Laboratory Operations Technician

Neogen; Oakdale (MN); On-site; USD 34,000 - 39,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical coverage

Dental coverage

Vision coverage

401(k) with company match

Paid Time Off

Job summary

Neogen in Oakdale, Minnesota, is seeking a Laboratory Operations Assistant to support daily microbiology lab activities and maintain a safe, organized, and compliant environment. You will assist with waste handling, equipment coordination, and GLP-related tasks, working closely with experienced professionals.

The role emphasizes routine lab operations, supply management, and documentation, with growth opportunities in laboratory operations and related areas.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• Experience in a laboratory, production, warehouse, or similar regulated environment or equivalent education/experience.
• Ability to follow SOPs and safety guidelines.

Responsibilities

• Safely collect, process, and prepare biological safety waste and hazardous waste per procedures and regulations.
• Operate and monitor autoclaves and related equipment, documenting cycles.
• Maintain supply room inventory and manage ordering of supplies.
• Clean, organize, and restock laboratory glassware and reusable items.
• Coordinate with external vendors for equipment service and maintenance, and manage service contracts.
• Support GLP compliance by maintaining logs, records, and labels, and assist with audits.

Skills

Waste handling

Autoclave operation

Inventory management

GLP compliance

Documentation

Safety procedures

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Tools

Inventory software

Data entry software

Job description

It's fun to work in a company where people truly believe in what they are doing! Join NEOGEN as a Laboratory Operations Assistant and play a key role in supporting the daily activities of our microbiology laboratories in Oakdale, Minnesota. In this mid-level position, you will help maintain a safe, organized, and compliant laboratory environment that enables scientific and product development work. Working closely with experienced laboratory professionals, you will support essential operational processes, from waste handling and supply management to equipment coordination and GLP-related tasks. Compensation: The anticipated hourly pay range for this position is $25.00–$28.00 per hour, with starting pay determined by the candidate’s qualifications, relevant experience, skills, and the scope of the role.

Key Responsibilities

• Safely collect, process, and prepare biological safety waste and hazardous waste in accordance with company procedures and applicable regulations.
• Operate and monitor autoclaves and related equipment for decontamination and sterilization, accurately documenting cycles as required.
• Maintain supply room inventory, monitor stock levels of laboratory consumables, and serve as the primary contact for ordering requested and routine supplies, following established purchasing procedures.
• Clean, organize, and restock laboratory glassware and other reusable items to support efficient daily laboratory operations.
• Coordinate with external vendors for equipment service, maintenance, and repair, including managing associated service contracts and documentation.
• Support Good Laboratory Practice (GLP) compliance by maintaining logs, records, and labels, and assisting with routine checks and audits as directed, while following all safety, quality, and compliance protocols.

Job Requirements

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Experience in a laboratory, production, warehouse, or similar regulated environment, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Ability to follow written and verbal instructions, standard operating procedures (SOPs), and safety guidelines.
• Ability to lift, move, and carry materials and waste containers in accordance with job requirements, with or without reasonable accommodation.
• Comfort working around biological materials, chemicals, and hazardous waste, with a strong commitment to safety and proper use of personal protective equipment (PPE).
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail, with the ability to manage multiple tasks across different laboratory areas, along with basic computer skills for email, data entry, and inventory/documentation systems.

Preferred qualifications (not required) include prior experience in a microbiology or life sciences laboratory, experience with autoclave operation or hazardous waste handling, familiarity with GLP or similar quality frameworks, and experience coordinating with external vendors or managing equipment service.

What We Offer

The opportunity to contribute directly to critical laboratory operations that support scientific and product development activities. A collaborative, safety-conscious work environment with comprehensive training on company procedures, GLP practices, and safety protocols. Potential for professional growth and skill development within laboratory operations and related functional areas. A standard benefits package. An inclusive workplace where all qualified individuals are considered for employment and advancement without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other protected characteristic, in accordance with applicable laws. If you are detail-oriented, safety-focused, and interested in supporting vital laboratory operations, we'd love to hear from you.

Why Neogen

At Neogen we believe that taking care of our employees allows them to do their best work. When you join our team, you'll enjoy competitive benefits and the opportunity to make a meaningful difference every day.

Benefits include:

• Benefits starting on Day One – Medical, dental, and vision coverage begin on your first day of employment.
• 401(k) with company match – Invest in your future with retirement savings and company contributions.
• Paid Time Off (PTO) – Enjoy generous paid time off so you can rest, recharge, and spend time with those who matter most.
• Career Growth Opportunities – We are committed to promoting from within and providing the tools, training, and support to help you grow your career.
• Meaningful Work – Be part of a team whose work has a real impact on our customers, communities, and the world around us.
• Collaborative Culture – Join a team that values innovation, respect, teamwork, and continuous improvement.

Equal Opportunity & Accommodation Neogen is an Equal Opportunity Employer and provides equal employment opportunities to all applicants and employees without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law. Employment is contingent upon successful completion of applicable pre‑employment requirements and verification of identity and authorization to work in the United States. Come build your future with us while making a difference every day.