Lab Assistant

Aviagen•Crossville, TN

About The Position

The Laboratory Assistant supports daily laboratory operations by performing routine testing, preparing equipment and supplies, processing samples, and maintaining accurate laboratory records. The position assists with bacteriology testing, laboratory quality procedures, and general laboratory housekeeping while following company policies and ISO 17025 quality standards. The Laboratory Assistant reports directly to the Laboratory Manager. The role includes assisting with routine testing, setting up bacterial cultures, helping identify organisms, preparing media and reagents, processing samples, and entering data and test results into the laboratory information system. The assistant also cleans and prepares equipment, operates autoclaves, helps track supplies, and supports quality documentation and improvement activities. The position requires following laboratory procedures and safety requirements, maintaining a clean and organized work environment, and participating in weekend rotation schedules as assigned. Physical requirements include standing and walking for extended periods, frequently lifting and carrying materials up to 20 pounds, performing repetitive hand movements, and bending, kneeling, squatting, and reaching. Required PPE includes gloves, eye protection, a laboratory coat, and safety footwear.

Requirements

High School Diploma or GED required.
Valid driver's license required.
Basic computer skills, including Microsoft Word and Excel.
Strong attention to detail.
Good organizational and time management skills.
Ability to accurately follow written procedures and instructions.
Effective verbal and written communication skills.
Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
Willingness to learn new laboratory techniques and procedures.
Ability to prioritize work and complete tasks efficiently.
Self-motivated with a strong work ethic.
Ability to stand and walk for extended periods.
Frequently lift and carry materials weighing up to 20 pounds.
Ability to perform repetitive hand movements and laboratory tasks.
Ability to bend, kneel, squat, and reach as required.
Wear required PPE, including gloves, eye protection, laboratory coat, and safety footwear.

Nice To Haves

Associate degree in Biology, Microbiology, Animal Science, Veterinary Technology, or a related field.
Previous laboratory experience.

Responsibilities

Assist with routine laboratory testing as directed by the Laboratory Manager.
Set up bacterial cultures and assist with identification of organisms.
Prepare laboratory media, reagents, and supplies.
Process laboratory samples accurately and efficiently.
Enter laboratory data and test results into the laboratory information system.
Maintain accurate laboratory records and documentation.
Wash, disinfect, and prepare equipment used by laboratory personnel.
Clean laboratory glassware and equipment.
Operate autoclaves to sterilize materials and supplies.
Maintain laboratory cleanliness and organization.
Assist with inventory of laboratory supplies and notify the supervisor when supplies need to be reordered.
Follow laboratory Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and work instructions.
Assist in maintaining compliance with ISO 17025 quality standards by following established procedures.
Report equipment issues, testing concerns, or unusual results to the Laboratory Manager.
Help maintain accurate documentation required for laboratory quality records.
Participate in quality improvement activities as assigned.
Learn new laboratory procedures as they are introduced.
Participate in weekend rotation schedules as assigned.
Maintain a safe, clean, and organized work environment.
Follow company policies regarding biosecurity, animal welfare, laboratory safety, and PPE requirements.
Perform other duties as assigned by Laboratory Management.