Lab Assistant

About the role

The Lab Assistant (Production Lab Assistant) supports the processing of raw biological materials, primarily cow and pig blood, to produce high-quality components used in the manufacture of calibrators for hematology instruments. This role focuses on operating centrifuges to separate red and white blood cells, maintaining and cleaning production equipment, and completing accurate documentation in an FDA-regulated environment. The position is hands-on, highly process-oriented, and offers strong exposure to laboratory manufacturing workflows and systems.

Responsibilities

• Operate centrifuges to process raw animal blood and separate red and white blood cells for further use in downstream components labs.
• Handle and process large volumes of cow and pig blood in accordance with standard operating procedures and safety guidelines.
• Maintain, clean, and prepare production equipment and containers after processing runs to ensure readiness for future batches.
• Wash, rinse, and handle dishware and lab equipment, ensuring all items are properly cleaned and maintained.
• Wrap cleaned equipment for further sterilization, following established protocols to maintain a controlled and compliant environment.
• Batch and label products accurately, ensuring correct lot numbers and identifiers are applied to all materials.
• Document results, processes, and observations thoroughly, including referencing and updating past batch records as required.
• Follow standard operating procedures (SOPs) and adhere to appropriate lab protocols, including regulatory requirements related to chemical handling, hazards, and equipment use.
• Comply with all FDA regulations and internal documentation standards to support traceability and quality control.
• Follow daily work instructions and priorities set by the supervisor, maintaining a strong commitment to safety and quality.
• Participate in continuous process improvement efforts by identifying, communicating, and helping to address areas for operational or quality enhancement.
• Work both independently and as part of a team to complete daily production and lab tasks efficiently.
• Perform additional duties as assigned to support lab operations and production goals.

Qualifications

• Experience working in a general laboratory or production lab environment.
• Strong attention to detail, especially when following SOPs, documenting processes, and labeling products.
• Ability to accurately complete documentation and maintain batch records in a regulated setting.
• Comfort working directly with pig and cow blood and other raw biological materials.
• Ability to follow standard operating procedures (SOPs) consistently and precisely.
• Capability to work both independently and as part of a team, as verified by references.
• Basic math skills sufficient to perform dilutions and related calculations.
• Awareness of chemical handling protocols, hazards, and safe use of laboratory equipment.
• Physical ability to stand and move throughout the lab and dishwashing areas for the majority of the workday.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in a science-related field (preferred).
• Prior experience in an FDA-regulated laboratory or production environment.
• Familiarity with hematology-related processes or calibrator production is an advantage.
• Interest in career growth within a large scientific manufacturing organization, including potential promotion into manufacturing labs or other internal departments.
• Demonstrated ability to follow detailed written and verbal instructions.
• Strong commitment to safety, quality, and continuous improvement.

Work Environment

The Lab Assistant works in a clean, FDA-regulated raw materials laboratory located in a well-lit basement facility. The role is fully on-site with no remote work available. Lab assistants spend the majority of their day on their feet, moving between the lab space and dishwashing area while operating centrifuges and handling equipment. The environment involves frequent handling of large quantities of cow and pig blood to separate red and white blood cells. Standard lab attire includes a lab coat, goggles, and hairnet, and appropriate personal protective equipment is required at all times. Employees may wear headphones while working, as permitted by safety guidelines.

Schedule

Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., with little overtime or weekend work, providing a consistent daytime shift in a structured and process-driven setting.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Minneapolis, MN. This is a fully onsite position.

Pay

The pay range for this position is $21.00 - $21.00/hr.

Benefits

If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following:

• Medical, dental & vision
• Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital
• 401(k) Retirement Plan – Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available
• Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents)
• Short and long-term disability
• Health Spending Account (HSA)
• Transportation benefits
• Employee Assistance Program
• Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)