Operations Associate
Karius
Operations
Redwood City, CA, USA
Posted on Jan 10, 2025
About Karius
Karius is a venture-backed life science startup that is transforming the way pathogens and other microbes are observed throughout the body. By unlocking the information present in microbial cell-free DNA, we're helping doctors quickly solve their most challenging cases, providing industry partners with access to 1000’s of biomarkers to accelerate clinical trials, discovering new microbes, and reducing patient suffering worldwide.
Position Summary
The Operations Associate plays a vital role in supporting day-to-day operational activities, including shipping and receiving, warehouse management, and materials handling. This position works closely with the Site Operations Manager to ensure smooth facilities vendor management, site security compliance, and participation in Environmental Health and Safety (EHS) activities.
With a Tuesday through Saturday schedule, the Associate is also responsible for driving to local FedEx and UPS centers to collect packages and samples. The ideal candidate is organized, detail-oriented, and proactive in maintaining an efficient and safe work environment.
Why Should You Join Us?
Karius aims to conquer infectious diseases through innovations around genomic sequencing and machine learning. The company’s platform is already delivering unprecedented insights into the microbial landscape, providing clinicians with a comprehensive test capable of identifying more than a thousand pathogens directly from blood, and helping industry accelerate the development of therapeutic solutions. The Karius test we provide today is one of the most advanced solutions available to physicians who aim to deliver better care to many otherwise ineffectively treated patients. Our test is the result of some incredible work done by our scientists, statisticians, engineers, and physicians, all driven by the same mission. You, as part of the Karius team, will be able to see how directly your work has a life-changing impact on people, and at scale.
Reports to: Sr. Director, Operations
*This position is not open to agency support at this time. Agencies, please contact recruiting@kariusdx.com and not the hiring manager for inquiries.
Location: Redwood City, CA (onsite)
Primary Responsibilities
• The Operations Associate will work a Tuesday through Saturday schedule to support operational needs and ensure seamless daily activities.
• Managing shipping and receiving processes, including accurate documentation, proper labeling, and timely distribution of materials, as well as overseeing warehouse organization, inventory tracking, storage, and cycle counts.
• Driving to and collecting packages and samples from local FedEx and UPS centers.
• Enter packing slips into Concur, maintaining accurate records for compliance and reporting.
• Support the Site Operations Manager with vendor management tasks, such as communication, order tracking, and resolving discrepancies, and assist with security measures by adhering to and enforcing established protocols.
• Participation in Environmental Health and Safety (EHS) activities, such as waste management and compliance reporting, monitoring stock levels of essential materials and supplies, performing routine maintenance of operational equipment, and escalating issues as needed.
• Contribute to special projects and process improvements, all while maintaining a clean, safe, and organized work environment in alignment with company standards and regulations. Note that job duties and responsibilities may evolve based on company needs and technological advancements.
What’s Fun About the Job?
Karius is operating at the edge of what is now known to be possible in infectious disease diagnostics. With that, comes a wave of new and incredible challenges and opportunities. To deliver on that value, you will be tapping into some of the most advanced technologies, architecting and innovating where the current solutions simply don't suffice. You will get to see how much your work really matters.
Travel: Local travel only during shift
Physical Requirements
Subject to extended periods of sitting and/or standing. Requires vision sufficient to monitor equipment, read documentation, and manage computer systems. Moderate noise levels are typical due to the operational environment. Work is performed in office, warehouse, and occasionally lab or clinical settings. May involve lifting and moving materials weighing up to 50 lbs.
Position Requirements
• High school diploma or equivalent; an associate or bachelor’s degree is preferred.
• 4+ years of experience in shipping, receiving, warehouse, or materials management roles.
• Experience using Concur or similar software for packing slip entry and expense management.
• Familiarity with vendor management and procurement processes.
• Knowledge of EHS (Environmental Health and Safety) and waste management procedures is a plus.
• Proficiency in Google Docs and inventory management systems.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Forklift certification or willingness to obtain certification is preferred.
• Prior experience in supporting operations management functions is desirable.
• Valid driver’s license and a clean driving record, with the ability to operate a company vehicle as needed.
Personal Qualifications
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to collaborate effectively across teams and departments.
• Demonstrated problem-solving and decision-making abilities.
• Comfortable working in dynamic environments with shifting priorities.
• Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to negotiate and influence when needed.
• Organized and proactive, with a focus on meeting deadlines.
• Commitment to maintaining a safe and compliant work environment.
• Demonstrates adaptability, resilience, and initiative.
• Embodies the company’s values, including integrity, teamwork, and a focus on excellence.
Disclaimer
The above job description is intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by individuals assigned to this position. It is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities, and skills required. Responsibilities and duties may change or be adjusted to meet the needs of the company, and additional duties may be assigned as necessary. The job description is subject to change at any time at the discretion of Karius.
Equal Opportunity Employer
At Karius, we value a diverse and inclusive workplace and provide equal employment opportunities for all applicants and employees and are committed to honor and invest in the full diversity of people, in our hiring, recruiting and development of employees across the Company. All qualified applicants for employment are encouraged to apply and will be considered without regard to an individual’s race, color, sex, gender identity and gender expression (including transgender individuals who are transitioning, have transitioned, or are perceived to be transitioning to the gender with which they identify), religion, age, national origin or ancestry, citizenship, physical or mental disability, medical condition, family care status, marital status, domestic partner status, sexual orientation, genetic information, military or veteran status, or any other basis protected by federal, state or local laws. If you are unable to submit your application due to a disability, please contact us at recruiting@kariusdx.com and we will accommodate qualified individuals with disabilities.