Laboratory Assistant

Commonwealth of Pennsylvania • Dauphin County, PA

6d • Hybrid

About The Position

Are you looking for an opportunity to gain valuable knowledge and experience working in a scientific environment? Become a Laboratory Assistant for the Department of Agriculture, and take this opportunity to learn hands-on laboratory skills while supporting important animal health work. The work you will do helps keep testing operations running smoothly and provides a direct way to support agricultural communities. Every day brings new tasks that build confidence and practical experience. Join the Department of Agriculture and help protect the health and safety of your fellow Pennsylvanians!

Requirements

• The candidate selected for this position will be required to be vaccinated against rabies prior to the start of employment and maintain a current rabies vaccination throughout the duration of employment.
• You must be able to perform essential job functions.

Nice To Haves

• Experience working in a laboratory setting
• Experience working with animals, especially livestock/agricultural species
• Knowledge of agricultural species/agriculture in any capacity
• Ability to work with animal carcasses, fresh and autolyzed tissues, and bodily fluids including blood, gastrointestinal content, fecal material, and inflammatory byproducts
• Experience working with mechanized tools

Responsibilities

• Support the daily operations of the Pathology and Histology groups by helping receive animals and specimens, preparing materials, and assisting with sample processing.
• Specimen Intake: Interview submitters, obtain information, review paperwork, and prepare materials for processing.
• Sample Preparation: Prepare carcasses and specimens for evaluation and collect tissues as directed.
• Material Processing: Package, label, store, and distribute specimens, as well as entering and maintaining accurate data.
• Sanitation Tasks: Clean and maintain laboratory areas, tools, instruments, and equipment.
• Waste Handling: Assist with proper disposal of carcasses, chemicals, sharps, and other waste materials.
• Quality Support: Follow standard operating procedures (SOPs), document work, and maintain records related to quality assurance.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: No Education Listed