Lab Assistant

We are seeking a detail-oriented and safety-conscious Laboratory Technician to join our team on a contract basis. This role is responsible for maintaining a clean, organized, and fully functional laboratory environment. The Lab Technician will manage glassware cleaning and general lab upkeep, oversee reagent and consumable inventory and ordering, ensure adequate safety stock is maintained at all times, review and maintain laboratory logbooks, perform weekly safety and equipment inspections, and coordinate with facilities staff to resolve instrument-related issues. This is an excellent opportunity for a highly organized individual who takes pride in supporting the smooth, compliant, and efficient operation of a research or testing laboratory.

Responsibilities

Lab Cleanliness & Glassware Management

• Clean, and organize laboratory glassware per Abzena’s SOPs, equipment, and workstations according to established SOPs.
• Maintain general cleanliness and orderliness of bench tops, sinks, fume hoods, and common lab areas.
• Properly store, label, and stage clean glassware and equipment for use by lab staff.
• Dispose of laboratory waste (chemical, biological, sharps) in accordance with safety and regulatory guidelines.

Reagent & Consumable Inventory Management

• Track usage and maintain accurate, up-to-date inventory of reagents, chemicals, and consumable supplies.
• Establish and monitor minimum/maximum safety stock levels to ensure critical items never run out.
• Place, track, and follow up on purchase orders with approved vendors; manage receiving and put-away of shipments.
• Maintain organized storage of chemicals and reagents in compliance with compatibility and safety requirements.
• Monitor expiration dates and coordinate proper disposal or rotation (FIFO) of aging stock.
• Maintain relationships with vendors and assist with quotes, backorder tracking, and cost-effective purchasing.

Documentation & Compliance

• Review, audit, and maintain laboratory logbooks (equipment usage, maintenance, calibration, and chemical inventory logs) for completeness and accuracy.
• Ensure logbook entries comply with internal SOPs.
• Flag and escalate missing, incomplete, or inconsistent documentation to the Lab Manager.

Inspections & Safety

• Conduct and document weekly laboratory inspections covering safety equipment, housekeeping, storage compliance, and general lab conditions.
• Identify and report safety hazards, equipment malfunctions, or non-compliance issues promptly.
• Verify functionality of safety equipment (eyewash stations, safety showers, fire extinguishers, fume hoods) during inspections.
• Support and help enforce lab safety protocols and good laboratory practices among staff and visitors.

Instrument & Facilities Coordination

• Serve as the primary point of contact between the lab and facilities/maintenance teams for instrument or infrastructure issues.
• Log, track, and follow up on service requests (e.g., HVAC, plumbing, electrical, gas lines) affecting lab operations.
• Coordinate scheduling for instrument preventive maintenance, calibration, and repair with external vendors or internal facilities staff.
• Maintain records of service visits, warranties, and maintenance contracts for lab equipment.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent required; Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree in a scientific field preferred.
• Prior experience (3+ years) working in a laboratory, clinical, or scientific environment.
• Familiarity with laboratory safety practices, chemical handling, and waste disposal procedures.
• Strong organizational skills with high attention to detail and accuracy in documentation.
• Basic computer proficiency (inventory systems, spreadsheets, email; e.g., Microsoft Excel or Google Sheets).
• Ability to lift up to 25-40 lbs and stand for extended periods; comfortable working with chemicals and lab equipment.
• Strong communication skills and ability to work both independently and collaboratively.