Lab Assistant

Job Title:

Laboratory Assistant

Job Description

This Laboratory Assistant role focuses on receiving, preparing, preserving, and disposing of samples while maintaining accurate records and supporting laboratory operations. You will work with a variety of materials, including hazardous substances, and help ensure that all samples are handled, stored, and processed according to established procedures and safety standards. This position offers the opportunity to contribute meaningful work to the community while building a long-term career in a fast-paced laboratory environment.

Responsibilities

+ Receive, sort, and accession incoming samples to ensure they are correctly identified, labeled, and logged into the system.

+ Retain and dispose of materials for the organization and its clients in accordance with established procedures and regulatory requirements.

+ Ensure all samples are properly stored, including moving them to appropriate storage units, laboratory areas, or trucks as needed.

+ Prepare samples for testing by performing sample prep activities such as aliquoting, mixing, and organizing specimens.

+ Add correct preservatives to samples when necessary to maintain sample integrity and suitability for analysis.

+ Handle hazardous materials safely, including crude oil, refined petroleum products, refined fuels such as gasoline, diesel, fuel oil, residual oil, LPG, petrochemicals, industrial gases, and natural gas.

+ Move approximately 20-50 boxes weekly between storage units, laboratory spaces, and vehicles, ensuring safe handling and organization.

+ Dispose of samples in accordance with standard operating procedures and safety guidelines.

+ Assist other laboratory personnel with analytical activities, including basic analysis tasks, data checks, and data approval processes.

+ Perform simple calculations related to sample preparation, testing, and data verification.

+ Maintain accurate and complete records of sample retention, disposal, and related activities.

+ Follow standard operating procedures (SOPs) consistently and accurately in all aspects of sample handling and laboratory work.

+ Support daily lab operations by helping process up to 100 samples per day in a fast-paced environment.

+ Collaborate with team members to ensure efficient workflow and timely completion of laboratory tasks.

Essential Skills

+ At least 6 months of experience in a production environment.

+ High school diploma or GED equivalent.

+

Experience with data entry related to laboratory or production processes.

+ Ability to perform sample sorting, accessioning, labeling, and basic specimen collection tasks.

+ Hands-on experience with sample preparation, including organizing, handling, and prepping samples for testing.

+ Understanding of sample preservation techniques and use of appropriate preservatives.

+ Ability to handle hazardous materials such as crude oil, refined petroleum products, refined fuels, LPG, petrochemicals, industrial gases, and natural gas in a safe and compliant manner.

+ Ability to lift and move boxes weighing up to 50 pounds on a regular basis.

+ Proven ability to follow standard operating procedures (SOPs), as demonstrated by previous work experience and references.

+ Strong attention to detail for accurate labeling, recordkeeping, and data checking.

+ Comfort working in a fast-paced environment processing high sample volumes.

+ Basic math skills to perform simple calculations related to laboratory tasks.

Additional

Skills & Qualifications

+ Previous experience in a laboratory assistant or similar lab support role.

+ Familiarity with chemistry concepts and laboratory workflows.

+ Experience supporting data review and approval processes in a lab setting.

+ Ability to work effectively as part of a team and communicate clearly with coworkers.

+ Strong organizational skills for managing multiple samples, records, and tasks simultaneously.

+ Interest in building a long-term career within an industry-recognized laboratory environment.

Work Environment

This position operates in a fast-paced laboratory setting, processing up to 100 samples daily. The standard schedule is Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. You will work…