Lab Assistant

Responsibilities

Lab Cleanliness & Glassware Management

• Clean, and organize laboratory glassware per Abzena's SOPs, equipment, and workstations according to established SOPs.
• Maintain general cleanliness and orderliness of bench tops, sinks, fume hoods, and common lab areas.
• Properly store, label, and stage clean glassware and equipment for use by lab staff.
• Dispose of laboratory waste (chemical, biological, sharps) in accordance with safety and regulatory guidelines.

Reagent & Consumable Inventory Management

• Track usage and maintain accurate, up-to-date inventory of reagents, chemicals, and consumable supplies.
• Establish and monitor minimum/maximum safety stock levels to ensure critical items never run out.
• Place, track, and follow up on purchase orders with approved vendors; manage receiving and put-away of shipments.
• Maintain organized storage of chemicals and reagents in compliance with compatibility and safety requirements.
• Monitor expiration dates and coordinate proper disposal or rotation (FIFO) of aging stock.
• Maintain relationships with vendors and assist with quotes, backorder tracking, and cost-effective purchasing.

Documentation & Compliance

• Review, audit, and maintain laboratory logbooks (equipment usage, maintenance, calibration, and chemical inventory logs) for completeness and accuracy.
• Ensure logbook entries comply with internal SOPs.
• Flag and escalate missing, incomplete, or inconsistent documentation to the Lab Manager.

Inspections & Safety

• Conduct and document weekly laboratory inspections covering safety equipment, housekeeping, storage compliance, and general lab conditions.
• Identify and report safety hazards, equipment malfunctions, or non-compliance issues promptly.
• Verify functionality of safety equipment (eyewash stations, safety showers, fire extinguishers, fume hoods) during inspections.
• Support and help enforce lab safety protocols and good laboratory practices among staff and visitors.

Instrument & Facilities Coordination

• Serve as the primary point of contact between the lab and facilities/maintenance teams for instrument or infrastructure issues.
• Log, track, and follow up on service requests (e.g., HVAC, plumbing, electrical, gas lines) affecting lab operations.
• Coordinate scheduling for instrument preventive maintenance, calibration, and repair with external vendors or internal facilities staff.
• Maintain records of service visits, warranties, and maintenance contracts for lab equipment.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent required; Associate's or Bachelor's degree in a scientific field preferred.
• Prior experience (3+ years) working in a laboratory, clinical, or scientific environment.
• Familiarity with laboratory safety practices, chemical handling, and waste disposal procedures.
• Strong organizational skills with high attention to detail and accuracy in documentation.
• Basic computer proficiency (inventory systems, spreadsheets, email; e.g., Microsoft Excel or Google Sheets).
• Ability to lift up to 25–40 lbs and stand for extended periods; comfortable working with chemicals and lab equipment.
• Strong communication skills and ability to work both independently and collaboratively.