Laboratory Operations Assistant

Responsibilities

• Continuously clean laboratory glassware using automated cleaning machines and scrubbers as needed, and organize and store cleaned glassware in appropriate storage cabinets or designated areas.
• Clean laboratory floors and benches on a regular basis to maintain a safe and orderly work area.
• Remove garbage from the laboratory area promptly and discard laboratory-generated waste into designated waste collection containers in accordance with established procedures.
• Ensure laboratory supplies are stocked daily and arrange incoming items in their designated locations to support First In, First Out (FIFO) usage.
• Help maintain optimal laboratory inventory levels by receiving shipments and accurately logging materials in the material receiving logbook.
• Occasionally place orders for laboratory supplies when requested or when inventory levels require replenishment.
• Support microbiology activities by gathering post-testing reject samples for decontamination, running autoclave cycles for sterilization and decontamination, washing decontaminated glassware, organizing cleaned glassware for drying, and returning dried glassware to its proper storage locations.
• Follow written and verbal procedures and instructions to ensure compliance with laboratory protocols and safety requirements.
• Perform any other duties as requested by laboratory management to support overall laboratory operations and the quality control team.

Requirements

• High School Diploma or GED is required.
• Associate of Science degree or a degree in a technically related field is preferred.
• Background in chemistry or a chemistry-related field is strongly preferred.
• 1–2 years of experience working in a laboratory, preferably in a food, drug, or chemical laboratory, is required.
• Basic understanding of chemistry, samples, raw materials, and pharmaceutical laboratory practices.
• Inventory management experience, including organizing, stocking, and tracking laboratory supplies.
• Hands-on experience washing and handling glassware in a laboratory setting.
• Computer skills sufficient to log materials, track inventory, and follow electronic procedures.
• Ability to read, write, and communicate in English at a level that supports understanding laboratory terminology and instructions.
• Good communication skills with the ability to comprehend and follow written and verbal procedures or instructions.
• Basic math skills at an intermediate level to support inventory and measurement-related tasks.
• Ability to work flexible schedules and perform overtime as needed to support laboratory operations.
• Less than one year of experience in pharmaceutical or cleaning environments is preferred for entry-level candidates who are eager to learn.
• Comfort working with laboratory equipment such as cleaning machines, scrubbers, and autoclaves.
• Ability to handle repetitive tasks while maintaining attention to detail and quality.
• Strong organizational skills to manage glassware, supplies, and inventory in a structured manner.
• Reliability and willingness to support the broader quality control team with various operational tasks.
• Interest in developing skills in a pharmaceutical laboratory environment that includes exposure to multiple dosage forms such as solids, semi-solids, liquids, suspensions, thermal products, inhalation products, and injectables.

Work Environment

This role is based in a fast-paced generic pharmaceutical quality control laboratory in PISCATAWAY, NJ, working on a first shift schedule from approximately 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. The position requires flexibility to work occasional weekends and stay late when needed to support testing and operational demands. The Laboratory Operations Assistant will work as part of a quality control team of roughly 15–20 people in an environment that emphasizes safety, cleanliness, and adherence to established procedures. The laboratory uses a wide range of technologies and dosage forms, including solid, semi-solid, liquid, suspension, thermal, inhalation, and injectable products, offering broad exposure and a strong training program. The setting is professional, structured, and highly regulated, with a focus on accuracy, timeliness, and collaboration.

Pay

The pay range for this position is $19.00 - $19.00/hr.

Schedule

First shift schedule from approximately 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., with flexibility to work occasional weekends and stay late as needed.

Benefits

• 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)