Lab Assistant: Aseptic Media Prep & Safety

Certified-Group; Tustin (CA); On-site; USD 28,000 - 32,000; Full time

Job summary

Certified Group is seeking a Lab Assistant in the Chem Department to prepare, sterilize, and organize media and reagents for analytical testing of foods, ingredients, and environmental samples. This role supports accurate, sterile materials and maintains safety compliance in a busy lab.

Responsibilities include autoclave operation, media labeling and storage, inventory control, and collaboration with other departments to ensure timely media preparation while upholding quality standards.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or GED required.
• Familiarity with aseptic sampling techniques.
• Experience operating autoclaves and sterile dispensing equipment preferred.
• Basic knowledge of testing laboratory practices and general laboratory procedures.
• One or more years of experience in a commercial food‑testing laboratory preferred.
• Competency with Laboratory Information Management Systems (LIMS) a plus.
• Equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered.
• Strong organizational skills and ability to complete detailed manual tasks.
• Ability to work under deadlines, manage interruptions, and multitask effectively.
• Logical thinking and accuracy in task completion.
• Basic math skills: add, subtract, multiply, divide, and work with fractions and decimals.
• Ability to follow written and oral instructions and problem‑solve within standardized situations.
• Working knowledge of ISO 17025 quality procedures and general OSHA laboratory safety guidelines preferred.

Responsibilities

• Prepare and maintain bacteriological media and chemical solutions.
• Safely operate an autoclave to sterilize media, reagents, and supplies.
• Label, handle, store, use, and dispose of media and solutions in accordance with safety guidelines.
• Maintain an accurate inventory of prepared media and supplies.
• Collaborate with other departments to prepare required media in a timely manner.
• Perform work in a neat, safe, hygienic, and efficient manner; maintain cleanliness and equipment within the department.
• Follow established processes, procedures, and techniques in accordance with FSNS policies/procedures, customer requirements, and the media operations manual.
• Maintain laboratory conditions, equipment, supplies, quality assurance programs, and accurate records throughout all procedures.
• Share information in an open and timely manner to support team collaboration.
• Complete required training and comply with safety and quality programs.

Skills

Aseptic sampling techniques

Autoclave operation

LIMS use

Attention to detail

Team collaboration

Education

High School Diploma or GED

Tools

Sterile dispensing equipment

Job description

Certified Group is seeking a Lab Assistant in the Chem Department to prepare, sterilize, and organize media and reagents for analytical testing of foods, ingredients, and environmental samples. This role supports accurate, sterile materials and maintains safety compliance in a busy lab.

Responsibilities include autoclave operation, media labeling and storage, inventory control, and collaboration with other departments to ensure timely media preparation while upholding quality standards.