Laboratory Client Support Specialist

Harken Research is a rapidly growing ISO 17025-accredited analytical laboratory specializing in testing for dietary supplements, functional ingredients, food, and consumer products. We operate in a fast‑paced, high‑volume environment with tight turnaround times and a focus on scientific rigor, data integrity, and exceptional client service. Our strengths include customized method development, advanced troubleshooting, and helping clients solve complex analytical challenges.

We are seeking a Laboratory Client Support Specialist with prior laboratory experience to serve as a key communication bridge between our clients and scientific team. This full‑time role at our lab in Pasadena will begin with hands‑on laboratory training to provide in‑depth knowledge of sample types and the numerous tests that we offer—focusing on sample intake, documentation review, and client communication.

After that period, the position will transition into a full‑time client support role, leveraging your laboratory knowledge to provide exceptional client support.

• During the initial training phase:
  Review chain of custody forms, verify testing instructions with clients, accurately enter orders into the internal tracking system, communicate with clients to clarify missing or unclear information, accession, photograph, and homogenize samples, provide clients with timely updates on testing status, perform sample extraction and related lab duties.
• Client Support:
  Respond to client inquiries via email and phone, provide updates on turnaround times and results, review client testing requests and prepare quotes with a method suitable to each sample type, coordinate with outside laboratories to confirm testing capabilities, obtain pricing information, and get status updates on current testing, assist new clients with onboarding and sample submission, coordinate with lab and administrative teams to ensure accurate and timely reporting, proactively resolve client issues and elevate as needed, distribute Certificates of Analysis upon test completion and address client questions regarding reported results.
• Technical Coordination:
  Relay client instructions and clarifications accurately to laboratory staff, identify missing or inconsistent information and proactively resolve issues before testing begins, understand and communicate which test should be performed, understand basic reporting unit conversions (e.g., mg to micrograms) and answer related client questions, develop working knowledge of suitable testing methods for raw materials vs. finished products and common sources of analytical interference.
• Essential Functions:
  
  Working in a stationary position for extended periods of time, working on a computer for extended periods of time, working in a laboratory for extended periods of time, maneuvering objects weighing up to 25 pounds in the course of routine laboratory work, communication with employees including laboratory, administrative, and sales personnel; ownership; vendors; contractors; and clients.

• Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field (such as Chemistry, Biology, or Chemical Engineering).
• 2-3 years experience working in a testing laboratory is strongly preferred.
• Experience in dietary supplement, food, or consumer product testing or experience in a dietary supplement manufacturing setting strongly preferred.
• Strong attention to detail and documentation accuracy.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel, Word, and email platforms.
• Customer service experience, preferably in a technical or regulated environment.

• Familiarity with ISO 17025, GLP, or GMP environments.
• Exposure to HPLC (hands‑on operation, sample prep, or data review preferred).
• Experience accessioning or preparing samples in a lab setting.

• Full‑time position with competitive hourly pay $26.00 – $34.00/hour (depending on experience).
• Health, dental, and vision insurance.
• Paid holidays and PTO.
• 401(k) with company match.
• Opportunity for advancement into a senior technical or management role.

Full‑time