Materials Lab Assistant

Gates Corporation • Rochester Hills, MI

3d • $25 - $29

About The Position

This is an entry-level position focused on daily sample preparation in support of data collection and analysis. The Materials Lab Assistant maintains laboratory equipment and supplies in a state of readiness and completes regular daily, weekly, and monthly tasks. These tasks include maintaining and ordering general supplies, identifying alternative suppliers to improve cost or performance, and keeping the lab organized and clean. The role is responsible for safe operation of instruments, equipment, and procedures within the ACML. The position reports to the manager of ACML and takes direction from all ACML personnel.

Requirements

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• High school coursework must include basic chemistry, physics, and Algebra 2, with a grade of B or better.
• Understanding of laboratory best practices for safety.
• Ability to learn sample preparation equipment and techniques, including wet saws, hot presses, polishers, and various cutters.
• Ability to learn safe chemical handling and disposal.
• Ability to learn sample-preparation equipment maintenance and develop new methods to meet internal and external customer needs.
• Strong verbal and interpersonal communication skills to communicate with highly skilled and advanced-degreed personnel.
• Ability to apply testing and measurement concepts in support of sample preparation duties.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and ability to learn other programs, including ERP systems such as Oracle.

Nice To Haves

• Associate degree in chemistry or another science field.
• Mechanical experience or inclination.
• Ability to learn the fundamentals of polymers or rubber, metallurgical sciences, and other material sciences.
• Ability to develop broad knowledge of the practical application of technologies available in the lab and other relevant analytical technologies.

Responsibilities

• Prepare samples and perform day-to-day laboratory operations, maintaining the lab in a state of readiness.
• Support maintenance, repair, and scheduling of laboratory equipment to optimize efficiency and uptime.
• Maintain, order, and help source general supplies, including identifying alternative suppliers to improve cost or performance.
• Maintain the organization and cleanliness of the lab.
• Operate instruments, equipment, and procedures safely.
• Complete regular daily, weekly, and monthly tasks in support of the lab.
• Participate in planning and completing activities, queues, and priorities in a team environment.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance, plus other voluntary benefit options.
• Three weeks of paid vacation, accrued, plus 11 holidays (9 scheduled and 2 floating) and 8 sick days.
• 401(k) with a 3% company contribution and an additional 3% company match.
• Tuition reimbursement.

What This Job Offers

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