Microbiology Lab Assistant

Idexx • Elmhurst, IL

2d • $23 • Onsite

About The Position

As a Laboratory Assistant in the Microbiology department at IDEXX, you will be assisting with some of the many tasks vital to the running of our network of Reference Labs. We receive thousands of clinical samples (blood, urine, fecal samples) every day from Veterinary Clinics, and we run tests on those samples to help veterinarians identify what might be wrong with someone's pet. In this role, you will be helping to sort, tag, and prepare veterinary samples for testing. Every sample you help to move along quickly and accurately in the process means we are one step closer to finding out how or why the pet might be sick. Thanks to you, someone's very beloved pet will get the treatment plan they need - how great is that? This is a full-time position with excellent day-one benefits. Want to see what it is like to work in our lab? Check out these videos from our lab employees talking about working at IDEXX: https://vimeo.com/idexxcareers IDEXX Reference Laboratories are a global network united by a shared commitment to enhancing pet care where the true strength in our name is the people behind it. Our reference laboratories make it possible for our customers to discover more with our unrelenting commitment to innovation, personalized support, guidance, and expertise, while providing the most complete and advanced menu of diagnostic tests along with technology and tools.

Requirements

• Able and willing to work 40 hours / week.
• Reliable – attendance is an essential function of the position.
• Work or academic experience in a science or laboratory setting.
• Possess a High School diploma or equivalent combination of education and experience is required.
• A willingness to work with and around veterinary samples, including blood, urine, fecal and biopsies.
• Excited to work in a fast-paced, high volume busy work environment.
• Able to sit or stand for long periods of time; you do not mind being on your feet and moving throughout the night as needed.
• Can read and interpret documents such as safety rules, standard operating procedures (SOPs), material safety data sheets (MSDSs), operating and maintenance instructions, government rules, and technical procedures.
• Must have a demonstrated ability to prioritize and multi-task.
• Possess strong initiative and follow through with outstanding attention to detail.
• Able to work independently and as a team contributor.
• Able to meet the physical requirements that go with working in a lab – standing and sitting for extended periods of time, use of hands, fingers, and arms to handle tools and controls, occasional need to climb, balance, stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl, lift up to 25lb, and specific vision ability – close, color, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus.
• Potential exposure to biohazards, agents known to cause zoonotic diseases, and hazardous chemicals.

Nice To Haves

• A 2-, 3- or 4-year degree in Microbiology is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Receive, prepare, and accession veterinary samples (blood, urine, and feces) for laboratory analysis and testing in our Microbiology Department.
• Process clinical samples for the identification of bacteria and fungi using automated and manual methods.
• Plant microbiological samples on agar plates.
• Restock supplies
• Load analyzers with samples.
• Assist with inventory counts.

Benefits

• Hourly rates targeting: $22.75/hr
• Opportunity for annual cash bonus
• Health / Dental / Vision Benefits Day - One
• 5% matching 401k
• On the job training and career advancement opportunities (experience NOT required)
• Additional benefits including but not limited to financial support, pet insurance, mental health resources, volunteer paid days off, employee stock program, foundation donation matching, and much more!

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: High school or GED
• Number of Employees: 5,001-10,000 employees