Associate Lab Technician

Associate Laboratory Technician The Associate Laboratory Technician plays a critical role in maintaining the daily operations of the laboratory. This position ensures that lab spaces are clean, organized, and fully stocked with necessary materials and that equipment is properly maintained and ready for use. The technician supports scientists by preparing materials, managing inventory, and assisting with basic technical tasks.

Job Responsibilities:

• Communicate clearly and professionally with customers, both verbally and in writing.
• Collaborate with team members to complete routine tasks that ensure lab and equipment readiness.
• Monitor and replenish laboratory supplies, reagents, and consumables.
• Prepare and set up equipment and materials for experiments or instructional labs.
• Clean and sterilize glassware, instruments, and workspaces.
• Perform routine maintenance and calibration of laboratory equipment.
• Receive, label, and store incoming materials.
• Maintain accurate inventory records and report low stock or equipment issues.
• Ensure compliance with lab safety protocols and assist with safety inspections.
• Dispose of chemical and biological waste in accordance with regulations.
• Provide basic troubleshooting support and guidance on equipment use.
• Escalate issues promptly to supervisors.
• Support team goals and contribute to a collaborative work environment.
• Escort and coordinate with vendors visiting lab areas.
• Follow documented Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for lab tasks.
• Assist with service work orders and coordinate maintenance and service events with scientists and key personnel.
• Support communication efforts, including posting signs and forwarding relevant emails.

Basic Qualifications:

• High School Diploma or equivalent.
• 1–2 years' experience in a customer-facing role.

Skills:

• Takes ownership of tasks and drives them to completion.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills with a customer-first mindset.
• Strong attention to detail required.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to follow oral and written instructions accurately.
• Intermediate proficiency in Microsoft Office (Outlook, PowerPoint, Word, Excel).

Preferred but Not Required:

• 2+ years of experience in a scientific or laboratory environment.
• Basic understanding of GLP/GxP and experience in a compliance-driven environment.
• Familiarity with 5S principles (Sort, Set in Order, Shine, Standardize, Sustain).
• Knowledge of chemical handling and safety practices.
• Basic understanding of Occupational Health and Safety standards.
• Ability to read and interpret chemical labels and safety signage.
• Familiarity with Good Documentation Practices (GDP).
• Associate degree or professional certification in a relevant field (e.g., Project Management, Six Sigma, Business Administration, Supply Chain).

Working Environment:

• Must be able to work in a laboratory or controlled environment requiring personal protective equipment (e.g., lab coat, safety glasses, etc.).
• Job pace may be fast and job completion demands may be high.
• Must be able to remain in a stationary position more than 25% of the time.
• Occasionally moves between labs, corridors, adjoining rooms, and buildings onsite.
• Frequently operates instruments, objects, tools, or controls, requiring regular bending, squatting, stretching, and reaching to perform service functions.
• Occasionally moves or lifts up to 25 pounds (with potential for occasional lifting of up to 50 pounds).
• May be required to handle hazardous waste according to local, state, and federal regulations.
• Duties may include identifying, handling, generating, accumulating, storing, and labeling hazardous waste.
• Potential risk from lab-based hazards, including but not limited to extreme temperature, biological materials, and hazardous chemicals.
• May be required to complete Medical Clearance, Respiratory Protection Training, and Fit Testing to wear a respirator as protection against hazards present in the laboratory environment.