Job Summary

The Lab Assistant within the Media Department is responsible for preparing, sterilizing, and organizing media and reagents essential to analytical and microbiological testing of food products, ingredients, and environmental samples. This role ensures the availability of accurate, sterile materials to support testing operations while maintaining laboratory safety and compliance standards.

Essential Responsibilities

1. Prepare and maintain bacteriological media and chemical solutions.
2. Safely operate an autoclave to sterilize media, reagents, and supplies.
3. Label, handle, store, use, and dispose of media and solutions in accordance with safety guidelines.
4. Maintain an accurate inventory of prepared media and supplies.
5. Collaborate with other departments to prepare required media in a timely manner.
6. Perform work in a neat, safe, hygienic, and efficient manner; maintain cleanliness and equipment within the department.
7. Follow established processes, procedures, and techniques in accordance with FSNS policies/procedures, customer requirements, and the media operations manual.
8. Maintain laboratory conditions, equipment, supplies, quality assurance programs, and accurate records throughout all procedures.
9. Share information in an open and timely manner to support team collaboration.
10. Complete required training and comply with safety and quality programs.

Education & Experience

• High School Diploma or GED required.
• Familiarity with aseptic sampling techniques.
• Experience operating autoclaves and sterile dispensing equipment preferred.
• Basic knowledge of testing laboratory practices and general laboratory procedures.
• One or more years of experience in a commercial food-testing laboratory preferred.
• Competency with Laboratory Information Management Systems (LIMS) a plus.
• Equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered.

Skills & Competencies

• Strong organizational skills and ability to complete detailed manual tasks.
• Ability to work under deadlines, manage interruptions, and multitask effectively.
• Logical thinking and accuracy in task completion.
• Basic math skills: add, subtract, multiply, divide, and work with fractions and decimals.
• Ability to follow written and oral instructions and problem-solve within standardized situations.
• Working knowledge of ISO 17025 quality procedures and general OSHA laboratory safety guidelines preferred.

Physical Demands & Work Environment

• Frequent standing, walking, sitting, reaching, and handling of materials.
• Occasional stooping, kneeling, crouching, or crawling.
• Regular use of hands and fingers to operate laboratory equipment and computers.
• Ability to lift and/or move up to 25 pounds.
• Potential exposure to odors, fumes, airborne particles, hazardous chemicals, and microbiological pathogens.
• Varying noise levels and temperatures (hot to cold).
• Fast-paced, team-oriented environment.
• Overnight travel may be required at the discretion of management.
• Must wear appropriate protective clothing and equipment.

General Requirements

• Flexible schedule availability.
• Ability to perform opening and closing procedures in the media laboratory.
• Commitment to workplace safety for self and others.
• Willingness to work as part of a collaborative, team-driven environment.