Laboratory Assistant

Position Summary

We are looking for a Laboratory Assistant at 3600 Eagle Nest Dr, North Building, Crete, IL 60417 USA. Your mission will be to provide basic assistance to laboratory operations and maintain a sterile and safe work environment.

• Maintain clean laboratory by discarding waste and cleaning and sanitizing countertops, walls, floors, shelves, equipment, sinks, water baths, etc. using cleaning solvents.
• Maintain clean laboratory by properly storing chemicals, reagents and supplies. Maintain adequate stock of these materials.
• Clean and decontaminate equipment, glassware, metal instruments, sinks, water baths, tables, and test panels, using solvents, water, acetone bath, and cloth or hot‑air drier, brushes, and rags, etc.
• Prepare and use cleaning solutions according to specifications.
• Perform quality control checks such as temperature checks, balance verification or detergent residue testing as required by department leadership.
• Assist other laboratory personnel performing testing procedures as instructed by department leadership.
• Maintain equipment, supplies and instrumentation in working order to perform necessary preventative maintenance for operating departments.
• Maintain knowledge of Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS) required to complete job responsibilities.
• Support corporate quality and continuous improvement process.
• Ensure a safe working environment for laboratory.
• Participate in audits.
• Maintain inventory, rotate supplies, discard expired dry, refrigerated and frozen materials and retain as directed by department leadership.
• Complete assigned tasks under supervision of department leadership while working with team to accomplish department goals.
• Perform opening and closing duties as assigned by department leadership.
• Clean glassware and other containers and return to laboratory for use.
• Other related duties as assigned.
• At any time, the incumbent must behave and operate in an ethical and Code of Conduct compliant manner.

• High school diploma or GED; entry‑level position requires ability to follow specific instructions.
• General knowledge of Laboratory Information Management System required to enter client data; may be required to operate a motor vehicle and exhibit safe driving skills.
• Analytical skills essential to complete analysis procedures and determine concentration of microorganisms or analytes.
• Physical dexterity required for manipulating samples.
• Basic knowledge of laboratory safety procedures and practices required.
• Interpersonal skills required to effectively work within teams.

• The incumbent has occasional contact with personnel outside the immediate working unit.

• Attention to detail: ensuring cleanliness, proper storage, and accurate maintenance of laboratory equipment and supplies to uphold safety and quality standards.
• Knowledge of laboratory procedures and safety: understanding proper cleaning, decontamination, and safety protocols to maintain a safe working environment and comply with regulations.
• Organizational and time‑management skills: efficiently managing inventory, completing tasks within designated time frames, and supporting team operations smoothly.
• Maintaining a clean and safe laboratory environment: consistently ensuring cleanliness and safety protocols are followed to prevent contamination and hazards.

• The incumbent works in a laboratory with proper lighting and temperature control. Occasional exposure to laboratory fumes, chemicals, and materials will occur when in the laboratory.
• The incumbent works in a laboratory with increased temperatures near the autoclave and washer.
• The incumbent is required to wear masks, laboratory coat and insulated gloves when working with media.
• Frequent lifting of up to 50 pounds is necessary when loading and preparing samples.
• The incumbent can expect extended time spent in a standing position.
• The incumbent may spend infrequent time in a motor vehicle for sample pick‑up and delivery purposes.

Compensation: $16.50 hourly USD

• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance plans.
• Generous paid time off (PTO) package to support work‑life balance following state and local ordinances.
• Optional 401(k) plan with employer matching contributions.