LAB ASSISTANT JOB DESCRIPTION

Before a single experiment moves forward, someone has to ensure the labware is sterile, the reagents are stocked, and the biological materials are safely received and stored. Lab Assistants in biotech fill that operational layer, managing autoclave cycles, maintaining GMP-compliant inventory, and handling conditioned media harvests that feed upstream manufacturing workflows. They work within structured safety frameworks, including chemical hygiene plans and biosafety protocols that govern waste disposal and hazardous material handling. Without this foundational support layer, bench scientists lose hours to logistics instead of science.

As the Lab Assistant, you ensure the physical and procedural infrastructure of a biotechnology laboratory runs without interruption, supporting manufacturing, quality control, and research teams through consistent labware preparation, supply coordination, and safety compliance. You operate within a lab operations function, often reporting to a Lab Operations Supervisor or Manager, and serve as a cross-functional resource across departments ranging from cell culture to GMP production.

Career Impact: Hands-on experience with GMP environments and biosafety protocols establishes a foundation that is directly transferable to roles such as Lab Technician or Lab Operations Coordinator within the biotech sector.

Business Impact: Manufacturing timelines and QC sample integrity depend directly on the Lab Assistant maintaining clean, calibrated, and stocked lab environments; delays here cascade into production holds.

Growth Opportunity: Exposure to SOP authorship, vendor coordination, and cross-functional safety compliance expands your operational scope and builds the profile required to advance into Lab Operations or Facilities roles.

• Prepare labware for sterilization and operate autoclave and dishwasher equipment to maintain clean supply availability across departments.
• Harvest and concentrate conditioned cell culture media according to established departmental protocols.
• Coordinate ordering, receiving, and organized storage of reagents, biological materials, and consumables to prevent supply gaps.
• Maintain accurate documentation of calibration records, training logs, and laboratory methods in compliance with SOPs.
• Dispose of biohazardous and chemical waste following local, state, and federal safety regulations and exposure control procedures.
• Monitor and distribute deionized water, prepare buffers, and ensure proper labeling and storage of chemical inventories.
• Support facilities and lab operations teams by performing routine inspections and flagging equipment maintenance needs.
• Assist in troubleshooting general instrumentation and coordinating service contracts and warranty records with vendors.

• Bachelor's degree in Biological Sciences or a related field, or equivalent work experience.
• 1 or more years of laboratory support experience, with demonstrated ability to follow SOPs in a regulated or fast-paced environment.
• Working knowledge of Microsoft Word and Excel, with proficient data entry and documentation skills.
• Familiarity with biohazardous waste handling, chemical hygiene standards, and exposure control protocols.
• Ability to manage multiple concurrent tasks and meet time-sensitive deadlines with strong organizational follow-through.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to interface effectively across scientific and facilities teams.

• Experience operating autoclave equipment, labware washers, or sterilizers in a GMP or cGMP-compliant laboratory setting.
• Prior exposure to cell culture support activities, including media preparation or buffer prep in a biotech or pharmaceutical environment.
• Familiarity with laboratory information management systems (LIMS) or equivalent inventory and sample tracking platforms.
• Valid driver's license and experience coordinating shipment or receipt of biological materials.

• Autoclave cycle completion rate, measuring uninterrupted supply of sterile labware for dependent departments.
• Supply stockout incidents per month, tracking how consistently reagents and consumables are available when needed.
• SOP compliance rate during routine inspections, reflecting adherence to chemical hygiene and biosafety procedures.
• Documentation accuracy rate for calibration and training records, measured against internal audit findings.
• Biohazardous waste disposal incidents (target: zero), measuring adherence to federal and state safety regulations.
• Typical tools: laboratory sterilization equipment (commonly an autoclave, labware washer); inventory and documentation systems (commonly LIMS, Microsoft Excel)

• Base Salary Range: $38,000 to $52,000 annually, depending on experience and location
• Bonus: Discretionary annual bonus of 3% to 5% of base salary
• Equity: Not typically offered at this level; RSUs possible at growth-stage biotechs
• Health Benefits: Medical, dental, and vision coverage; employer contribution varies by company size
• PTO: 10 to 15 days annually, plus standard US holidays
• Common Perks: Lab safety training sponsorship, tuition assistance, commuter benefits at larger biotech campuses

Figures are estimates based on general US market benchmarks and may be outdated. Adjust based on location, company size, and seniority level.

Background check completion, including verification of work history and, where applicable, drug screening, is a condition of employment for this role. All applicants are considered without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected under applicable federal, state, or local law. Reasonable accommodations will be provided to qualified individuals with disabilities upon request. Candidates must be authorized to work in the United States.

The Lab Assistant owns specimen receiving, accessioning, and sorting workflows across Chemistry, Hematology, and Urinalysis sections, supporting uninterrupted laboratory operations. Working alongside Technicians and Technologists, the role ensures accurate data entry, inventory control, and proper storage and disposal of patient specimens to maintain compliance and workflow continuity.

Key Responsibilities

• Check incoming patient specimens against accession numbers to verify no facilities are missing.
• Arrange patient specimens in numerical order for Chemistry.
• Place CBC specimens in labelled bags by group number and transport to the Hematology section.
• Prepare worksheets for Urinalysis, prepare Microbiology forms, and place assigned barcodes on Media Plates.
• Arrange, scan, place, and save Chemistry specimens into the sample management system in barcoded racks before storing in the refrigerator.
• Place CBC specimens in racks by number group and store in the refrigerator.
• Place PT/APTT specimens in racks by number group and store in the freezer.
• Sort specimens for Chemistry, CBC, A1c, ESR, Retic, and Urinalysis by tube type.
• Discard blood specimens from the previous week.
• Assist with reagent and supplies inventory control.
• Replenish laboratory supplies and receive and store incoming supplies in assigned areas.
• Assist with pending specimens by reviewing pending lists and searching for specimen tubes for add-on tests.
• Prepare and store medical waste for pickup by an outside vendor.

Required Qualifications

• High School Diploma or equivalent, preferred.
• Previous related experience, preferred.
• Working knowledge of PC applications.
• Knowledge of medical terminology, preferred.
• Ability to multitask, required.
• Strong attention to detail required.
• Flexibility to work in a fast-paced and ever-changing environment.

Embedded within a hospital laboratory at Hackensack Meridian Health, the Lab Assistant delivers specimen handling and processing support across pathology and histology functions. Working closely with Pathologists, Pathologists' Assistants, and Histotechnologists, the role sustains daily laboratory operations by maintaining equipment, preparing specimens for external reference labs, and enabling timely diagnostic workflows across New Jersey's healthcare system.

Core Functions

• Handle, order, and collect specimens.
• Assist physicians and nurses regarding specimen collection.
• Assist Pathologists' Assistants and Pathologists directly in STAT procedures, including frozen sections, imprints, and fresh specimens.
• Perform daily reconciliation and filing of blocks and slides.
• Perform daily maintenance of histology equipment, including tissue processors, stainers, and cryostats.
• Prepare tissues for disposal.
• Prepare specimens, slides, and blocks for send-out to reference laboratories.
• Perform instrument functions and troubleshooting.
• Provide support to the Histotechnologist as needed.

Qualifications & Experience

• High School Diploma required.
• Associate's Degree or some college in related sciences, preferred.
• Hospital, university, or private laboratory experience as a Lab Assistant.
• Specific knowledge of Histology, strongly preferred.
• Computer literacy required.
• Ability to learn quickly in a fast-paced environment required.

Reporting to the department supervisor, the Lab Assistant shapes daily lab support operations by running autoclaves, washing labware, and harvesting and concentrating conditioned cell culture media. Partnering with multiple departments on a Tuesday-through-Saturday schedule, the role enables uninterrupted research and manufacturing workflows by maintaining a consistent supply of sterile labware and properly documented laboratory methods.

Primary Duties

• Operate the autoclave and labware washer, and hand-wash labware per departmental protocols.
• Prepare labware for sterilization, and schedule and operate the autoclave to ensure a supply of clean labware is available for each department.
• Harvest and concentrate conditioned media.
• Prepare cell culture solutions.
• Dispose of biohazardous waste following safety procedures.
• Maintain documentation of laboratory methods.
• Clean and maintain general work areas.
• Uphold teamwork efforts and contribute to a positive work environment.

Skills & Qualifications

• High School Diploma or equivalent, minimum.
• 0–2 years of laboratory experience, minimum.
• Must have working knowledge of Microsoft Word and Excel.
• Proficient computer entry and typing skills.
• Ability to perform multiple tasks in a fast-paced work environment.
• Good communication skills, both verbal and written.

Sitting at the intersection of quality management and laboratory operations, the Lab Assistant leads sample management, labware oversight, and the transfer of analytical samples within an international biotechnology company specialising in neurological conditions. Operating across quality control systems, lab systems, and business platforms, the role advances transparency and operational efficiency by integrating real-time monitoring, automation, and IT systems into routine laboratory workflows.

Duties

• Manage Quality Control Sample Management, including sample pick-up, movement, and shipment to respective testing sites.
• Oversee all lab equipment, including washing, distribution, and autoclaving of labware.
• Ensure timely transfer of analytical samples from WIP laboratories to the central laboratory.
• Incorporate a new operations strategy into quality management systems, lab systems, and business systems.
• Incorporate online real-time monitoring, automation of routine testing, and integrated information technology systems to bring transparency to routine business operations.

Requirements

• Basic knowledge of Microbiology and Chemistry required.
• Knowledge of Labware and Oracle systems preferred.
• Good aseptic working skills.
• Good English language skills; dual language an advantage, with a preference for German.
• Strong organisational skills and ability to work autonomously.
• Ability to communicate effectively with all levels of management, peers, contractors, and external partners.

A key member of the Lab Operations team, the Lab Assistant II builds and maintains all aspects of laboratory infrastructure, including instruments, equipment calibration, supply management, and receiving and shipping of biological materials. Collaborating across facilities, safety, and departmental teams, the role ensures regulatory compliance, operational continuity, and a well-maintained laboratory environment that supports the full range of scientific programs.

Functions

• Support lab operations by responding to delegated facilities tickets and tasks in a timely and efficient manner.
• Support projects to improve lab space, organisation, and procedures.
• Implement procedures for handling, storing, safekeeping, and removing hazardous materials.
• Oversee use of laboratory supplies and ensure all reagents, SDS, and supplies are organised and available when needed.
• Promote a culture of safety and ensure health and safety protocols are consistently adhered to.
• Ensure all instrumentation and equipment is functioning and properly maintained.
• Write and implement SOPs for use of equipment in collaboration with the Facilities Team.
• Coordinate ordering and receiving of supplies and biological materials for all departments.
• Assist in removing and installing high-pressure gas cylinders and dewars.
• Manually wash and stock lab glassware, and operate sterilizers and dishwashers.
• Monitor and distribute RODI water and prepare and distribute buffers.
• Ensure proper labelling and storage of chemical and biological wastes.
• Support local, state, and federal regulations to maintain safety compliance and conduct routine laboratory inspections.
• Maintain training, calibration, and inventory records, and coordinate daily consumable supply stocking and ordering.
• Assist in tracking procedures, establishing and maintaining service contracts and warranties with vendors, and troubleshooting general instrumentation.

Experience & Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Biological Sciences or a related field, and/or equivalent relevant experience.
• 2–3+ years in a laboratory operations role, preferred.
• Strong interpersonal skills with a collaborative, customer-service-oriented approach.
• High level of written, verbal, and analytical problem-solving skills.
• Excellent time management and organisational skills with proven ability to manage multiple tasks and deadlines.
• Ability to pass a standard background check.
• Valid driver's license.

Sustained manufacturing output at a growing biotechnology company depends on the Lab Assistant, who delivers preparation, processing, and finishing of materials used across GMP and animal-free lab environments. Based within a collaborative lab team, the role supports buffer preparation, autoclave operations, gel runs, and special projects, enabling production continuity and adherence to safety, quality, and training standards.

Accountabilities

• Assist with support duties, including filling and labelling products, testing samples, and taking inventory.
• Maintain the lab by washing dishware and cleaning and maintaining the lab and its equipment.
• Prepare experiments and projects as needed.
• Maintain records and data as needed.
• Perform buffer preparation for GMP/AFL RUO/RUO manufacturing.
• Operate the autoclave and labware washer, and hand-wash labware per departmental protocols.
• Prepare labware to ensure a supply of clean labware is available for the animal-free lab.
• Work on special projects in close collaboration with lab staff.
• Follow all safety, quality, and training procedures and regulations.

Technical Qualifications

• High School Diploma or equivalent, minimum, with up to 1 year of laboratory or related experience.
• Associate's Degree in a scientific discipline.
• Working knowledge of Microsoft Word and Excel required.
• Ability to follow work instructions and priorities as determined by a supervisor.
• Ability to work both independently and in a group setting.
• Strong organisational skills and attention to detail.