Lab Assistant

Kashi-Clinical-Laboratories; Portland (OR); On-site; USD 30,000 - 34,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, vision insurance

Competitive benefits package

Professional development opportunities

Job summary

Kashi Clinical Laboratories in Portland, Oregon is seeking a dependable Laboratory Assistant to join our clinical team. This entry-level role supports daily operations by preparing reagents, maintaining inventory, organizing work areas, and assisting with shipping and equipment maintenance.

The position requires an Associate degree in a related field and emphasizes following detailed procedures, safety practices, and collaborative teamwork within a clinical laboratory environment.

Qualifications

• Associate degree required; bachelor degree preferred for advancement.
• Experience in a clinical or laboratory setting is a plus.
• Familiarity with standard laboratory safety practices and PPE.
• Ability to accurately follow written procedures and SOPs.

Responsibilities

• Receive, accession, and organize specimens per lab procedures.
• Prepare and aliquot reagents and working solutions.
• Maintain inventory and stock supplies for daily operations.
• Label reagents with dates, lot numbers, and initials.
• Assist with shipping, receiving, and shipments of materials.
• Clean and organize work areas; support routine equipment maintenance.
• Document reagent prep, inventory, and activities accurately.
• Follow CAP/CLIA/HIPAA safety guidelines and SOPs.
• Collaborate with technologists and other team members.
• Perform other lab-support duties as assigned.

Skills

Attention to detail

Organizational skills

Follow SOPs

Communication

Independent worker

Education

Associate degree in Biology, Chemistry, Medical Laboratory Technology, or related field

Bachelor’s degree in Biology, Chemistry, Medical Laboratory Technology, or related field

Tools

Pipetting

Inventory management

Laboratory equipment handling

Microsoft Office

Job description

Kashi Clinical Laboratories (KCL) provides specialized diagnostic testing to hospitals and clinics throughout the world. We are currently seeking a dependable and detail-oriented Laboratory Assistant to join our team in Portland, Oregon.

The Laboratory Assistant supports daily laboratory operations by preparing reagents, maintaining laboratory supplies and inventory, organizing work areas, assisting with equipment maintenance, and supporting shipping and receiving activities. This is an entry-level opportunity for someone who is organized, reliable, comfortable following detailed procedures, and interested in developing experience in a clinical laboratory environment.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

• Assist with receiving, accessioning, and organizing specimens according to established laboratory procedures
• Prepare, replenish, and aliquot routine laboratory reagents, including buffers and working solutions
• Refill commonly used laboratory supplies and reagents, including RNase Away, bleach, and DI water bottles
• Properly label reagents with preparation dates, expiration dates, lot numbers, and preparer initials
• Monitor laboratory supplies and notify the appropriate team member when replenishment is needed
• Receive, unpack, organize, and properly store laboratory shipments and consumables
• Stock laboratory workstations with necessary supplies and materials
• Maintain accurate inventory records and assist with ordering laboratory supplies
• Clean, reset, and organize laboratory work areas to support efficient daily operations
• Assist with routine equipment cleaning and preventive maintenance activities
• Dispose of laboratory waste according to established biosafety and chemical safety procedures
• Assist with kit assembly, sample packaging, and shipment preparation as needed
• Maintain accurate documentation related to reagent preparation, inventory, and assigned laboratory activities
• Follow established Standard Operating Procedures and all applicable CAP, CLIA, OSHA, HIPAA, quality, and laboratory safety requirements
• Participate in required training, competency assessments, and laboratory meetings
• Work collaboratively with laboratory technologists and other team members
• Perform other laboratory support duties as assigned
  

Minimum Requirements

• Associate degree in Biology, Chemistry, Medical Laboratory Technology, or a related scientific field
• Previous laboratory experience is preferred but not required
• Basic understanding of laboratory safety practices
• Ability to accurately follow written instructions and Standard Operating Procedures
• Basic computer skills, including Microsoft Office applications
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail
• Dependable, professional, and willing to learn
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Biology, Chemistry, Medical Laboratory Technology, or a related scientific field
• Previous experience in a clinical, research, healthcare, or academic laboratory
• Experience with reagent preparation, pipetting, inventory management, or specimen handling

Physical Requirements & Working Conditions

• Work is performed in a clinical laboratory environment
• Frequently required to sit, stand, walk, and move throughout laboratory and office areas
• Frequently required to use laboratory equipment and standard office equipment
• Ability to lift, carry, push, or pull up to 25 pounds
• Ability to perform repetitive hand movements, including pipetting and reagent preparation
• Occasionally required to bend, reach, kneel, and lift
• Regular exposure to biological specimens, laboratory chemicals, and cleaning agents
• Required to wear appropriate personal protective equipment and follow all laboratory safety and chemical hygiene procedures
• Ability to communicate effectively in person, virtually, and in writing

Compensation & Benefits

The anticipated pay range for this position is $22.00 to $25.00 per hour, depending on relevant education, experience, and qualifications.

Kashi Clinical Laboratories offers a competitive benefits package that includes medical, dental, and vision insurance coverage. Additional benefit details will be provided during the hiring process.