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 work to produce quality results professionally but also doing what is right legally, morally, and ethically. Our greatest strength is in walking the moral high ground that drives our work, relationships, character, and leadership. They are reflected in the way we build our success and in the way we treat each other and our colleagues in the business, even our competitors. Doing it right is what sets us apart.

VISION

“To be the best quality lab in the industry founded on a championship culture of leaders who inspire good and elevate life wherever we go, doing what we exist to do”

MISSION

We exist to provide experience, professionalism, and value in world-leading analytical testing services at the highest level of integrity, reliability, timeliness, and accuracy by the best and greatest people.

VALUES

Experience: We stand for the highest level of performance, proficiency, and drive because ...

… we perfect our craft and seek learning anywhere, anytime.

… we don’t just avoid errors; we achieve excellence.

… we state our intentions and take deliberate actions.

… we embrace change and better ways of thinking.

This is how we do it right.

Professionalism: We manifest total commitment to doing our absolute best because …

… we exercise integrity, honesty, and transparency.

… we are effective, accountable, and reliable.

… we demonstrate that leadership is an active choice, not a passive position.

… we deliver accuracy and quality in all our work.

… we take ownership of our stewardship.

This is who we are.

Value: We empower ourselves to bring value to those whose lives we impact by …

… building bridges of partnerships and service.

… inspiring moral discipline and