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Operations Specialist

Tempus AI · Chicago, IL · Full time

Posted Aug 26, 2026 · We last checked this listing on Oct 6, 2026

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Likely interview questions for this role

Written from this job description, not a generic list. Each one notes what the interviewer is really checking.

About your past

Tell me about a manual process you automated with lightweight code or Google tools. What did it save?

What they are checking: Whether they can actually build small automations rather than just describing them.

Tell me about a time you juggled operations, project tracking and technical work in the same week. How did you prioritize?

What they are checking: Whether they can handle a role that spans several types of work without dropping any.

How do you manage a vendor relationship over time, not just one order at a time?

What they are checking: Whether they think about pricing, performance and reliability across the life of the relationship.

What would you do

A key vendor delays a shipment the lab needs next week. What do you do?

What they are checking: Whether they find alternatives, communicate the impact and manage the vendor firmly.

Scientists keep using their own spreadsheets instead of the tracker you built. How do you handle it?

What they are checking: Whether they listen to why a tool is not adopted and fix it rather than forcing it.

How do you keep lab operations in line with regulatory standards while still moving fast?

What they are checking: Whether they see compliance as part of efficient operations rather than something to work around.

About the work

How would you build a cost model for experiments in a biological modeling lab?

What they are checking: Whether they can break lab work into reagents, labor and equipment costs that hold up to finance review.

Walk me through how you would set up a purchase order workflow so orders don't get lost or duplicated.

What they are checking: Whether they understand procurement steps and the controls that keep spending accurate.

How would you design a dashboard that scientists would actually check every day?

What they are checking: Whether they build tools around the users' real questions instead of showing every metric.

What scripting or Google Apps Script work have you done, and how do you make sure it doesn't break silently?

What they are checking: Whether they think about maintenance and error handling for tools others depend on.

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The full job description

As published by Tempus AI.

Passionate about precision medicine and advancing the healthcare industry? Recent advancements in underlying technology have finally made it possible for AI to impact clinical care in a meaningful way. Tempus' proprietary platform connects an entire ecosystem of real-world evidence to deliver real-time, actionable insights to physicians, providing critical information about the right treatments for the right patients, at the right time. The Operations Specialist plays a crucial role in driving the operational and technical efficiency of the Biological Modeling Lab. Sitting at the intersection of operations, project management, and technical systems, this role is responsible for streamlining daily workflows, building custom tracking and financial tools, and managing critical vendor relationships. The ideal candidate brings a strong analytical mindset paired with practical technical skills—leveraging lightweight coding, Google platform capabilities, and dashboard building to automate manual processes, create accurate cost models, and oversee purchase order workflows. By bringing exceptional organization, seamless communication, and proactive problem-solving to lab operations, this position ensures projects are executed efficiently, cost-effectively, and in compliance with regulatory standards. Core Responsibilities • Build, maintain, and optimize custom operational tracking tools, dashboards, and automated systems using Google platforms and lightweight coding. • Develop and manage cost models, financial tracking tools, and budget allocations to support lab spending and forecasting. • Create, track, and manage Purchase Orders (POs), serving as the main operational link between internal teams and purchasing departments. • Serve as the primary point of contact for external vendors, handling quotes, delivery schedules, and clear ongoing communication. • Design and implement workflow improvements to optimize the coordination of sample and data flow across lab projects. • Summarize key operational and financial metrics into clear reports and visual dashboards for leadership. • Assist in SOP development, quality reporting, and audit readiness for CLIA/CAP laboratory operations. • Coordinate and lead cross-functional meetings for internal lab operations and external academic collaborations. Required Qualifications • Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Life Sciences, Data Analytics, or a related field. • Experience building financial models, tracking cost structures, and managing purchase order workflows. • Proficiency with project management tools and business intelligence tools like Looker Dashboards. • Exceptional organizational, analytical, and vendor-facing communication skills. • Ability to prioritize tasks independently and thrive in a fast-paced environment. Preferred Qualifications • 1–3 years of experience in the life sciences industry. • Experience building, maintaining and using Looker Dashboards. • Demonstrated technical capability with Google Workspace (Google Apps Script, Sheets, Docs), web integrations, and foundational coding/scripting skills (e.g., Python, JavaScript, SQL). CHI: $55,000-$70,000 USD The expected salary range may vary for other locations. Actual salary may vary based on qualifications and experience. Tempus offers a full range of benefits, which may include incentive compensation, restricted stock units, medical and other benefits depending on the position. We are an equal opportunity employer. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.

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