Laboratory Assistant

Ultima Genomics; Carlsbad (CA); On-site; USD 25,000 - 28,000; Part time

Job summary

Ultima Genomics is seeking a part-time Laboratory Assistant for our Carlsbad, CA office to support the protein purification team. The role focuses on washing, inspecting, and returning labware to service to keep enzyme preps on schedule.

The position requires a High school diploma, detail-oriented mindset, and ability to stand for up to 4 hours while lifting up to 25 pounds. Onsite work with standard lab safety practices is expected.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent is required.
• Prior lab washroom or GMP/GLP experience is preferred.
• Careful, precise attention to detail and ability to follow written procedures.

Responsibilities

• Wash 1-liter centrifuge bottles, caps, and related labware using approved detergents and procedures.
• Inspect each item before return to service for cracks, hazing, deformation, or scratches.
• Tag and retire labware that fails inspection and report recurring issues.
• Rinse thoroughly with deionized water and dry per procedure, ensuring no detergent residue.
• Maintain organized wash area and return clean labware to designated locations.
• Keep simple wash and inspection logs up to date.
• Autoclave labware and maintain cycle records.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Skills

Attention to detail

Reliable attendance

Physical stamina

Safety procedures

Follow procedures

Willingness to work in lab

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Tools

Autoclaves

Lab washers

Deionized water systems

Job description

Rapidly Growing Life Sciences Technology Company

Ultima Genomics is a rapidly growing company that is developing ground-breaking genomics technologies. Our mission is to continuously drive the scale of genomic information to enable unprecedented advances in biology and improvements in human health. We have developed a foundational new approach to sequencing at scale that overcomes limitations due to the high costs of current technologies. We are well-funded and have raised approximately $600 million from global top-tier investors. Our team brings together unique and diverse expertise across multiple disciplines, from healthcare and life sciences, to engineering, to technology and software and beyond. We are a collaborative group, including successful entrepreneurs, chemists, hardware and software engineers, genomics and biotechnology experts, molecular and computational biologists, software and algorithm experts, and operations and commercial leaders. Join us to develop and commercialize technologies that unleash the power of genomics at scale and empower the future of human health.

We are looking for a highly motivated Laboratory Assistant to join our team!

This opportunity is an onsite part-time (2 days x 4 hours) contracting position based in our Carlsbad, CA office to support our protein purification team, which runs large-scale enzyme preps that generate a steady volume of centrifuge bottles and related labware. As a part-time Laboratory Assistant, you will be responsible for cleaning, inspecting, and returning the labware to service so the protein purification team can keep runs on schedule.

Success in this role requires a strong respect for laboratory standards and equipment. Our processing bottles are precision consumables that can last through dozens of cycles when handled correctly but may fail under high-speed centrifugation if mishandled. We are looking for candidates who approach every task with care, precision, and a commitment to operational excellence. This position is ideal for a student in a life sciences program looking for hands-on biotech lab experience.

How You’ll Contribute

• Wash 1-liter polycarbonate/PPCO centrifuge bottles, caps, and associated labware using approved detergents and validated procedures
• Inspect every item before it returns to service by checking for stress cracking, crazing, hazing, deformation, and scratched or nicked sealing surfaces
• Tag and retire labware that fails inspection; flag recurring failure patterns to the purification team
• Rinse thoroughly with deionized water and dry per procedure, confirming no detergent residue remains
• Keep the wash area clean, organized, and stocked; return clean labware to designated locations
• Maintain simple wash and inspection logs
• Autoclave labware and maintain cycle records
• Other job duties as assigned

Qualifications, Skills, Knowledge & Abilities

• High school diploma or equivalent
• Prior experience in a laboratory washroom, cleanroom, sterile processing, or Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP)/Good Laboratory Practice (GLP) environment is preferred
• Careful, consistent attention to detail and willingness to follow written procedures exactly
• Reliable attendance on a set weekly schedule
• Ability to perform the physical requirements of the role, including standing for up to 4 hours at a time and lifting, moving, pulling, and carrying up to 25 pounds
• Capability to safely work around laboratory detergents, solvents, and biological materials using required personal protective equipment
• Familiarity with autoclaves, lab washers, or deionized water systems and understanding of plastic labware chemical compatibility is a plus

This contracting position offers an hourly pay rate between $18/hour and $20/hour, and your actual base pay will depend on your skills, qualifications, experience, and location.

Ultima Genomics is proud to be an equal opportunity workplace and is an affirmative action employer. We provide equal employment opportunity for all applicants and employees. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions), gender identity, gender expression, national origin, ancestry, citizenship, age, physical or mental disability, military or veteran status, marital status, domestic partner status, sexual orientation, genetic information, or any other basis protected by applicable laws. See also Ultima Genomics’ EEO Policy and Know Your Rights. If you have a disability or special need that requires accommodation, please let us know by contacting [e-mail].