Laboratory Assistant

UL Solutions • Newton, IA

13d

About The Position

This Laboratory Assistant is responsible for a wide range of duties that include coordinating the calibration of test equipment, purchasing supplies, shipping, logging test samples, and providing facility support necessary for efficient site and laboratory operations. The role also supports asset management, inventory control, document and record maintenance, visitor and vendor coordination, laboratory testing support, and compliance with safety and quality requirements. The Laboratory Assistant serves as a key operational resource to ensure the effective functioning of laboratory, facility, and administrative processes.

Requirements

• Higher Secondary Education.
• Effective communication skills and ability to interact with customers.
• Desire to work in a team-oriented environment.
• Ability to use Microsoft Office suite is a must, particularly Outlook, Excel, and Word.
• Effective written and verbal communication skills and the ability to interact professionally with customers, suppliers, service providers, and coworkers.
• Ability to maintain accurate records, organize multiple priorities, follow established procedures, and handle purchasing, calibration, shipping, and safety documentation.
• Ability to work independently, prioritize multiple responsibilities, and manage deadlines with minimal supervision.
• Demonstrated problem-solving skills and the ability to coordinate activities across multiple departments, vendors, and service providers.
• Ability to safely handle routine laboratory equipment, packages, supplies, and materials in accordance with site procedures.
• Possess an attention to detail.
• Must be able to lift 40 pounds unassisted.

Nice To Haves

• Experience supporting purchasing, inventory management, shipping/receiving, laboratory operations, facilities coordination, or administrative functions preferred.
• Familiarity with laboratory safety practices, personal protective equipment (PPE), and compliance requirements preferred.

Responsibilities

• Coordinates the site calibration program by generating and distributing calibration-due reports, tracking equipment status, creating work orders and shipping documentation, arranging outside or onsite calibration, reviewing returned equipment and certificates, updating asset records, recording costs, and routing equipment back to the responsible department.
• Maintains asset records and traceability documentation for calibration and laboratory equipment, including equipment locations, service history, certificates, and status updates within designated business systems.
• Coordinates purchasing activities in accordance with global sourcing and purchasing policies, including supplier verification and onboarding, purchase requisitions and purchase orders, cost allocation, blanket purchase orders, invoice tracking, receiving, payment follow-up, and year-end purchase order renewal.
• Monitors and replenishes laboratory, testing, critical consumable, shipping, office, breakroom, building, personal protective equipment, first aid, and battery supplies. Maintains required certificates, conditioning records, inventories, and other traceability documentation for critical consumables.
• Maintains records for recurring invoices and site expenses, resolves purchase order and invoice discrepancies, and supports purchasing and laboratory equipment audits by organizing required documentation.
• Coordinates shipping and receiving activities for laboratory samples, equipment, and calibration items. Reviews shipping instructions, prepares packages and packing slips, submits shipping requests, records tracking and cost information, and confirms receipt and condition of returned items.
• Builds and/or adapts basic setups and test equipment for the performance of tests. Performs tests using general laboratory equipment and provides routine care of designated test equipment and work areas.
• Follows defined test plans and data sheets. Evaluates test performance and sample operation, records observed or calculated data, and explains test results.
• Reads and interprets test results, measuring instruments, and prepares accurate, complete and concise reports to reflect significant facts. Prepares charts, graphs, and reports using spreadsheets and documents to communicate results.
• Operates designated laboratory equipment and tools as directed. Receives instructions from and reports data to engineers and other laboratory staff, while developing working knowledge of job methods, instrumentation, and systems.
• Coordinates visitor, contractor, and vendor access activities in accordance with site safety, security, and visitor management procedures.
• Self-motivated to identify tasks that need to be completed and bring them to completion.
• Communicates effectively with internal customers, suppliers, service providers, calibration vendors, and other external contacts to coordinate work and resolve routine issues.
• Participates in environmental, health, and safety (EHS) activities, inspections, corrective actions, and compliance initiatives to support a safe working environment.
• Integrates continuous improvement concepts and techniques into all aspects of the job.
• Reads and follows the Underwriters Laboratories Code of Conduct and all applicable physical and digital security practices.
• Performs other duties as directed.

Benefits

• medical
• dental
• vision
• mental and financial health
• 401K
• paid time off including vacation (15 days), holiday and personal days (totaling 12 days), and sick time off (72 hours)

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: High school or GED