Laboratory Assistant

ALS Canada Ltd.; Saskatoon; On-site; CAD 40,000 - 45,000; Full time

Job summary

A global leader in testing is seeking a Laboratory Assistant in Saskatoon to support lab functions, including sample preparation and maintaining instruments. Candidates should have a High School diploma and experience in a laboratory setting. This role emphasizes teamwork and communication within a dynamic environment.

Benefits

Comprehensive benefit package including medical and dental

Structured wage increases

Business support for education or training

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 laboratory setting is an asset.
• Experience in a fast-paced, production, and/or preparation environment is an asset.

Responsibilities

• Assist with sample preparation and routine lab maintenance.
• Manage daily sample workload and communicate with client support staff.
• Perform calibration and routine maintenance of instruments.
• Generate work lists from LIMS software and maintain laboratory records.

Skills

Excellent English communication skills

Ability to use Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook)

Accurate and efficient data entry skills

Good organizational skills

Analytical and process-oriented skills

Ability to work independently and in a team

Strong work ethic

Education

High School diploma or equivalent

Job description

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.

About the Position

The Laboratory Assistant will assist with basic laboratory functions, such as preparing client samples for analysis, performing extractions and routine lab maintenance. You will be working independently and in a team environment, with an emphasis on providing quality and efficient service to clients.

Specific Responsibilities:

Sample preparation, drying, grinding, pasting, homogenizing, subsampling, filtration, SALM digestion and extract samples of different matrices (including but not limited to soil, water, product, manure, plant, and animal tissue, etc.);

Help manage daily sample workload to meet corporate turnaround times and hold times.

Help 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:

Excellent 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

Our benefits includes

Structured wage increases.

Comprehensive benefit package specific to your work status (including extended medical, dental, and vision coverage, access to company perks, life and disability insurance, retirement plan with company match, employee assistance and wellness programs).

Additional vacation days for years of service.

Business support for education or training after 9 months with the company.

Learning & development opportunities (unlimited access to e-learnings and more).

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.

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.

About the Position

The Laboratory Assistant will assist with basic laboratory functions, such as preparing client samples for analysis, performing extractions and routine lab maintenance. You will be working independently and in a team environment, with an emphasis on providing quality and efficient service to clients.

Specific Responsibilities:

• Sample preparation, drying, grinding, pasting, homogenizing, subsampling, filtration, SALM digestion and extract samples of different matrices (including but not limited to soil, water, product, manure, plant, and animal tissue, etc.);

• Help manage daily sample workload to meet corporate turnaround times and hold times.

• Help 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:

• Excellent 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

Our benefits includes

• Structured wage increases.

• Comprehensive benefit package specific to your work status (including extended medical, dental, and vision coverage, access to company perks, life and disability insurance, retirement plan with company match, employee assistance and wellness programs).

• Additional vacation days for years of service.

• Business support for education or training after 9 months with the company.

• Learning & development opportunities (unlimited access to e-learnings and more).

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. Accommodation is available on request for candidates taking part in all aspects of the selection process.

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.

How to apply
Please apply on-line and provide a cover letter and CV that best demonstrate your motivation and ability to meet the requirements of this role.

ALS is a global leader in testing, providing comprehensive testing solutions to clients in a wide range of industries around the world.
Using advanced technologies and innovative methods, we help our clients leverage data-driven insights for a safer and healthier world.

Our people are the heart of our business, driving testing solutions and innovations to solve complex challenges and create lasting value for our clients. But most importantly, our people care – for each other and for the work we do. With over 20,000 team members across 70 countries, you’ll be part of a global network. Learn more about what makes our workplace great here.

Introduce Yourself

Didn’t see the right job for you today? We'd still love to hear from you. With a team of more than 20,000 employees across 70 countries, it takes all kinds of skills and expertise to make a company like ours thrive – and not all of them are in labs!

We’re all about people – so show us who you are and why you're passionate about working with us by submitting your resume, and we’ll keep it on file for future opportunities.

Want to know more? Check out our careers page to find out about the benefits of joining our team, and don’t forget to follow us on LinkedIn for the latest updates!