Micro Lab Assistant 1

Certified Group is a leading North American provider of laboratory testing and audit and certification services. The Certified Group of companies includes Food Safety Net Services (FSNS), Certified Laboratories, EAS Consulting Group, Labstat International Inc. The Certified Group provides analytical testing and regulatory guidance services in the food & beverage, dietary supplements & NHP, cosmetics, OTC, personal care, tobacco, cannabis, nicotine, and hemp industries.

The Lab Assistant within the Cosmetics Microbiology 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

• Logging of customer samples into the LIMS system with accuracy. Uses products as needed.
• Split samples between departments (cosmetic micro and cosmetic chem lab).
• Ensure timeliness, accuracy, and reliability work.
• Ensure adherence to the daily work schedule.
• Perform clerical review to ensure accuracy.
• Ensure all samples are labeled correctly and stored at the appropriate temperatures until testing can occur.
• Ensure the sample receiving/splitting room is cleaned and maintained.
• Keep the Manager/Supervisor informed of issues or problems within the department.
• Interact with clients, suppliers and vendors as required.
• Work effectively with other departments.
• Responsible for the execution of all ISO and QC requirements.
• Assist in general laboratory housekeeping tasks
• Other duties as required.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• High school diploma
• Knowledge of good aseptic technique and behaviors that can reduce cross contamination.
• Good conceptual basis in laboratory setting with proven ability to perform basic lab techniques.
• Critical thinking - using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
• Excellent organizational skills - ability to use your time, energy, resources, etc. in an effective manner.
• Time management - one's own time and the time of others.
• Training - teaching and guiding others how to complete a process from beginning to end.
• Strong relevant qualitative and quantitative skills.
• Excellent arithmetic skills - using mathematics to solve problems.
• Good communication skills - speaking, reading, writing and listening.
• Manual dexterity.
• Ability to stand for prolonged periods and lift up to 40 lbs.

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.

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.

BENEFITS:

• Progressive 401k Retirement Savings Plan
• Employer Paid Short- Term and Long-Term Disability, and Life Insurance
• Group Medical
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Flexible Spending Accounts
• Dental
• Paid Holidays and Time Off

Certified Group values diversity in its workforce. The company is firmly committed to a policy of Equal Opportunity and will administer its policies in a manner that treats each employee and applicant for employment on the basis of merit. Certified Group will take affirmative action to seek out qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, handicap, or veteran status.