Lab Assistant

Zoetis Inc; Louisville (KY); On-site; USD 34,000 - 46,000; Full time

Job summary

Zoetis Inc. is seeking a Lab Assistant (Core Lab) to support Reference Lab operations by receiving, accessioning, labeling, and preparing specimens for testing while ensuring SOP, quality, and safety adherence.

The role includes accurate data entry in LIMS and proper handling, storage, and shipment of specimens. Responsibilities include logkeeping, inventory support, and coordination with couriers and departments.

Qualifications

• Lab experience or medical lab assistant/phlebotomy background preferred.
• Comfortable with PPE, biohazard handling, and detailed documentation.

Responsibilities

• Specimen receiving & accessioning per SOP.
• Log and route specimens in LIS; verify identifiers.
• Perform waived/CLIA-waived tasks as trained and documented.
• Maintain clean, organized work areas and logs for compliance.
• Support inventory and safety readiness activities.

Skills

Lab experience

Data entry

PPE & biosafety

English fluency

Windows proficiency

Education

High School Diploma or equivalent

Tools

LIMS

Microsoft Office

Job description

The Lab Assistant (Core Lab) supports Reference Lab operations by receiving, accessioning, labeling, and preparing biological specimens for testing while ensuring adherence to standard operating procedures, quality requirements, and safety protocols. This role is responsible for timely unpacking, verification, and routing of specimens to appropriate laboratory departments, accurate data entry into the Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS), and appropriate handling, storage, and/or shipment of specimens. The position maintains clean, organized work areas and completes required logs and documentation to support compliance and traceability. The role also supports inventory activities, secondary equipment operation, and other lab operations tasks as assigned, executing responsibilities with minimal to no oversight.

Job Duties

• Specimen receiving & accessioning
• Verify patient/specimen identifiers, labeling, and test orders
• Log/accession specimens in the LIS; route specimens appropriately
• Assess specimen acceptability and document issues per policy
• Specimen processing & preparation
• Aliquot, concentrate, and preserve specimens per SOP (as applicable)
• Prepare slides (wet mounts, stained smears as trained/authorized)
• Set up kits/reagents and prepare materials for technologists
• Testing support (within scope)
• Assist with non-waived testing steps only as permitted by training/licensure
• Perform waived/CLIA-waived tasks if authorized and competency-documented
• Communicate urgent workflow needs to the technologist/supervisor
• Quality & documentation
• Complete temperature logs (refrigerators/freezers/incubators as assigned)
• Maintain lot-to-lot, expiration checks, reagent labeling, and QC records as assigned
• Follow Good Documentation Practices and correct recordkeeping
• Equipment & area maintenance
• Clean/disinfected benches and shared equipment per schedule
• Perform basic maintenance checks (centrifuges, microscopes, hoods-per SOP)
• Report malfunctions; coordinate service requests as directed
• Inventory & supplies
• Stock and rotate supplies (FIFO), track par levels, and submit reorders
• Maintain collection kits/transport media and ensure proper storage conditions
• Safety, compliance, and waste
• Follow PPE and biosafety practices; manage biohazard/sharps disposal
• Support CAP/CLIA/OSHA readiness: organization, labeling, and audit support
• Participate in incident reporting (spills, exposures, nonconformances)
• Coordinate with couriers/phlebotomy/clinics for specimen issues
• Answer basic status questions and route clinical questions appropriately
• Support training of new staff on workflow and safety basics

Common Qualifications (often expected)

• Lab experience or medical lab assistant/phlebotomy background preferred
• Comfortable with PPE, biohazard handling, and detailed documentation

Education/Experience

• Minimum Education Requirement: High School Diploma or equivalent
• 1+ years in a clinical laboratory setting preferred
• 1-2 years of data entry experience preferred
• Medical background or experience with laboratory testing terminology (or strong aptitude to learn terminology) preferred

Technical Skills Required

• Strong attention to detail; high accuracy in labeling and data entry
• Excellent data entry and typing skills
• Strong computer skills; ability to work within a Windows environment
• Proficiency in Microsoft platforms (Teams, Outlook, Word, etc.)
• Team-oriented with strong collaboration skills
• Organizational and time management skills; ability to handle multiple tasks/systems
• Effective verbal and written communication, including listening skills
• Ability to work productively and independently in a fast-paced environment with target productivity rates
• Ability to complete tasks with minimal supervision
• Fluency in English

Physical Position Requirements

• Ability to lift up to 50 pounds
• Ability to bend, kneel, stoop, and crouch
• Ability to walk, sit, or stand for extended periods
• Ability to use tools such as boxcutters
• Ability to wear PPE for extended periods of time
• Flexible hours and overtime may be required

About Zoetis

At Zoetis, our purpose is to nurture the world and humankind by advancing care for animals. As a Fortune 500 company and the world leader in animal health, we discover, develop, manufacture and commercialize vaccines, medicines, diagnostics and other technologies for companion animals and livestock. We know our people drive our success. Our award-winning culture, built around our Core Beliefs, focuses on our colleagues' careers, connection and support. We offer competitive healthcare and retirement savings benefits, along with an array of benefits, policies and programs to support employee well-being in every sense, from health and financial wellness to family and lifestyle resources.