with GMP documentation requirements.

Coordinate with QC analysts to ship samples for external contract laboratory testing

Support implementation and enforcement of 5S and cleanliness standards across all QC lab spaces.

Perform routine walkthroughs to support the AOP program, ensuring labs are organized, stocked, and audit ready.

Facilitate material ordering to maintain appropriate warehouse stock for lab materials

Coordinate general lab cleaning schedules and liaise with facilities or janitorial staff as needed.

Partner with QC staff to ensure proper sample receipt, labeling, storage, and documentation of samples and reagents.

Support organization of stability and release samples in monitored cold storage units.

Coordinate logistics for QC lab training, including scheduling, tracking completions, and maintaining training files.

Partner with the Laboratory Manager and other QC leaders to support onboarding of new analysts.

Assist with maintaining laboratory notebooks, equipment binders, and tracking logs.

Collaborate with Supply Chain, Facilities, and EHS to ensure timely support of laboratory needs.

Serve as a liaison for basic lab operations issues and escalate concerns to the Laboratory Manager as appropriate.

What you'll bring:

Bachelor's degree in scientific discipline (Biology, Chemistry, or related field) or equivalent experience.

1-3 years of experience in a GMP laboratory or QC environment preferred.

Working knowledge of laboratory equipment, maintenance practices, and GMP documentation.

Familiarity with calibration, PM procedures, or pipette verification is a plus.

Strong organizational and time management skills with attention to detail.

Proficient in Microsoft Office (Excel, Outlook, Word); experience with LIMS, ELN, or QMS systems is a plus.

Effective verbal and written communication skills.

Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced environment.

This position works in both a laboratory environment and typical office environment where the physical work demands will vary depending on the specific tasks and duties required of the job. The employee will be stationary (standing/sitting) for extended periods of time. Employees regularly wear personal protective equipment based on the task being performed. Must be able to work in a confined space, such as a clean room or laboratory environment. Ability to identify small details within the field of vision, distinguish between different colors, and accurately identify objects within a specific area.

This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee. Duties, responsibilities and activities may

Life at Forge

We are a team of diverse, driven and passionate people working together to trailblaze a new model for how we make medicines to treat patients with genetic diseases. Our team members use their creativity and talent to invent new solutions, meet new demands, and offer the most effective services in the industry. Forge's core values lay the foundation for H.O.P.E. It provides us a common purpose that we all understand, work towards and live by.

HARDWORKING - We work hard and smart, making a persistent and determined effort toward success. Working hard, with focus and desire is the key.

OPEN - We strive to be approachable, actively listen and encourage others to contribute and speak up. We positively offer and receive constructive feedback.

PURPOSE DRIVEN - We are passionate about working towards and delivering on our mission to manufacture gene therapies.

ENGAGED - We are fully absorbed by and enthusiastic about our work and take positive action to further Forge's vision, mission and goals.

We've Got You Covered

We take the health and happiness of our employees seriously and are consistently evaluating new ways to make our benefits truly UnFORGEttable.

Health, Dental, and Vision insurance that starts on your first day at Forge, with 90% of premiums covered for team members as well as dependents

Competitive paid time off plan

Annual bonus for all full-time employees

401(K) company match

Fully-stocked kitchen with free food/drinks

12 weeks of paid parental leave - additional discount programs include childcare support & dependent care

Employee Assistance Program

Wellness benefits (financial planning services, mental health counseling, employer paid disability)

Onsite fitness facility

Professional & Personal development resources