Media Preparation Lab Assistant - Microbiology

Analytical Resource Laboratories (ARL) is a third-party contract laboratory specializing in microbiological and chemical testing of food, cosmetics, and dietary supplements. ARL has been offering analytical testing services for 23 years. We are looking for a team member with experience in microbiology or closely related fields, who is highly motivated, has great desire to learn, a quick learner, competent, meticulous, tech-savvy with excellent communication and organizational skills, personable, and proactive individual who is willing to wear multiples hats and embrace a "can-do" attitude to join our laboratory.
Our team is seeking a team player who can thrive in a fast-paced and high pressured work environment to join our robust, hardworking, intelligent, responsible, adaptive, positive, accountable, and amazing team! The successful candidate has the drive to thrive in a fast-paced, high pressured work environment. This is an excellent entry-level position for ambitious individuals to gain valuable experience and grow professionally in a third-party laboratory industry.
WORK SCHEDULE: Flexible to negotiate prior to hire, 3 days/week minimum and 30 hours/week maximum.
General Job Description
While working closely with a Team Lead and/or under the supervision of the Laboratory Manager, you will be responsible for the following primary duties and responsibilities:
Media Preparation & Laboratory Testing
Prepare and validate media and consumables for microbiological testing
Assist in processing samples and perform routine and entry-level laboratory testing, as needed
Complete sample preparation and testing in a timely manner according to approved SOPs and correct techniques
Perform growth promotion testing and pH testing
Sample Handling & Identification
Classify and label samples according to established protocols
Laboratory Records & Documentation
Maintain proper laboratory records
Communicate testing status and issues verbally and in writing
Report work progress and state of preparation for testing
Document all activities and results and report back to the supervisor
Inventory & Resource Management
Maintain adequate laboratory inventory of media, reagants, and consumables
Equipment & Instrumentation
Demonstrate knowledge and ongoing training in maintaining analytical instruments and laboratory equipment
Quality, Compliance & Safety
Accountable and responsible for proper laboratory practices
Adhere to all GLP, GMP, and ISO regulations related to job duties
Comply with all ARL workplace policies, procedures, and health and safety regulations
Laboratory Housekeeping & Waste Management
Clean and sterilize the laboratory workspace and equipment
Provide support for lab-specific waste management
Maintain laboratory cleanliness at all times
Training & Professional Development
Successfully complete all required training, including skills and proficiency testing, within required timeframes
Stay informed of industry trends, techniques, and best practices
Special Assignments
Complete special projects as assigned
Expectations & Requirements
Education & Certification
Minimum: High school diploma, and minimal laboratory experience AND currently matriculated in a university while majoring in Microbiology or a closely related field
Skills & Competencies
Competency in industry-specific or industry-related laboratory techniques and procedures
Clear understanding of the importance of maintaining a clean workspace by following approved procedures and laboratory regulations for testing, health, and safety.
Good understanding of laboratory information systems and laboratory equipment
In-depth knowledge and advanced understanding of laboratory techniques and procedures
Knowledge of the metric system, scientific applications, experimental design, and data evaluation
Ability to work in a GMP/GLP environment
Strong attention to detail
Critical and analytical thinking
Strong work and professional ethics
Excellent communication and a high level of emotional and social intelligence
Commitment to building excellence and being an active contributor to a growing laboratory
Physical & Scheduling Requirements
Able to lift 30 to 50 lbs.
Able to converse fluently in English, verbally and in writing
Able to complete work on time and meet changing scheduling demands, depending on sample load
Able to work closely and cooperatively with leadership
Available 5 days a week, including weekends as assigned by supervisor
Available and adaptable to work weekends and evening shifts, according to testing demands (may work past midnight or early hours, according to demands)
Able to travel for audits and training, whenever assigned
Adherence to turnaround times and deadlines
A clear understanding of the importance of maintaining a clean workspace by following approved procedures and laboratory regulations for testing, health, and safety
Additional Expectations
ARL seeks to employ and promote team players who exhibit leadership, adaptability, intelligence, responsibility, and a commitment to excellence. We value individuals who thrive in a fast-paced, high-pressure work environment and demonstrate accountability, positivity, and professionalism in all aspects of their role.
COMPENSATION RATE DEPENDENT ON RELEVANT INDUSTRY EXPERIENCE
About ARL
Analytical Resource Laboratories LLC is a third-party quality testing laboratory in the food, cosmetics, dietary supplements, and pharmaceutical industries. It was established on January 1, 2000. In 2015, ARL partnered with Tentamus North America, Inc., a network of laboratories headquartered in Germany, to form International Contract Laboratories, LLC. We celebrate 22 years of serving the industry. We offer microbiology and chemistry testing services, as well as method development, to manufacturers, retailers, raw material providers, and even consumers. On June 1, 2021, ARL acquired EuTech Scientific Services, Inc. ARL laboratories are located in Utah, Arizona, Florida, and New Jersey. We continue to grow and expand to serve our partners across the United States.
ARL’s motto of “Doing it right, on time, every time,” not only means executing the right wor

Employment type
Part-Time

Work arrangement
No