Laboratory Assistant

ALS; Saskatoon; On-site; CAD 40,000 - 55,000; Full time

Job summary

ALS in Saskatoon seeks a Laboratory Assistant to oversee routine and non-routine sample preparation for client samples and to manage the extraction area’s day-to-day operations.

You will supervise staff and equipment, ensure quality controls, maintain records, and adhere to strict safety policies while meeting turnaround times and holds. Strong organizational and data-entry skills are essential for success in this role.

Qualifications

• High School diploma or equivalent (required).
• Experience in chemicals or laboratory setting (required).
• Experience in fast-paced production/preparation environment (asset).

Responsibilities

• Oversee routine and non-routine sample preparation of client samples.
• Manage daily sample workload to meet turnaround times and hold times.
• Supervise staff, equipment and resources to maximize production, quality and efficiency.
• Generate work lists from LIMS software and maintain records.
• Ensure QA/QC procedures and training records are up to date.
• Maintain safety compliance and proper use of laboratory materials.

Skills

Microsoft Office

LIMS software

Data entry

Analytical thinking

Team supervision

Safety compliance

Detail oriented

Education

High School diploma or equivalent

Science knowledge from HS courses

Tools

LIMS software

Microsoft Office

Job description

At ALS, we encourage you to dream big.

When you join us, you’ll be part of a global team harnessing the power of scientific testing and data-driven insights to build a healthier future.

General Accountability:

The Laboratory Assistant will oversee the routine and non-routine sample preparation of client’s samples. This role is responsible for the day to day operations of the extraction area.

Specific Responsibilities:

• Sample preparation, drying, grinding, pasting, homogenizing, subsampling, filtration, SALM digestion, TCLP extracts and other extracts samples of different matrices (including but not limited to soil, water, product, manure, plant, and animal tissue, etc.);
• Manage daily sample workload to meet corporate turnaround times and hold times.
• Manage staff, equipment and other resources to maximize production, quality and efficiency;
• Communicate any sample integrity or potential turnaround time issues to client support staff.
• Responsible for the calibration, routine maintenance, troubleshooting and/or repairs of basic instruments;
• Generate work lists from LIMS software;
• Monitor and restock laboratory consumables/chemicals;
• Monitor controlled equipment;
• General laboratory clean-up and maintenance;
• Perform all required record-keeping & documentation;
• Maintain a reserve inventory of standard materials, reagents and supplies so that the processing of the anticipated sample workload is not put at risk.
• Ensure that all junior staff are trained as per ALS policies and they adhere to strict QA/QC policies. Maintain current training records for all employees working under your supervision.
• Perform all required quality control procedures; including perform peer review of data bundles, rechecks and investigating CARs;
• Use correct methods in accordance with the established standard procedures (SOP) while ensuring analytical quality; if significant deviations form procedures are required. Ensure that approval from the appropriate manager, supervisor or team lead has been obtained. Update SOP as required.
• Observe established safety regulations and comply with all ALS health and safety policies and procedures.
• Other duties as assigned.

Required Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:

• Intermediate English communication skills (auditory, verbal, written and reading)
• Ability to use Microsoft Office (Word, Excel and Outlook);
• Accurate and efficient data entry skills;
• Capability to perform repetitive tasks correctly in a fast-paced environment;
• Good organizational skills with the ability to meet strict deadlines such as turnaround times (TAT) and holding requirements;
• Analytical and process oriented skill with the ability to critically think in ambiguous situations;
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team;
• A strong work ethic and willingness to take on varied tasks as required;
• Highly motivated, detail oriented, a commitment to excellence and a client-focused attitude.

Required Qualifications:

• Completion of High School diploma or equivalent (required);
• Previous experience working with chemicals or in a laboratory setting (required).
• Knowledge from high school science courses and/or basic laboratory setting (asset)
• Some previous experience working in a fast-paced, production, and/or preparation environment (asset);

Physical Demands:

• Able to stand or sit for a full shift.
• Able to lift 50 lbs. and carry for short distances
• Able to climb stairs
• Manual dexterity to perform intricate and/or repetitive tasks

Please note: Benefits vary based on employee status.

Working at ALS

The ALS team is a diverse and dedicated community united by our passion to make a difference in the world.

Our values are important to us, and shape how we work, how we treat each other and how we recognise excellence.

At ALS, you’ll be supported to develop new skills and reach your full potential. We invest in our people with programs and opportunities that help you build a diverse career with us.

We want everyone to have a safe, flexible and rewarding career that makes a positive impact on our people, the planet and our communities.

Everyone Matters

ALS is proud to be an equal opportunity employer and is committed to fostering an inclusive work environment where the strengths and perspectives of each employee are both recognised and valued.

Qualified candidates will be considered without regard to race, colour, religion, national origin, military or veteran status, gender, age, disabilities, sexual orientation, gender identity, pregnancy and pregnancy-related conditions, genetic information and any other characteristics protected by the law. We invite resumes from all interested parties, including women, First Nations, Metis and Inuit persons, members of minority groups, and persons living with disabilities.

ALS also welcomes applications from people with all levels of ability. Reasonable adjustments to support candidates throughout the recruitment process are available upon request.

Eligibility

To be eligible to work at ALS you must be a Citizen or Permanent Resident of the country you are applying for, or either hold or be able to obtain, a valid working visa.