Lab Assistant

Essential Responsibilities

• Prepare and maintain bacteriological media and chemical solutions.
• Safely operate an autoclave to sterilize media, reagents, and supplies.
• Label, handle, store, use, and dispose of media and solutions in accordance with safety guidelines.
• Maintain an accurate inventory of prepared media and supplies.
• Collaborate with other departments to prepare required media in a timely manner.
• Perform work in a neat, safe, hygienic, and efficient manner; maintain cleanliness and equipment within the department.
• Follow established processes, procedures, and techniques in accordance with FSNS policies/procedures, customer requirements, and the media operations manual.
• Maintain laboratory conditions, equipment, supplies, quality assurance programs, and accurate records throughout all procedures.
• Share information in an open and timely manner to support team collaboration.
• Complete required training and comply with safety and quality programs.

Education & Experience

• A High School Diploma or GED is required.
• Familiarity with aseptic sampling techniques is preferred.
• Experience operating autoclaves and sterile dispensing equipment is preferred.
• Basic knowledge of testing laboratory practices and general laboratory procedures is required.
• One or more years of experience in a commercial food-testing laboratory is preferred.
• Competency with Laboratory Information Management Systems (LIMS) is preferred.
• Equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered.

Skills & Competencies

• Strong organizational skills and ability to complete detailed manual tasks are required.
• Ability to work under deadlines, manage interruptions, and multitask effectively are required.
• Logical thinking and accuracy in task completion are required.
• Basic math skills: add, subtract, multiply, divide, and work with fractions and decimals are required.
• Ability to follow written and oral instructions and problem-solve within standardized situations are required.
• Working knowledge of ISO 17025 quality procedures and general OSHA laboratory safety guidelines are preferred.

Physical Demands & Work Environment

• Frequent standing, walking, sitting, reaching, and handling of materials are required.
• Occasional stooping, kneeling, crouching, or crawling are required.
• Regular use of hands and fingers to operate laboratory equipment and computers are required.
• Ability to lift and/or move up to 25 pounds is required.
• Potential exposure to odors, fumes, airborne particles, hazardous chemicals, and microbiological pathogens are potential hazards.
• Varying noise levels and temperatures (hot to cold) are potential hazards.
• Fast-paced, team-oriented environment are potential hazards.
• Overnight travel may be required at the discretion of management are potential hazards.
• Must wear appropriate protective clothing and equipment are required.

General Requirements

• A flexible schedule availability is required.
• The ability to perform opening and closing procedures in the media laboratory is required.
• A commitment to workplace safety for self and others is required.
• A willingness to work as part of a collaborative, team-driven environment is required.

Schedule

Monday-Fridays, 8:00AM-5:00PM

Pay

$21 - $24 USD