About This Role
The Laboratory Assistant supports the continuous flow of samples in the Chemistry Laboratory by ensuring a reliable supply of clean labware and performing calibration and verification of laboratory support equipment. This role is essential for maintaining high-quality testing services and contributes to the company's mission of global food health and safety.
Responsibilities
- Perform accountabilities as Laboratory Assistant as per documented methods, Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), or other laboratory procedures
- Wash and clean glassware used in the laboratory and keep work areas neat and clean to avoid cross-contamination
- Ensure sufficient supply of reusable sample storage containers that are clean and ready for use
- Coordinate and provide labware cleaning and associated equipment training for Chemists and Laboratory Assistants as necessary
- Directly train Chemists and others in various glassware and labware cleaning techniques and associated equipment
- Direct work of Chemists and others supporting glassware and labware cleaning to ensure glassware and labware is available for use in a timely manner
- Propose troubleshooting for issues with labware cleaning procedures and coordinate with supervisors on resolutions
- Perform internal calibration and verification of laboratory support equipment (pipette performance, temperature accuracy, etc.) as directed/scheduled by the Quality Assurance Unit (QAU)
- Communicate non-conformities to QAU for course of action and/or data impact assessments
- Perform training of new lab personnel on operation and best practices for pipette use and handling, when applicable
- Assist sample preparation supervisor with any activities in this area as needed and directed (such as but not limited to performing backup task for sample preparation including Brix dilution and/or grinding)
- Maintain, verify, and calibrate general laboratory equipment associated with daily work activities
- Indicate when maintenance has been performed in logbooks as needed
- Troubleshoot equipment problems and perform minor repairs; notify supervisor of issues that require external repair
- Contribute to the continuous improvement of laboratory operations by proposing and implementing changes for improving quality, reducing cost, and/or shortening process time
Requirements
- High school diploma; or equivalent combination of education and experience
- Improvement initiatives
- Learning initiatives
- Ability to handle multiple priorities and deadlines
- Problem-solving skills
- High emotional intelligence
- Good cultural awareness and communication with people who have diverse backgrounds
- Experienced user of MS Office and Adobe Acrobat
- Ability to read, analyze, and interpret technical procedures and governmental regulations
- Ability to write Standard Operating Procedures and additional laboratory documentation
- Ability to apply mathematical operations to tasks applicable to the position
- Ability to define problems, collect data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions
- Bachelor's degree (B.S.) in Biology, Chemistry, or related science from a four-year college or university; or equivalent combination of education and experience
- Experience with food and agricultural sample preparation and troubleshooting
- Knowledge of other relevant technologies and markets
- Familiar with the laboratory business environment
- Experience working in international businesses
- OJT in understanding company operating systems, including the maintenance and operation of equipment
- Ability to hear and understand instructions and handle items involving repetitive hand and wrist movement
- Ability to regularly lift and/or move items averaging 20 pounds, and occasionally up to 50 pounds
About the Company
OMIC USA, Inc. is an international analytical laboratory committed to global food health and safety through the analytical testing services it offers to clients.
