Laboratory Assistant

Mérieux NutriSciences - North America; Crete (IL); On-site; USD 22,041 - 23,419; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance

Generous paid time off (PTO)

401(k) plan with employer matching contributions

Job summary

Mérieux NutriSciences - North America is seeking a Laboratory Assistant in Crete, IL. The role involves maintaining cleanliness and safety in the lab, assisting with quality control, and ensuring proper operation of equipment.

The ideal candidate should have a high school diploma or GED, possess analytical and interpersonal skills, and be able to lift up to 50 pounds. Benefits include medical insurance and a PTO package.

Qualifications

• Ability to follow specific instructions in a laboratory setting.
• Basic knowledge of laboratory safety procedures.
• Capacity to handle physical demands including lifting up to 50 pounds.

Responsibilities

• Maintain cleanliness and organization of the laboratory.
• Perform quality control checks as instructed.
• Assist in testing procedures and maintain safe working conditions.

Skills

Attention to detail

Organizational skills

Analytical skills

Interpersonal skills

Education

High school diploma or GED

Job description

Position Summary

We are looking for a Laboratory Assistant at 3600 Eagle Nest Dr, North Building, Crete, IL 60417 USA. Your mission will be to provide basic assistance to laboratory operations and maintain a sterile and safe work environment.

Essential Functions and Responsibilities

• Maintain clean laboratory by discarding waste and cleaning and sanitizing countertops, walls, floors, shelves, equipment, sinks, water baths, etc. using cleaning solvents.
• Maintain clean laboratory by properly storing chemicals, reagents and supplies. Maintain adequate stock of these materials.
• Clean and decontaminate equipment, glassware, metal instruments, sinks, water baths, tables, and test panels, using solvents, water, acetone bath, and cloth or hot‑air drier, brushes, and rags, etc.
• Prepare and use cleaning solutions according to specifications.
• Perform quality control checks such as temperature checks, balance verification or detergent residue testing as required by department leadership.
• Assist other laboratory personnel performing testing procedures as instructed by department leadership.
• Maintain equipment, supplies and instrumentation in working order to perform necessary preventative maintenance for operating departments.
• Maintain knowledge of Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS) required to complete job responsibilities.
• Support corporate quality and continuous improvement process.
• Ensure a safe working environment for laboratory.
• Participate in audits.
• Maintain inventory, rotate supplies, discard expired dry, refrigerated and frozen materials and retain as directed by department leadership.
• Complete assigned tasks under supervision of department leadership while working with team to accomplish department goals.
• Perform opening and closing duties as assigned by department leadership.
• Clean glassware and other containers and return to laboratory for use.
• Other related duties as assigned.
• At any time, the incumbent must behave and operate in an ethical and Code of Conduct compliant manner.

Qualifications Required

• High school diploma or GED; entry‑level position requires ability to follow specific instructions.
• General knowledge of Laboratory Information Management System required to enter client data; may be required to operate a motor vehicle and exhibit safe driving skills.
• Analytical skills essential to complete analysis procedures and determine concentration of microorganisms or analytes.
• Physical dexterity required for manipulating samples.
• Basic knowledge of laboratory safety procedures and practices required.
• Interpersonal skills required to effectively work within teams.

Communication

• The incumbent has occasional contact with personnel outside the immediate working unit.

Success Factors & Job Competencies

• Attention to detail: ensuring cleanliness, proper storage, and accurate maintenance of laboratory equipment and supplies to uphold safety and quality standards.
• Knowledge of laboratory procedures and safety: understanding proper cleaning, decontamination, and safety protocols to maintain a safe working environment and comply with regulations.
• Organizational and time‑management skills: efficiently managing inventory, completing tasks within designated timeframes, and supporting team operations smoothly.
• Maintaining a clean and safe laboratory environment: consistently ensuring cleanliness and safety protocols are followed to prevent contamination and hazards.

Physical Demands and Work Environment

• The incumbent works in a laboratory with proper lighting and temperature control. Occasional exposure to laboratory fumes, chemicals, and materials will occur when in the laboratory.
• The incumbent works in a laboratory with increased temperatures near the autoclave and washer.
• The incumbent is required to wear masks, laboratory coat and insulated gloves when working with media.
• Frequent lifting of up to 50 pounds is necessary when loading and preparing samples.
• The incumbent can expect extended time spent in a standing position.
• The incumbent may spend infrequent time in a motor vehicle for sample pick‑up and delivery purposes.

Compensation: $16.50 hourly USD

Full‑Time Eligible Benefits Overview

• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance plans.
• Generous paid time off (PTO) package to support work‑life balance following state and local ordinances.
• Optional 401(k) plan with employer matching contributions.