What are the responsibilities and job description for the Laboratory Assistant position at Harken Research?
Company Description
Harken Research is an ISO17025 accredited testing laboratory located in Pasadena with two core business units: consumer product testing and pharmaceutical contract research. Within the consumer product testing unit dietary supplements, food, and cosmetics are the focus – with additional testing services catering to other industries. Our strengths are our ability to offer customized testing and problem solving to address client needs; excellent customer service; and quick turnaround times.
Summary
We're looking for a dependable, organized, and motivated Part-Time Laboratory Assistant to support our laboratory operations. This position is ideal for someone interested in laboratory science or looking to gain hands-on experience in an analytical chemistry laboratory. The position is approximately 20 hours per week, with an ideal schedule of 4 hours per day, Monday through Friday, although some flexibility may be available based on the candidate's schedule and laboratory needs.
Duties
The Laboratory Assistant will support the laboratory with a variety of operational, administrative, and facility-related tasks, including:
- Assist with sample intake and accessioning
- Enter client orders and sample information into the laboratory information system
- Assist with general administrative and laboratory support duties as needed
- Fold and discard empty cardboard boxes
- Move sample retention bins between the intake area and the main laboratory
- Organize and maintain the sample retention room
- Dispose of expired retained samples according to laboratory procedures
- Clean and organize laboratory benches and common work areas
- Restock laboratory consumables and supplies
- Monitor inventory levels and submit purchase requests
- Register new analytical standards and reagents in the Chemical ID Master List
- Check and collect mail from downstairs mailboxes
- Move argon gas cylinders between storage locations using proper safety procedures
- Dispose of acid and solvent waste into designated waste containers
- Aspirate liquid from HPLC vials prior to disposal
- Transport laboratory waste containers to the designated disposal area
- Defrost laboratory freezers according to schedule
- Move delivered laboratory supplies and equipment from downstairs to the laboratory
- Perform daily laboratory verification tasks, including:
- Temperature monitoring
- Balance verification
- Assist chemists and laboratory staff with additional projects as needed
Qualifications
- High school diploma or equivalent required
- College coursework in chemistry, biology, biochemistry, or a related science is preferred but not required
- Previous laboratory experience is a plus but not required
- Strong organizational skills and attention to detail
- Comfortable using computers and learning new software
- Ability to follow written procedures accurately
- Reliable, punctual, and dependable
- Ability to lift up to 50 pounds and safely move laboratory supplies and equipment
- Comfortable standing, walking, and performing light physical work throughout the day
Pay: $19.00 - $21.00 per hour
Experience:
- Laboratory: 1 year (Required)
Ability to Commute:
- Pasadena, CA 91105 (Required)
Ability to Relocate:
- Pasadena, CA 91105: Relocate before starting work (Required)
Work Location: In person
Salary : $19 - $21