Evening Microbiology Lab Assistant - 40 hrs/wk

RWJBarnabas Health; New Brunswick (NJ); On-site; USD 29,000 - 36,000; Full time

Job summary

RWJBarnabas Health's Microbiology Lab is hiring a Lab Assistant. You will receive, accession, and prepare microbiology specimens for testing, support technologists, and help maintain clean, safe work areas in accordance with biosafety guidelines.

Evening shift, full-time, 40 hours per week with every other weekend and rotating holidays. Strong attention to detail, basic LIS and Microsoft Office proficiency, and a high school diploma are required to support reliable workflow and quality assurance.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• Proficiency in LIS and Microsoft Office essential.
• Scheduling Requirements: Full-Time (FT), Evening Shift, 40 hours per week (3:00 PM - 11:30 PM).
• Every other weekend and rotating holidays are required.

Responsibilities

• Receive, verify, and accession microbiology specimens in the LIS promptly upon arrival.
• Assess specimen integrity and appropriateness for microbiological testing and alert appropriate personnel to discrepancies.
• Perform initial specimen processing tasks such as labeling, centrifuging, aliquoting, and preparing media plates under strict biosafety guidelines.
• Inoculate culture media as instructed by lab protocols or designated personnel.
• Maintain accurate specimen logs and chain-of-custody records to support timely testing and workflow efficiency.
• Prepare and deliver specimens to testing benches or departments.
• Maintain a clean, organized, and safe work environment by routine cleaning and disinfection.
• Adhere to infection control and biosafety standards, including PPE and biosafety cabinets.
• Assist in maintaining lab inventory by restocking supplies and preparing media or reagents.
• Communicate effectively with lab staff, couriers, and other departments to resolve specimen-related issues.
• Participate in training, competency assessments, and quality assurance initiatives with proper documentation.

Skills

Attention to detail

Communication skills

Organizational skills

Adaptability

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Tools

Laboratory Information System (LIS)

Microsoft Office

Job description

RWJBarnabas Health's Microbiology Lab is hiring a Lab Assistant. You will receive, accession, and prepare microbiology specimens for testing, support technologists, and help maintain clean, safe work areas in accordance with biosafety guidelines.

Evening shift, full-time, 40 hours per week with every other weekend and rotating holidays. Strong attention to detail, basic LIS and Microsoft Office proficiency, and a high school diploma are required to support reliable workflow and quality assurance.