Laboratory Assistant

Axle is a bioscience and information technology company that offers advancements in translational research, biomedical informatics, and data science applications to research centers and healthcare organizations nationally and abroad. With experts in biomedical science, software engineering, and program management, we focus on developing and applying research tools and techniques to empower decision-making and accelerate research discoveries. We work with some of the top research organizations and facilities in the country, including multiple institutes at the National Institutes of Health (NIH).

About the role

This position supports the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) at the National Institutes of Health (NIH) in Hamilton, MT. The Laboratory Assistant will provide services and deliverables through performance of support services related to laboratory operations, equipment maintenance, and administrative tasks.

Responsibilities

• Segregate clean, process, and return cleaned items to designated “pickup shelves” or stock shelves.
• Order and stock standard laboratory glassware and associated supplies.
• Clean and sterilize glassware, plasticware, and hand instruments as appropriate.
• Prepare instruments, linens, and other necessary lab equipment for use and decontaminate biohazardous waste.
• Keep administrative staff updated on issues and problems pertaining to glassware procedures and needed repairs to equipment.
• Communicate with lab staff daily to ensure their needs are being met.
• Maintain and clean the laboratory.
• Maintain adequate levels of glassware items for laboratories and ensure supplies for operation are kept on hand.
• Properly prepare cleaned glassware to ensure sterility for lab personnel (e.g., plug pipettes as appropriate).
• Perform quality control (QC) for each item washed to check for residue, cracks, or other imperfections; assist with discarding items that no longer meet laboratory standards.
• Collect receiving and packing slips and track supply orders.
• Utilize the AMBIS system to order supplies for glassware operations.
• Maintain detailed daily reports on items washed; transfer handwritten logs to an Excel spreadsheet and provide monthly reports to the Government representative.
• Pick up dirty glassware from the Media Laboratory and Building 28.
• Learn and perform basic laboratory techniques and procedures.
• Conduct analytical QA/QC testing of clean glassware, including:
  • Use a laboratory Total Organic Carbon (TOC) analyzer to test for residual levels of alkaline detergent on clean glassware.
  • Utilize a conductivity instrument to measure washer rinse samples for acid detergent residual and inorganic lab contaminants in the last rinse.
  • Perform routine maintenance of the TOC analyzer, including persulfate oxidation reagent replenishment, UV bulb maintenance, and periodic calibration using calibration standards.
• Operate commonly used equipment, inspect for proper operation, and perform minor maintenance; update staff on equipment problems and requirements.
• Assist Media laboratory personnel with cleaning, organizing, and other administrative tasks, including:
  • Clean and set up biosafety cabinets for use to prepare sterile media.
  • Acquire and organize necessary glassware to dispense the day’s media orders.
  • Prepare sterile water.
  • Bag and label completed agar plates for customer pickup.
  • Collect and prepare samples for use.
• Assist the Media Lab in preparing various media, including:
  • Weighing and mixing ingredients.
  • Using the pH meter to adjust the pH of media.
  • Dispensing media into glassware and/or pouring agar plates.
  • Accessing the Media Lab database to check for new media orders and process completed orders.
• Assist research and laboratory staff in preparing for and conducting experiments.
• Maintain a supply center located in the clean glassware storage room, including:
  • Monitoring temperatures of refrigerators and freezers.
  • Stocking the supply center and ensuring reagents are stored at proper temperatures.
  • Charging labs for items taken from the supply center.
  • Maintaining inventory and keeping records of item usage for future orders.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in a related field or equivalent.
• Minimum of two (2) years of related experience.
• Experience working in a complex, demanding, and fast-paced dynamic work environment.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office.
• Certifications and licenses as applicable.

Benefits

• 100% Medical, Dental, and Vision coverage for employees.
• Paid Time Off and Paid Holidays.
• 401K match up to 5%.
• Educational benefits for career growth.
• Employee Referral Bonus.
• Flexible Spending Accounts:
  • Healthcare (FSA).
  • Parking Reimbursement Account (PRK).
  • Dependent Care Assistant Program (DCAP).
  • Transportation Reimbursement Account (TRN).

Pay

Salary Range: $60,000 USD - $64,000 USD. Actual salaries will vary depending on a candidate’s experience, qualifications, skills, and location.