Lab Technician

Planet Pharma Group; Plymouth (MN); On-site; USD 28,000 - 37,000; Full time

Job summary

Planet Pharma is seeking a Testing Laboratory Technician to perform lab testing on fluid/process samples, ensuring accurate handling, instrument operation, and meticulous data logging for trend analysis.

The role requires an associate degree or higher in a related field, 1+ years of lab experience, and comfort with biosafety practices. Strong attention to detail and documentation skills are essential.

Qualifications

• Associate degree or higher in laboratory science or related field.
• 1+ years lab experience preferred; entry-level with coursework considered.
• Comfortable with biological fluids and biosafety practices.
• Strong attention to detail and ability to document work per procedures.
• Basic computer skills; experience with LIMS/ELN preferred.

Responsibilities

• Receive, label, and process fluid samples per procedures and chain-of-custody.
• Prepare samples and run tests to detect cellular and particulate targets.
• Identify interferents and distinguish from true signals.
• Perform instrument setup, calibration checks, and troubleshoot.
• Maintain accurate laboratory records and data logging.
• Support method improvements and investigations as assigned.
• Keep workspace clean and manage inventory of supplies.

Skills

Attention to detail

Documentation

Data entry

Education

Associate degree or higher in laboratory science, biology, chemistry, medical laboratory technology, or equivalent experience

Tools

LIMS/ELN

Job description

Target Pay Rate: 20-27/hr **salary will be commensurate with experience

Job Description: Testing Laboratory Technician

Summary

The Testing Laboratory Technician performs laboratory testing on fluid/process samples to detect and quantify cellular and particulate targets and to differentiate true signals from common interferents (e.g., red blood cells (RBCs), fungal elements, and lipids). The role is responsible for accurate sample handling, instrument operation, and complete data logging so results can be grouped and trended by sampled material, fluid tube sizing, and sample aging.

Key Responsibilities

• Receive, label, and process fluid/process samples in accordance with written procedures and chain-of-custody requirements.
• Prepare samples and run testing to detect and/or quantify cellular and particulate targets using approved methods and instrumentation.
• Identify and document potential interferents and artifacts (e.g., RBCs, fungal elements, lipids) and apply established criteria to distinguish them from true target signals.
• Perform routine instrument setup, calibration/verification checks, and basic troubleshooting; document out-of-spec conditions and escalte per procedure.
• Maintain accurate, complete, and contemporaneous laboratory records (paper and/or electronic) including calculations, raw data, and observations.
• Support method improvements by capturing atypical findings, suggesting refinements to decision criteria, and participating in investigations as assigned.
• Maintain a clean and organized workspace; stock consumables and maintain inventory levels needed to support scheduled testing.

Data Logging & Sample Grouping Requirements

• Log sample identifiers and collection metadata (date/time, source, operator, volume, and any deviations) to ensure traceability.
• Record sample descriptors needed for grouping / trend analysis, including such things as:
  • Sampled material (e.g., product/contact material, process condition, or collection location as defined by the lab).
  • Fluid tube sizing (e.g., tubing inner diameter/size category and configuration, if applicable).
  • Sample aging (e.g., time from collection to test, storage conditions, and number of freeze/thaw or hold steps if used).
• Capture results and classification details (e.g., counts/estimate, confidence flags, and notes) and separately record interferent observations (RBC presence, fungal forms, lipid droplets/particulates) using standard terminology.
• Ensure data are entered in the approved format so results can be filtered, compared, and summarized across the required groupings.

Qualifications

• Associate degree or higher in laboratory science, biology, chemistry, medical laboratory technology, or equivalent experience.
• 1+ years of laboratory experience preferred (sample handling, wet lab techniques, or analytical testing); entry-level candidates with strong lab coursework considered.
• Comfortable working with biological fluids and following biosafety practices.
• Strong attention to detail with demonstrated ability to document work clearly and follow written procedures.
• Basic computer proficiency for data entry and file management (LIMS/ELN experience preferred).

Work Environment & Compliance

• Work is performed in a laboratory setting that may require use of personal protective equipment (PPE).
• Follow Good Documentation Practices (GDP) and applicable quality system requirements (e.g., GLP) as defined by the organization.
• May require standing, repetitive pipetting/bench work, and handling of small containers and tubing components.
• Schedule may include time-sensitive testing based on sample collection windows and sample aging requirements.