Sample Preparation Tech

Certified Group; Burbank (CA); On-site; USD 28,000 - 37,000; Full time

Job summary

Certified Group is seeking a Sample Preparation Technician in California to prepare samples, standards, reagents, and laboratory solutions in alignment with SOPs and quality requirements. This role supports Chemists by ensuring proper preparation for accurate analyses.

The position emphasizes GLP compliance, meticulous documentation, and the ability to work independently and as part of a lab team within standard operating procedures.

Qualifications

• Follow written SOPs and analytical methods accurately.
• Maintain GLP-compliant documentation and records.
• Work independently and with a team in a fast-paced lab.

Responsibilities

• Prepare samples, standards, reagents, and solutions per SOPs.
• Weigh and transfer samples according to analytical specs.
• Assist chemists with instrument setup and calibration.
• Perform routine equipment cleaning and basic maintenance as trained.
• Document preparedness, lot numbers, dates, and expiration accurately.

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Associate degree in science

Bachelor's degree in Chemistry/ Biology or related field

Job description

Certified Group is committed to partnering with customers to deliver innovative scientific solutions and expertise – So The World Can Trust In What It Consumes™. Our network of 30+ North American and European laboratories serves the food & beverage, dietary supplements, cosmetics, OTC, tobacco/nicotine, cannabis, and hemp industries.

Our Brands

• Certified Laboratories – Provides comprehensive analytical and microbiological testing, primarily supporting food, beverage, cosmetics, OTC, and dietary supplement industries.
• Food Safety Net Services (FSNS) – A leading network of ISO-accredited laboratories across North America, focused on food safety testing, operational support, and technical services for the food industry.
• Labstat – A global leader in contract research and testing for nicotine, tobacco, cannabis, hemp, and next-generation products, with deep expertise in analytical chemistry and toxicology.
• EAS Consulting Group – A regulatory consulting firm offering expert guidance, training, and auditing support across FDA, USDA, and other regulated sectors, powered by a large network of independent advisors.
• FSNS Certification & Audit – Provides accredited third-party auditing and certification services, including food safety, animal welfare, and GMP programs.

JOB SUMMARY

The Sample Preparation Technician is primarily responsible for preparing samples, analytical standards, calibration standards, reagents, eluents, mobile phases, diluents, and other laboratory solutions for analytical testing in accordance with approved Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), test methods, and laboratory quality requirements. This role supports Chemists and Senior Chemists by ensuring samples, standards, solutions, and laboratory equipment are properly prepared for accurate and efficient analysis.

This individual will uphold our purpose - so the world can trust in what it consumes by fostering a culture aligned to our mission and values:

• Purpose: So the world can trust in what it consumes.
• Mission: Partner with customers to deliver innovative scientific solutions and expertise.
• Values: start with the customer, commit to safety and quality, drive to deliver, act with integrity and support the team.

ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES

• Preparing samples, standards, reagents, and laboratory solutions by:
  • Clean, wash, inspect, and prepare laboratory glassware, flasks, and other laboratory equipment to ensure they are clean, organized, and ready for use.
  • Receive and prepare samples for analysis by homogenizing, grinding, or performing other required sample preparation procedures according to applicable SOPs and test methods.
  • Accurately weigh and transfer samples into appropriate containers or flasks according to analytical specifications, SOPs, and validated test methods.
  • Perform sample extraction, digestion, dilution, filtration, and other preparation procedures following approved SOPs, analytical methods, and laboratory safety requirements.
  • Prepare analytical and calibration standards, QC and spike solutions, internal standards, reagents, eluents, mobile phases, diluents, and other laboratory solutions required for testing, including required calculations, labeling, documentation, storage, and expiration tracking.
  • Assist Chemists and Senior Chemists with laboratory setup, including preparing instruments, consumables, and accessories required for analytical analyses.
  • Perform approved routine equipment cleaning, instrument checks, and limited preventive maintenance when trained and qualified and when covered by an approved SOP or manufacturer procedure. Escalate repairs or troubleshooting beyond assigned training to the appropriate Chemist, Supervisor, or service resource.
  • Maintain a clean, organized, and safe laboratory environment by following laboratory housekeeping and safety procedures.
  • Ensure all sample and solution preparation activities are documented accurately and comply with Good Laboratory Practices (GLP), laboratory quality standards, and company procedures.
  • Monitor laboratory supplies related to sample preparation and solution preparation and notify supervisors when replenishment is needed.
• Ensure quality of results by:
  • Verifying laboratory equipment before use (dispenser, balance, pipettors, etc.).
  • Documenting and recording information such as weights, volumes, reagents, lot numbers, preparation dates, expiration dates, and other required data to ensure compliance with GLP and ISO 17025 requirements.
  • Preparing and/or verifying that the correct calibration standards, QC standards, spike solutions, internal standards, and other required solutions are used and are within expiration.
  • Ensuring worksheets, runsheets, preparation records, and related documentation are complete and accurate in a timely manner.
  • Prevent contamination during sample extraction and solution preparation by:
    • Working in a clean area and maintaining good general housekeeping.
    • Ensuring all glassware and equipment used are free from contaminants.
    • Following proper cleaning procedures as outlined in the applicable Test Method and SOP.
  • The employee shall implement the Laboratory Quality Policy and perform duties in accordance with existing project-specific requirements, current Test Methods, study plans, and Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).
  • Comply with Health & Safety policies and procedures and wear required Personal Protective Equipment at all times.
  • Perform other duties, laboratory support activities, and assignments as directed by management based on business, customer, staffing, and operational needs. Employees may be cross-trained and assigned work outside their primary sample-preparation duties when qualified and trained to perform the work.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• Associate degree, relevant college-level science coursework, technical laboratory training, or Bachelor's degree in Chemistry, Biology, or a related scientific field preferred.
• Previous laboratory, sample preparation, standards/reagent preparation, or related technical experience is preferred.
• Knowledge of laboratory safety practices and chemical handling.
• Ability to accurately follow written SOPs and analytical methods.
• Strong attention to detail and organizational skills.
• Ability to work independently as well as collaboratively in a laboratory team environment.
• Basic computer, calculation, and documentation skills.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

• Dexterity of hands and fingers to operate laboratory instruments, computers, and testing equipment.
• Ability to stand, walk, and perform laboratory activities for extended periods.
• Exposure to laboratory chemicals, solvents, reagents, and analytical instrumentation.
• Ability to perform repetitive motions including pipetting, weighing, sample preparation, and solution preparation.
• Ability to occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds.
• Color vision and depth perception required.
• Work environment may include varying temperatures, laboratory noise, and fast-paced analytical workflows.

Schedules Available:

Monday-Friday, 7:00AM-4:30PM

Monday-Friday, 12:00PM-8:30PM

The compensation details provided below reflect the expected pay range for this role, based on the selected compensation structure and applicable guidelines. Actual pay within this range may vary depending on factors such as experience, skills, qualifications, and geographic location. Additional components of total rewards—such as bonuses, benefits, or incentives—may also apply where applicable.

Salary Range for Pay Transparency: $20 USD - $27 USD

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We are an Equal Opportunity Employer and make employment decisions without regard to protected characteristics under applicable law.