Laboratory Assistant

Laboratory Assistant

Elemental Enzymes is seeking a Laboratory Assistant to join a multidisciplinary operations team focused on supporting research scientists and technicians. Applicants should be pursuing a Bachelor of Science degree in biology, biochemistry, chemistry, or a closely related major. Students who have completed at least their sophomore year are preferred.

Beginning Early‑August with a potential opportunity to extend into Fall of 2026.

• Prepare reagents and growth media plates while maintaining aseptic technique.
• Perform routine maintenance, calibration, and quality control of laboratory instruments.
• Operate an autoclave to sterilize labware and media.
• Follow standard operating procedures and laboratory protocols.
• Adhere to laboratory safety guidelines and maintain a safe working environment.
• Conduct research within operations to assist with the optimization of laboratory procedures.
• Learn and utilize general laboratory techniques such as using an electronic laboratory notebook (ELN) system.
• Shadow researchers performing various laboratory techniques and processes (e.g. fermentation, enzyme assays, HPLC).
• Additional responsibilities may be added at the discretion of management.

• Enrollment in a biology, biochemistry, chemistry, or related degree program.
• Understanding of basic biology concepts and methods.
• Understanding of general chemistry concepts and methods.
• Excellent communication and organizational skills.
• Proven ability to budget time and manage day‑to‑day research project work, laboratory duties, and other assigned tasks.
• Experience in a non‑classroom laboratory setting and knowledge of common wet‑lab equipment (e.g., autoclave, pipettes, centrifuge, spectrophotometer) is preferred, but not required.
• Eagerness to develop, learn, and adopt new methods.

• Extending:
  Extend self in a direction to complete a task.
• Stationary Position:
  Remaining in one position for sustained periods of time.
• Moving:
  Moving to accomplish tasks, particularly for long distances or moving from one work site to another.
• Fine Motor
  
  Skills:
  
  Using fingers for tasks such as typing, picking, or pinching, rather than full hand movements.
• Transporting:
  Moving objects from a lower to a higher position or moving objects horizontally from position‑to‑position. Objects can be up to 45 pounds in weight.
• Manual Handling:
  Gripping, grasping, or applying pressure to objects using fingers and palms.
• Operating:
  Using tools and equipment including a work computer and other office devices such as printers, calculators, etc.
• Repetitive motion:
  Engaging in recurring movements of the wrists, hands, or fingers, such as typing, assembling components, or pipetting.
• Medium Work:
  Exerting up to 50 pounds of force occasionally, up to 30 pounds of force frequently, and/or up to 10 pounds of force constantly to move objects.

• Sensory Touch:
  Assessing the size, shape, texture, or temperature of objects by touch, particularly with fingertips.
• Communicating:
  Expressing or exchanging ideas by spoken word, including providing detailed or critical instructions clearly, quickly, and accurately. Perceiving sound details at normal speaking levels. Alternative methods of communication can be utilized as necessary.
• Personal Protective Equipment (PPE):
  The worker is required to wear appropriate PPE as necessary for their role, including but not limited to gloves, safety eyewear, lab coats, hearing protections, and/or respiratory protection depending on the work environment and exposure risks.
• Environmental Exposure:
  Those in this position must be able to work in Biosafety Level 2 Laboratory where there may be exposure to biological organisms. Individuals with immuno‑compromised systems may be at increased risk in these environments.

St. Louis, MO, United States

Intern/Temporary/Hourly/Non‑Exempt

$16/hour

This position will require approximately 15‑20 hours per week.

Elemental Enzymes was founded upon the simple belief that we must do everything we can to improve agricultural performance in a way that not only enables plants to flourish but enriches and renews the planet with eco‑friendly and sustainable agricultural solutions. From products that enable effective enzyme, peptide and protein inputs to foliar treatments that hold the promise to renew entire industries, our focus is to make a positive difference in the world through people – like you and me.

Success is a byproduct of responsible production. That’s why Elemental Enzymes works to bring cross‑disciplinary scientists and processes together to create novel solutions to practical problems with a shared goal of helping both the plant and the planet.