Lab Assistant
About The Position
The Lab Assistant works within the Media Department, preparing, sterilizing, and organizing media and reagents used for analytical and microbiological testing of food products, ingredients, and environmental samples. The role helps ensure accurate, sterile materials are available for testing while maintaining laboratory safety and compliance standards. The position requires following established procedures, customer requirements, and the media operations manual; maintaining equipment, supplies, laboratory conditions, quality assurance programs, and accurate records; and supporting effective collaboration across departments. The role also involves opening and closing procedures, required training, and adherence to safety and quality programs. Overnight travel may be required at management’s discretion.
Requirements
- High school diploma or GED.
- Familiarity with aseptic sampling techniques.
- Basic knowledge of testing laboratory practices and general laboratory procedures.
- Strong organizational skills and ability to complete detailed manual tasks.
- Ability to work under deadlines, manage interruptions, and multitask effectively.
- Logical thinking and accuracy in task completion.
- Basic math skills, including arithmetic and working with fractions and decimals.
- Ability to follow written and oral instructions and solve problems within standardized situations.
- Flexible schedule availability.
- Ability to lift and/or move up to 25 pounds.
- Ability to wear appropriate protective clothing and equipment.
Nice To Haves
- Experience operating autoclaves and sterile dispensing equipment.
- One or more years of experience in a commercial food-testing laboratory.
- Competency with Laboratory Information Management Systems (LIMS).
- Working knowledge of ISO 17025 quality procedures and general OSHA laboratory safety guidelines.
- Equivalent combinations of education and experience may be considered.
Responsibilities
- Prepare and maintain bacteriological media and chemical solutions.
- Operate an autoclave safely 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 neatly, safely, hygienically, and efficiently; maintain departmental cleanliness and equipment.
- Follow established processes, procedures, and techniques in accordance with FSNS policies and procedures, customer requirements, and the media operations manual.
- Maintain laboratory conditions, equipment, supplies, quality assurance programs, and accurate records throughout procedures.
- Share information openly and promptly to support team collaboration.
- Complete required training and comply with safety and quality programs.
- Perform opening and closing procedures in the media laboratory.
- Support workplace safety for self and others and work collaboratively as part of a team.
Stand Out From the Crowd
Upload your resume and get instant feedback on how well it matches this job.
What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Entry Level
Education Level
High school or GED
