Laboratory Quality Assurance Assistant

Please send a cover letter letting us know why you want to work at Vanguard.

Who We Are

Vanguard Laboratory is a startup analytical and microbiological laboratory located in Olympia, WA. We specialize in the analysis of food, agricultural, drinking water, and environmental samples, as well as peptides, nootropics, supplements, and pharmaceutical samples. Accredited by the Washington Department of Ecology and A2LA ISO 17025, we provide comprehensive testing services to ensure safety, compliance, and quality across various industries. As a tight-knit team dedicated to excellence, we are committed to the success and growth of our laboratory.

Schedule

40 hours per week, 8:30 AM – 5:30 PM, Monday–Friday (some flexibility for urgent client needs; occasional overtime possible).

Job Description

This is a full-time, on-site role located in Olympia, WA. As a key member of our team, you will serve as a point of contact for client communications while ensuring the accuracy, completeness, and timely delivery of laboratory reports. This hybrid position blends administrative precision, data management, report creation, and quality assurance (QA) tasks in a fast-paced startup environment.

You will directly support client satisfaction through professional email correspondence and contribute to laboratory operations by maintaining data integrity, generating reports, and performing QA checks. This role offers a unique opportunity to impact the growth and direction of a startup laboratory. We are seeking a highly motivated, proactive candidate who is exceptionally detail-oriented, thrives with Excel, and enjoys blending client-facing work with behind-the-scenes data and quality processes.

If you are organized, reliable, and excited to help a small lab deliver high-quality results to clients, this could be a great fit.

Key Responsibilities

• Report Preparation & Creation: Prepare, review, and finalize client reports using laboratory data systems and Microsoft Excel; assemble data packages according to client specifications and company protocols.
• Client Communications: Answer and respond to client emails and inquiries promptly and professionally; relay urgent information to the Laboratory Manager or relevant staff; coordinate report revisions or additional data requests.
• Data Entry & Management: Perform accurate data entry into LIMS and Excel spreadsheets; maintain sample logs, project tracking, and electronic/physical records with high attention to detail.
• Quality Assurance (QA) Work: Conduct QA reviews of reports and data for accuracy, completeness, and compliance with ISO 17025 standards; identify discrepancies, note non-conformances, and collaborate with the Quality Assurance Manager or Laboratory Manager on resolutions; assist with peer reviews of analytical data as needed.
• Excel & Reporting Tools: Utilize advanced Excel functions (formulas, pivot tables, charts, data validation) for report generation, trend tracking, and record-keeping; support forecasting or summary reports when requested.
• General Support: Scan and organize documents; update project specifications in LIMS; track report turnaround times; provide administrative assistance to ensure smooth lab operations and client satisfaction.

Requirements

• Exceptional attention to detail and organizational skills
• Strong proficiency in Microsoft Excel (advanced functions required; ability to create clean, professional reports).
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills for professional client email correspondence.
• Ability to work independently, prioritize multiple tasks, and adapt in a fast-paced startup environment.
• Basic computer proficiency (email systems, Microsoft Office/Google Workspace); willingness to learn LIMS software.
• High school diploma or equivalent required; associate or bachelor’s degree in a science, administration, or related field preferred but not required.
• Prior experience with data entry, QA processes, report generation, laboratory concepts, or ISO 17025 standards.

What We Offer

• Performance-based pay increases that reward contributions improving accuracy, efficiency, and client satisfaction.
• Opportunity to learn about cutting-edge lab technologies, accreditation processes, and ISO 17025 operations.
• Medical Insurance
• Matched 401(k)
• Paid Vacation
• Professional Development (training, conferences, etc.)
• Supportive, collaborative startup culture where your input directly shapes processes.

Pay: $20.00 - $23.00 per hour

Expected hours: 40.0 per week

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Flexible schedule
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Parental leave
• Professional development assistance
• Vision insurance

Application Question(s):

• Did you submit cover letter?

Location:

• Olympia, WA 98502 (Preferred)

Ability to Commute:

• Olympia, WA 98502 (Required)

Ability to Relocate:

• Olympia, WA 98502: Relocate before starting work (Required)

Work Location: In person

Salary : $20 - $23