Laboratory Assistant I

Spectraforce Technologies; Athens (GA); On-site; USD 36,000 - 48,000; Full time

Job summary

Spectraforce Technologies is seeking a Laboratory Assistant I in Athens, GA to support daily insect husbandry activities and parasitology research operations. You will assist with reagent preparation, lab maintenance, and independent task execution after training.

The role requires biology coursework, experience in insect rearing, aseptic technique, and strong English communication within a diverse team. Onsite work with potential for independent tasks and accuracy in daily duties.

Qualifications

• College coursework in biology or equivalent.
• Experience in insect or ectoparasite rearing and maintenance.
• Aseptic technique proficiency.
• Reliable, meticulous laboratory work with strong communication.
• Fluency in English and good intercultural collaboration.
• 2+ years in a research laboratory; vivarium/insectary experience 1+ year.

Responsibilities

• Support daily insect husbandry activities and work independently after training.
• Assist parasitology research operations, including reagent prep and cleaning.
• Monitor equipment maintenance, supplies, and place orders as needed.
• Ensure proper reception, storage and disposal of laboratory materials.
• Initiate and complete tasks with minimal supervision.
• Learn operation of automation software and laboratory equipment.

Skills

Insect rearing

Aseptic technique

Lab maintenance

English fluency

Intercultural teamwork

Independent work

Education

Biology coursework

Tools

Automation software

Lab equipment

Job description

Position Title

Laboratory Assistant I

Work Location

Athens, GA 30601

Assignment Duration

12 Months

Work Arrangement

Onsite

Position Summary

• Support daily laboratory operations and staff to meet our organization's Discovery needs.
• The incumbent will assist laboratory team in insect rearing activities, daily lab maintenance, and may contribute to internal drug screening activities.

Background & Context

• Operations of the Parasitology Research team including internal drug screening and insect rearing activities.

Key Responsibilities

• Support daily insect husbandry activities. Many of these activities are repetitive and will need to be performed in an independent manner once trained.
• Contribute to daily operations in support of parasitology research, including but not limited to reagent preparation, cleaning, consumables stocking, and specific steps in assay execution.
• Maintain track of laboratory equipment, maintenance schedules and supplies and place orders as needed.
• Ensure proper reception, storage and disposal of laboratory materials.
• Initiate and complete tasks in an independent and efficient manner, with minimal supervision.
• Perform all activities in compliance with safety protocols, legislative expectations of regulatory agencies, as well as internal standards of Good Scientific Practice.
• Learn basic operation of automation software and equipment, leading to occasional independent operation with minimal support from other scientists.

Qualification & Experience

• College coursework in biology or equivalent. Applicants with advanced degrees (such as MS or PhD) will not be considered for this role.
• Experience in insect or ectoparasite rearing and maintenance.
• Ability to perform activities using aseptic technique.
• Track record of reliable working attitude and meticulous laboratory work execution.
• Strong communication, interpersonal and intercultural skills allowing effective interaction within the team.
• Fluency in English.
• 2+ years of experience in a laboratory setting within a research company or academic institution.
• 1+ years of experience working in a vivarium or insectary maintaining insect or ectoparasite colonies. Experience rearing insects