Lab Assistant

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

Job Title: Lab Assistant

Location: SBC Corporation

Department Name: Lab NB Mircrobilogy

Req #: 0000266199

Status: Hourly

Shift: Evening

Pay Range: $21.48 - $25.78 per hour

Pay Transparency:

The above reflects the anticipated hourly wage range for this position if hired to work in New Jersey.

The compensation offered to the candidate selected for the position will depend on several factors, including the candidate's educational background, skills and professional experience.

Lab Assistant (Microbiology Department) – RWJBarnabas Health

At RWJBarnabas Health, Lab Assistants become part of a purpose-driven environment where precision, compassion, and patient-centered care create meaningful opportunities to support exceptional healthcare delivery. The Microbiology Specimen Processor is responsible for the accurate receipt, preparation, and processing of clinical specimens for microbiological testing in accordance with established laboratory procedures. This role is essential in ensuring timely specimen handling, preventing contamination, and supporting laboratory technologists and microbiologists in maintaining quality and workflow efficiency. Joining RWJBarnabas Health means joining a community where every Lab Assistant is encouraged to grow, contribute, and make a lasting impact.

A typical day for a Lab Assistant may include:

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

This role might be for you if:

• Accuracy and attention to detail define the way you perform your work, especially when following complex procedures precisely.
• You possess a basic understanding of microbiology laboratory terminology and various clinical specimen types.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills allow you to work collaboratively with a diverse healthcare team.
• You remain calm, organized, and efficient in a fast-paced environment where you must manage multiple tasks at once.
• You take pride in maintaining standard operating procedures and supporting quality assurance initiatives.
• Adaptability allows you to work confidently in a clinical laboratory setting with potential exposure to infectious materials, chemicals, and odors.
• Continuous learning and professional growth are important to you, and you welcome regular competency assessments.

To be considered for this Lab Assistant opportunity you must have:

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• Previous specimen processing experience in a microbiology or clinical laboratory setting is strongly preferred.
• Proficiency in computer systems, including Laboratory Information Systems (LIS) and Microsoft Office applications, is essential.
• A passion for delivering safe, accurate, and high-quality specimen processing services that support exceptional laboratory workflows.
• 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.