Media Preparation Lab Assistant - Microbiology

Job Title

Analytical Resource Laboratories (ARL) is a third-party contract laboratory specializing in microbiological and chemical testing of food, cosmetics, and dietary supplements. ARL has been offering analytical testing services for 23 years. We are looking for a team member with experience in microbiology or closely related fields, who is highly motivated, has great desire to learn, a quick learner, competent, meticulous, tech-savvy with excellent communication and organizational skills, personable, and proactive individual who is willing to wear multiple hats and embrace a "can-do" attitude to join our laboratory.

Our team is seeking a team player who can thrive in a fast-paced and high pressured work environment to join our robust, hardworking, intelligent, responsible, adaptive, positive, accountable, and amazing team! The successful candidate has the drive to thrive in a fast-paced, high pressured work environment. This is an excellent entry-level position for ambitious individuals to gain valuable experience and grow professionally in a third-party laboratory industry.

Work Schedule:

Flexible to negotiate prior to hire, 3 days/week minimum and 30 hours/week maximum.

While working closely with a Team Lead and/or under the supervision of the Laboratory Manager, you will be responsible for the following primary duties and responsibilities:

Media Preparation & Laboratory Testing

• Prepare and validate media and consumables for microbiological testing
• Assist in processing samples and perform routine and entry-level laboratory testing, as needed
• Complete sample preparation and testing in a timely manner according to approved SOPs and correct techniques
• Perform growth promotion testing and pH testing

Sample Handling & Identification

• Classify and label samples according to established protocols

Laboratory Records & Documentation

• Maintain proper laboratory records
• Communicate testing status and issues verbally and in writing
• Report work progress and state of preparation for testing
• Document all activities and results and report back to the supervisor

Inventory & Resource Management

• Maintain adequate laboratory inventory of media, reagents, and consumables

Equipment & Instrumentation

• Demonstrate knowledge and ongoing training in maintaining analytical instruments and laboratory equipment

Quality, Compliance & Safety

• Accountable and responsible for proper laboratory practices
• Adhere to all GLP, GMP, and ISO regulations related to job duties
• Comply with all ARL workplace policies, procedures, and health and safety regulations

Laboratory Housekeeping & Waste Management

• Clean and sterilize the laboratory workspace and equipment
• Provide support for lab-specific waste management
• Maintain laboratory cleanliness at all times

Training & Professional Development

• Successfully complete all required training, including skills and proficiency testing, within required time frames
• Stay informed of industry trends, techniques, and best practices

Special Assignments

• Complete special projects as assigned

Expectations & Requirements

Education & Certification

• Minimum:
  High school diploma, and minimal laboratory experience AND currently matriculated in a university while majoring in Microbiology or a closely related field

Skills & Competencies

• Competency in industry-specific or industry-related laboratory techniques and procedures
• Clear understanding of the importance of maintaining a clean workspace by following approved procedures and laboratory regulations for testing, health, and safety.
• Good understanding of laboratory information systems and laboratory equipment
• In-depth knowledge and advanced understanding of laboratory techniques and procedures
• Knowledge of the metric system, scientific applications, experimental design, and data evaluation
• Ability to work in a GMP/GLP environment
• Strong attention to detail
• Critical and analytical thinking
• Strong work and professional ethics
• Excellent communication and a high level of emotional and social intelligence
• Commitment to building excellence and being an active contributor to a growing laboratory

Physical & Scheduling Requirements

• Able to lift 30 to 50 lbs.
• Able to converse fluently in English, verbally and in writing
• Able to complete work on time and meet changing scheduling demands, depending on sample load
• Able to work closely and cooperatively with leadership
• Available 5 days a week, including weekends as assigned by supervisor
• Available and adaptable to work weekends and evening shifts, according to testing demands (may work past midnight or early hours, according to demands)
• Able to travel for audits and training, whenever assigned
• Adherence to turnaround times and deadlines
• A clear understanding of the importance of maintaining a clean workspace by following approved procedures and laboratory regulations for testing, health, and safety

Additional Expectations

ARL seeks to employ and promote team players who exhibit leadership, adaptability, intelligence, responsibility, and a commitment to excellence. We…