Laboratory Assistant

Element Materials Technology; North Liberty (IA); On-site; USD 36,000 - 54,000; Full time

Job summary

Element Materials Technology in North Liberty, IA is seeking a Laboratory Assistant to support microbiology and molecular testing under supervision. You will handle routine tasks such as testing preparation, equipment operation, and maintenance, while adhering to safety and quality guidelines to ensure accurate results.

The role involves assisting with PCR/NGS setup, DNA extractions, and compliance with CLSI standards and regulatory requirements.

Qualifications

• Technician I requires HS diploma or equivalent with 0-3 years of professional experience.
• Technician II requires an Associate’s Degree in a laboratory science field and 0-3 years lab experience.
• Technician III requires an Associate’s Degree in a laboratory science field and 2-5 years lab experience.

Responsibilities

• Process incoming specimens following safety guidelines and proper labeling.
• Prepare runs: open panels, number panels and tubes, and crack tubes.
• Dispense media using aseptic technique for storage of bacterial specimens.
• Pull isolates from the bank for SENTRY and protocol testing.
• Participate in runs: subbing, inoculums, pipetting, and machine operation.
• Calibrate and maintain instruments; troubleshoot as needed.
• Document and report variances to Laboratory Managers.
• Assist with writing/revising procedures per CLSI and regulatory guidelines.
• Perform DNA extractions and set up PCR or NGS testing.

Education

High School Diploma (Technician I)

Associate’s Degree in a laboratory science field (Technician II)

Associate’s Degree in a laboratory science field with 2–5 years lab experience (Technician III)

Job description

Overview

Element has a current opening for a Laboratory Assistant to join our growing team in North Liberty, IA. Under general supervision, the Laboratory Assistant provides laboratory testing support to microbiologist/molecular scientists and managers. The position will consist of routine work such as general housekeeping, testing preparation, operation of laboratory equipment, and routine maintenance. Special tasks will be assigned by managers or microbiologists/molecular scientists on a daily basis.

Responsibilities

• Process incoming specimens using proper safety handling guidelines, labeling of plates, usingappropriate media, and properly streaking for isolation.
• Preparing for runs including opening of panels, numbering of panels and tubes, and cracking oftubes.
• Dispensing media using aseptic technique for storage of bacterial specimens
• Properly pulls isolates from the bank for SENTRY and protocol testing.
• Participates in all aspects of runs including subbing, inoculums, pipetting and machines.
• Carries out recommended corrective action for quality assurance.
• Calibrates, conducts routine maintenance, and troubleshoots laboratory instrumentation.
• Seeks technical direction from the Microbiologist/Molecular Scientist with specific instrumentationproblems.
• Aids production department in manufacture of media and panels.
• Complies with applicable regulatory and accreditation requirements of the laboratory.
• Complies with the Quality Assurance program within the laboratory.
• Documents and reports variances to the Laboratory Managers.
• Identifies opportunities for improvement and makes recommendations to the LaboratoryManagers for resolution of identified problems/errors.
• Assists with writing and revising laboratory procedures according to CLSI and regulatoryguidelines.
• DNA Extractions
• PCR or NGS testing setup

Skills / Qualifications

• Technician I: High School Diploma or equivalent with 0-3 years of professional experience.
• Technician II: Associate’s Degree in a laboratory science field from an accredited college oruniversity or an equivalent combination of education and 0-3 years of lab-related experience isrequired.
• Technician III: Associate’s Degree in a laboratory science field from an accredited college oruniversity or an equivalent combination of education and 2-5 years of lab-related experience isrequired.

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Company Overview

Element is one of the fastest growing testing, inspection and certification businesses in the world. Globally we have more than 9,000 brilliant minds operating from 270 sites across 30 countries. Together we share an ambitious purpose to ‘Make tomorrow safer than today’.

When failure in use is not an option, we help customers make certain that their products, materials, processes and services are safe, compliant and fit for purpose. From early R&D, through complex regulatory approvals and into production, our global laboratory network of scientists, engineers, and technologists support customers to achieve assurance over product quality, sustainable outcomes, and market access.

While we are proud of our global reach, working at Element feels like being part of a smaller company. We empower you to take charge of your career, and reward excellence and integrity with growth and development.

Industries across the world depend on our care, attention to detail and the absolute accuracy of our work. The role we have to play in creating a safer world is much bigger than our organization.

Diversity Statement

At Element, we always take pride in putting our people first. We are an equal opportunity employer that recognizes diversity and inclusion as fundamental to our Vision of becoming “the world’s most trusted testing partner”.

All suitably qualified candidates will receive consideration for employment on the basis of objective work related criteria and without regard for the following: age, disability, ethnic origin, gender, marital status, race, religion, responsibility of dependents, sexual orientation, or gender identity or other characteristics in accordance with the applicable governing laws or other characteristics in accordance with the applicable governing laws.

The contractor will not discharge or in any other manner discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay or the pay of another employee or applicant. However, employees who have access to the compensation information of other employees or applicants as a part of their essential job functions cannot disclose the pay of other employees or applicants to individuals who do not otherwise have access to compensation information, unless the disclosure is (a) in response to a formal complaint or charge, (b) in furtherance of an investigation, proceeding, hearing, or action, including an investigation conducted by the employer, or (c) consistent with the contractor’s legal duty to furnish information. 41 CFR 60-1.35(c)

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