Laboratory Support Technician

State of Indiana; Indianapolis (IN); On-site; USD 34,000 - 41,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical plan (3 options)

Vision and dental plans

Life insurance

Paid leave and holidays

Education reimbursement

Job summary

The State of Indiana, through the Indiana Department of Health, seeks a laboratory support technician at a centralized Indianapolis site. The role focuses on high-throughput intake, rapid test-kit preparation, and cross-training across Central Receiving, Media Prep, and Containers to support statewide public health response.

Typically starting salary is listed as 37,648 USD and may reflect education and experience.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or HSE required; degree not required, 2+ years of related experience may be considered.
• Detail oriented with ability to maintain accurate records and logs.
• Ability to login and process environmental samples; follow testing workflows.

Responsibilities

• Log specimens into the Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS).
• Check and prepare paperwork for accuracy (Chain of Custody forms).
• Prepare bottles, reagents, and culture media for lab exams; document results.
• Record analyses on prescribed forms and prepare reports.
• Operate and maintain basic lab equipment; ensure safety and compliance.

Skills

Attention to detail

Data entry

Teamwork

Record keeping

Inventory management

Education

High School Diploma or HSE

Tools

LIMS

Centrifuges

Microscopes

Pipettes

Autoclaves

Job description

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Begin a fulfilling career with the State of Indiana by joining one of the largest employers in the state, offering a range of opportunities across 60+ agencies. At the state, you'll find competitive compensation, a robust benefits package and a commitment to work-life balance. Most importantly, you'll have the chance to make a real and measurable impact on the lives of Hoosiers across Indiana.

About the Indiana Department of Health (IDOH):

The Indiana Department of Health’s mission is to promote, protect, and improve the health and safety of all Hoosiers so that they can reach their optimal health regardless of where they live, learn, work, or play.

Role Overview:

This role is uniquely structured around high-throughput laboratory support, with a primary focus on rapid specimen receiving and time-sensitive test kit production that directly supports statewide public health response. Unlike most laboratory technician positions, this role is intentionally cross trained across three core operational areas, Central Receiving, Media Prep, and Containers, providing broader exposure and skill development across the full lab support workflow. The position operates at a single, centralized site within the Indiana Health Sciences Laboratories in Indianapolis, allowing for consistency in work environment and team collaboration. The schedule is stable and predictable, with no routine overtime or weekend requirements, making it well suited for candidates seeking both operational intensity during the workday and strong work-life balance.

The salary for this position traditionally starts at$37,648.00 but may be commensurate with education and work experience. Use our Compensation Calculator to view the total compensation package.

A Day in the Life:

The essential functions of this role are as follows:

• Log specimens/samples into the Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS).
• Check and prepare all received sample paperwork or Chain of Custody forms for accuracy and completeness.
• Prepare bottles, reagents, and specialized culture media for a variety of laboratory examinations as requested. Keeps appropriate documentation.
• Record results of analyses on prescribed forms and prepares applicable reports.
• Handle and clean glassware containing contaminated material prior to sterilization or disposal.
• Design and perform comparative procedures necessary for quality control to provide reporting for administrative review.
• Operate and maintain basic laboratory equipment and supplies.

The job profile is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee. Other duties, responsibilities and activities may change or be assigned at any time with or without notice.

What You'll Need for Success:

Individuals in this role should minimally be able to articulate or demonstrate the following:

• Ability to check and maintain proper Chain of Custody Forms.
• Ability to work effectively with co-workers in a team environment to perform the routine login and processing of environmental and other samples.
• Ability to maintain laboratory records in compliance with regulations.
• Ability to cross-train in other testing areas to maintain workflow in times of staff shortages and workload surges.
• Broad knowledge to conduct a wide range of established laboratory procedures both manual and automated
• Specialized knowledge of standard laboratory techniques and laboratory safety.
• Broad knowledge of basic laboratory preparation techniques (dilution culture media) as well as equipment operation (balances, centrifuges, microscopes, pipettes, autoclaves, and pH meters).
• Broad knowledge and compliance with all State and Federal laws, rules and regulations pertaining to laboratory operations (e.g. CLIA, EPA, FDA, USDA, HIPPA, Blood Borne Pathogen, etc.).
• Working knowledge of common laboratory procedures in the chemistry and/or microbiology laboratory with knowledge of terminology associated with assignments in the laboratory.
• Working knowledge on current advancements in laboratory sample preparation and/or analysis as well as relevant equipment.
• Ability to read and follow instructions for the preparation of culture media, reagents, test kits, and specimens.
• Must be detail oriented.
• Ability to perform administrative support tasks such as inventory, data entry and report preparation and filing.

A degree is not required. However, a High School Diploma or High School Equivalent (HSE) andat least 2+ years of experience applying the outlined knowledge, skills, and abilities in a similar role may be considered.

Individuals should have the ability to perform essential functions with or without reasonable accommodation.

Supervisory Responsibilities/Direct Reports:

This role may be utilized in a supervisory capacity based on agency needs.

Benefits of Employment with the State of Indiana:

The State of Indiana offers a comprehensive benefit package for full-time employees which includes:

• Three (3) medical plan options (including RX coverage) as well as vision and dental plans
• Wellness Rewards Program: Complete wellness activities to earn gift card rewards
• Health savings account, which includes bi-weekly state contribution
• Deferred compensation 457(b)account (similar to401(k) plan) with employer match
• Two (2) fully-funded pension plan options
• A robust, comprehensive program of leave policies covering a variety of employee needs, including but not limited to:
  • 150 hours of paid New Parent Leave and up to eight weeks of paid Childbirth Recovery Leave for eligible mothers
  • Up to 15 hours of paid community service leave
• Combined 180 hours of paid vacation, personal, and sick leave time off
• 12 paid holidays, 14 on election years
• Education Reimbursement Program
• Group life insurance
• Employee assistance program that allows for covered behavioral health visits
• Qualified employer for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program
• Free Parkingfor most positions
• Free LinkedIn Learningaccess

The State of Indiana is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to recruiting, selecting, developing, and promoting employees based on individual ability and job performance. Reasonable accommodations may be available to enable individuals with disabilities to complete the application and interview process as well as perform the essential functions of a role. If you require reasonable accommodations to complete this application, you can request assistance by contacting the Indiana State Personnel Department at [e-mail] .