Lab Assistant

Zoetis; Louisville (IL); On-site; USD 36,000 - 52,000; Full time

Job summary

Zoetis is seeking a Lab Assistant to support Reference Lab operations including accessioning, labeling, and preparing biological specimens for testing. You will verify data in the LIMS, route specimens to appropriate departments, and maintain compliant logs and records.

The role requires attention to detail and the ability to work in a fast-paced environment. Responsibilities include routine inventory support, operation of secondary lab equipment, and adherence to SOPs and safety guidelines.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or equivalent required.
• 1+ year in a clinical laboratory setting preferred.
• 1-2 years of data entry experience preferred.
• Medical background or lab testing terminology aptitude is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Accession and data integrity: follow SOPs, enter data into LIMS, verify orders.
• Specimen receiving, triage, routing to appropriate departments; prepare specimens for testing.
• Handle, store, and dispose of specimens per SOPs; maintain logs and records.

Skills

Attention to detail

Data entry

Typing proficiency

Windows environment

Verbal and written communication

Education

High School Diploma or equivalent

Tools

LIMS

Microsoft Office

Job description

Schedule

Shift: Wednesday-Saturday 3:00am - 11:30am; Sunday 5pm-1:30am

Job Description

The Lab Assistant 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.

Key Responsibilities

Accessioning & data integrity

Understand and follow laboratory SOPs, quality control processes, and safety rules. Receive and accession specimens and requisitions (integrated and/or manual) against company targets. Perform accurate data entry and order verification in the LIMS. Organize work by matching computer orders with specimen labeling; verify specimen identification and labeling accuracy.

Specimen receiving, triage, and routing

Receive, unpack, and process biological specimens in a timely manner. Route specimens by type to appropriate staging areas and transport samples to relevant departments with urgency. Prepare specimens for testing across departments including (but not limited to) hematology, urinalysis, serology, chemistry, endocrinology, parasitology, cytology, and coagulation. Centrifuge and stage specimens as required by workflow.

Specimen handling

Handle and store biological specimens in accordance with SOPs. Prepare excess specimens for storage; organize and maintain specimen storage. Resolve, document, and elevate problem specimens per SOP.

Equipment, workspace, and safety compliance

Maintain a clean, organized, and compliant laboratory workspace and work surfaces. Properly handle and dispose of medical and biohazardous waste in accordance with regulatory guidelines. Participate in all required safety trainings; correctly use applicable safety equipment and PPE. Operate and maintain secondary laboratory equipment including (but not limited to) centrifuges, pipettes, heating blocks, slide stainers.

Documentation, logs, and records

Consistently and properly complete laboratory logs (e.g., maintenance, environmental, cleaning) as required. Maintain required records including (but not limited to) medical records, courier logs, and manifests.

Shipping, supplies, and inventory support

Prepare specimens for shipment to offsite testing facilities in accordance with regulatory standards, including DOT requirements. Receive, store, and log laboratory and office supplies in designated locations. Monitor and organize lab supplies to maintain appropriate inventory levels.

Training and continuous support

Understand and complete training modules set forth by Zoetis Reference Laboratories. Assist and facilitate training of Lab Assistant duties and responsibilities as requested. Perform ad-hoc projects or tasks as assigned by management/supervisor.

Required Education and 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

Required Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• 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

Employment Type

Full timeRegularColleague

Equal Opportunity and Diversity

Zoetis is committed to equal opportunity in the terms and conditions of employment for all employees and job applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, age, gender identity or gender expression, national origin, disability or veteran status or any other protected classification. Disabled individuals are given an equal opportunity to use our online application system. We offer reasonable accommodations as an alternative if requested by an individual with a disability. Please contact Zoetis Colleague Services at [e-mail] to request an accommodation. Zoetis also complies with all applicable national, state and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment as well as employment eligibility verification requirements of the Immigration and Nationality Act. All applicants must possess or obtain authorization to work in the US for Zoetis. Zoetis retains sole and exclusive discretion to pursue sponsorship for the acquisition or maintenance of nonimmigrant status and employment eligibility, considering factors such as availability of qualified US workers. Individuals requiring sponsorship must disclose this fact. Please note that Zoetis seeks information related to job applications from candidates for jobs in the U.S. solely via the following: (1) our company website at www.Zoetis.com/careers site, or (2) via email to/from addresses using only the Zoetis domain of "@zoetis.com". In addition, Zoetis does not use Google Hangout for any recruitment related activities. Any solicitation or request for information related to job applications with Zoetis via any other means and/or utilizing email addresses with any other domain should be disregarded. In addition, Zoetis will never ask candidates to make any type of personal financial investment related to gaining employment with Zoetis.