Lab Assistant

TalentBurst; Portsmouth; On-site; GBP 11,000 - 16,000; Full time

Job summary

TalentBurst is seeking a Lab Assistant to support seasonal production in Salisbury, MD. You will assist with horseshoe crab blood collection and processing per SOPs, set up and clean the area, aseptically handle samples, and tag crabs for US Fish & Wildlife.

Preferred candidates have 1–2 years in a production setting or a HS diploma, with strong organizational, time management, and communication skills, and the ability to follow procedures.

Qualifications

• 1-2 years experience in a production environment desirable or HS diploma.
• Able to follow written procedures and carry out those procedures to completion.
• Strong organization and time management skills; excellent attendance.
• Written and oral communication skills.
• Teamwork – willing to work closely with others to meet departmental objectives.
• Math skills and basic computer skills.

Responsibilities

• Assist with the horseshoe crab blood collection process per SOPs; set up, prepare collection area, clean and disinfect area at day end.
• Assist in crab blood processing per SOPs; centrifuging, pipetting, sonication, solution prep, cleaning.
• Aseptically handle collection bottles in/out of biosafety cabinets.
• Complete required paperwork entries per SOPs.
• Clean and maintain production equipment.
• Tag crabs with USFWS tags.

Skills

Follow SOPs

Organization skills

Time management

Written & verbal communication

Teamwork

Math skills

Computer skills

Production experience

Education

HS diploma

Job description

Title: Lab Assistant

Location: Salisbury MD 21801

Duration: 4 months

Description:

Seasonal positions in Salisbury, MD to support the Limulus Amebocyte Lysate production operation in Salisbury, MD and tag horseshoe crabs for US Fish & Wildlife. Must commit to working for 6 months (JuneNovember 2026).

Primary Role Responsibilities

• 1. Assist with the horseshoe crab blood collection process per approved SOP's; Includes setting-up and preparing the collection area, cleaning and preparing crabs, aseptically collecting blood, and cleaning and disinfecting the area at the end of the day.
• 2. Assist in crab blood processing per approved SOP's; Includes all Processing lab assignments – centrifuging, pipetting, sonication, solution preparation, and cleaning and disinfecting the area at the end of the day.
• 3. Aseptically handle filled and unfilled collection bottles in and out of bio-safety cabinets (hoods).
• 4. Timely and accurate completion of all required paperwork entries per SOP's.
• 5. Clean and maintain production equipment.
• 6. Tag crabs with US Fish & Wildlife tags.

Skill and/or Education Requirements

• 1. 1-2 years experience in a production environment is desirable or HS diploma.
• 2. Able to follow written procedures and carry out those procedures to completeness.
• 3. Organization skills, time management skills, excellent attendance.
• 4. Written and oral communication skills.
• 5. Team work - willing to work closely with others to meet departmental objectives.
• 6. Math skills and computer skills.

Working Conditions

• 1. Working conditions vary from laboratory environment to crab holding areas.
• 2. Some overtime work will be required.
• 3. May require long periods of standing, heavy lifting, (up to 50 lbs), repetitive motions and chemical hazards.
• 4. Daily cleaning with strong disinfectant solutions is required. Persons with sensitivity or allergies to cleaning and disinfecting solutions should not apply.

TalentBurst is an equal opportunity employer committed to an inclusive and diverse workforce.