Job Description
Job Description Summary
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.
Critical 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)
Basic Qualifications:
* High School Diploma or equivalent
* 1–2 years’ experience in a customer-facing role
Preferred Qualifications:
* 2+ years of experience in a scientific or laboratory environment
* Associate degree or professional certification in a relevant field (e.g., Project Management, Six Sigma, Business Administration, Supply Chain)
* 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)
Working Environment:
* Must be able to work in a laboratory, controlled environments requiring personal protective equipment (e.g., lab coat, safety glasses, etc.) in laboratory settings.
* 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.
* The person needs to occasionally move between labs, corridors, adjoining rooms, and buildings onsite. Frequent operation of instruments, objects, tools, or controls may require bending, squatting, stretching, and reaching.
* Occasionally move or lift up to 25 pounds (with potential for occasional lifting of up to 50 pounds).
* Specific vision abilities required include the ability to observe details at close range, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.
* Occasionally operates a computer and other office machinery, such as a calculator, copy machine, and printer.
* Employee may be required to handle hazardous waste according to local, state, and federal regulations, including identifying, handling, generating, accumulating, storing, and labeling hazardous waste.
* Potential risk of exposure to lab-based hazards including extreme temperatures, 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.