Lab Assistant

Mérieux NutriSciences•Salida, CA

23d•Onsite

About The Position

The Lab Assistant provides basic operational support to the laboratory and helps maintain a sterile, clean, and safe work environment. Duties include cleaning and decontaminating laboratory spaces, equipment, glassware, and instruments; preparing and using cleaning solutions; storing and replenishing supplies; maintaining inventory; and performing assigned quality-control checks. The assistant also supports laboratory personnel with testing procedures, maintains equipment and supplies, uses the Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS) as needed, participates in audits, and supports quality and continuous-improvement processes. Tasks are completed under department leadership and in coordination with the team. The role is based at 5262 Pirrone Ct., Salida, California, and pays $19.00–$21.00 per hour. It is full-time and eligible for benefits.

Requirements

High school diploma or GED.
Entry-level position; ability to follow specific instructions.
General knowledge of the Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS) to enter and process client data.
Analytical skills to complete analysis procedures and determine microorganism or analyte concentration.
Physical dexterity to manipulate samples.
Basic knowledge of laboratory safety procedures and practices.
Interpersonal skills to work effectively within teams.
Ability to wear masks, a laboratory coat, and insulated gloves when working with media.
Ability to frequently lift up to 50 pounds and spend extended time standing.
If required to operate a company vehicle, ability to operate a motor vehicle safely.

Responsibilities

Clean laboratory areas and discard waste; sanitize countertops, walls, floors, shelves, equipment, sinks, and water baths using appropriate cleaning solvents.
Properly store chemicals, reagents, and supplies and maintain adequate stock.
Clean and decontaminate equipment, glassware, metal instruments, sinks, water baths, tables, and test panels using specified methods and materials.
Prepare and use cleaning solutions according to specifications.
Perform required quality-control checks, such as temperature checks, balance verification, or detergent residue testing.
Assist laboratory personnel with testing procedures as instructed by department leadership.
Maintain equipment, supplies, and instrumentation in working order and perform necessary preventative maintenance for operating departments.
Maintain the knowledge of LIMS needed to complete job responsibilities and process client data.
Support corporate quality and continuous-improvement processes and participate in audits.
Help ensure a safe laboratory work environment.
Maintain and rotate inventory; discard expired dry, refrigerated, and frozen materials and retain materials as directed.
Complete assigned tasks under supervision while working with the team toward department goals.
Perform assigned opening and closing duties.
Clean glassware and other containers and return them to the laboratory for use.
Perform other related duties as assigned and act ethically in compliance with the Code of Conduct.
Potentially operate a company vehicle for sample pickup and delivery, using safe driving practices.