Laboratory Assistant

We are looking for a highly motivated Laboratory Assistant to join our team!

This opportunity is an onsite part-time (2 days x 4 hours) contracting position based in our Carlsbad, CA office to support our protein purification team, which runs large-scale enzyme preps that generate a steady volume of centrifuge bottles and related labware. As a part-time Laboratory Assistant, you will be responsible for cleaning, inspecting, and returning the labware to service so the protein purification team can keep runs on schedule.

Success in this role requires a strong respect for laboratory standards and equipment. Our processing bottles are precision consumables that can last through dozens of cycles when handled correctly but may fail under high-speed centrifugation if mishandled. We are looking for candidates who approach every task with care, precision, and a commitment to operational excellence. This position is ideal for a student in a life sciences program looking for hands-on biotech lab experience.

How You’ll Contribute

• Wash 1-liter polycarbonate/PPCO centrifuge bottles, caps, and associated labware using approved detergents and validated procedures
• Inspect every item before it returns to service by checking for stress cracking, crazing, hazing, deformation, and scratched or nicked sealing surfaces
• Tag and retire labware that fails inspection; flag recurring failure patterns to the purification team
• Rinse thoroughly with deionized water and dry per procedure, confirming no detergent residue remains
• Keep the wash area clean, organized, and stocked; return clean labware to designated locations
• Maintain simple wash and inspection logs
• Autoclave labware and maintain cycle records
• Other job duties as assigned

Qualifications, Skills, Knowledge & Abilities

• High school diploma or equivalent
• Prior experience in a laboratory washroom, cleanroom, sterile processing, or Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP)/Good Laboratory Practice (GLP) environment is preferred
• Careful, consistent attention to detail and willingness to follow written procedures exactly
• Reliable attendance on a set weekly schedule
• Ability to perform the physical requirements of the role, including standing for up to 4 hours at a time and lifting, moving, pulling, and carrying up to 25 pounds
• Capability to safely work around laboratory detergents, solvents, and biological materials using required personal protective equipment
• Familiarity with autoclaves, lab washers, or deionized water systems and understanding of plastic labware chemical compatibility is a plus

This contracting position offers an hourly pay rate between $18/hour and $20/hour, and your actual base pay will depend on your skills, qualifications, experience, and location.

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