CTND NY LLC Lab Assistant I Menands, NY · Full time

Apply for Lab Assistant I

Purpose

The Lab Assistant I is a entry level laboratory position wherein professional growth is expected and assessed. Therefore, the Assistant I is expected to demonstrate a teachable attitude and a dedication to improvement by paying careful attention to instructions, asking clarifying questions and taking personal notes as required. The Assistant I has the ability to follow standard operating procedures and gather data from specialized equipment and is expected to develop the ability to independently perform all routine tasks and collaborate on continuous improvement as needed. The Assistant I operates equipment on a regular basis and ensures the quality of data. The Assistant I ensures that activities are carried out in accordance with established Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and protocols.

Responsibilities and Duties

• Works closely with the laboratory personnel to ensure a smooth workflow of analyses. 
• Works under supervision, performing routine tasks. 
• Follows procedures for logging and processing of samples for analysis.
• Perform sample receiving, labeling, handling and preparation.
• Enter data in laboratory information management systems (LIMS).
• Assist with pre-analytical preparation of samples (e.g., printing labels, removal of samples from packaging, homogenization of samples, aliquoting samples, preparing sample racks, worklists, enter/scan samples).
• To perform detail oriented work particularly when accurate measurements are collected using analytical balances.
• Organizes, conducts, and evaluates testing procedures requiring a thorough knowledge of the techniques and materials involved.
• Assist with monitoring the department's pending and overdue lists, which includes, searching, locating, following up and updating appropriate documentation.
• Organizes samples and plans out the individual test preparation needed for each sample
• Works in conjunction with laboratory Technicians and Analysts to ensure a seamless transition from raw sample to final results.
• Prepares laboratory spaces as needed. This includes setting up equipment and appropriate sanitization of equipment.
• Follows strict adherence to Standard Operating Procedures regarding sample handling and follows Good Laboratory Practices to ensure the generation of high quality and reliable data.
• Records raw data in a neat and legible fashion on sample worksheets or in laboratory information system (LIMs)
• Supports developing new procedures or techniques, which significantly enhance work quality or cost effectiveness.
• Stock departments with necessary supplies.
• Inventory common lab supplies and submit requests for ordering.
• Clean glassware and laboratory equipment (e.g., refrigerators, freezers and supply cabinets, as needed).
• Assists in the upkeep of cleanliness in the laboratory, including workspace organization, disposal of waste, and cleaning of workspace.
• Comply with all health and safety policies, procedures and practices. Required to use personal protective equipment.
• Perform routine maintenance on some equipment.
• Perform QA/QC duties as assigned.
• Stands for several hours at a time in order to perform analyses. 
• Ability to work holidays and weekends.
• Perform other related duties as needed.

Qualifications

• Working knowledge of a broad range of plant medicine products, processes, and cultivation preferred (e.g. Cannabis, Hemp, CBD and Fungi). 
• Working knowledge of regulations (local and federal), Good Laboratory Practices, and current official methods with at least 1 year experience working in an accredited laboratory. 
• Excellent oral and written communication skills. Demonstrated expertise in plant medicine safety, quality and value is a plus. 
• Equipment and Instrumentation (e.g. Analytical Balance, pH Meter, Moisture Balance, Water Activity Meter, Pipette) experience preferred.
• Must have strong organizational, leadership, and technical skills. 
• Ability to generate respect and trust from staff and external constituencies. 
• High School diploma or GED required
• Must be at least 21 years of age and pass required background check.

Physical Requirements

These physical demands are representative of the physical requirements necessary for an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of the job. Reasonable accommodation can be made to enable people with disabilities to perform the described essential functions. While performing the responsibilities of the job, the employee is required to communicate with coworkers and managers by conversing and exchanging information regarding laboratory functions throughout 50% of the work day. The employee is required to stand 50% of most work days, sit 50% of most work days, and use their hands and fingers to record data on laboratory worksheets, enter data into spreadsheet workbooks, enter data into the LIMS system, and perform chemical analyses. The employee is occasionally required to lift up to 50lbs and pull up to 150lbs while performing laboratory duties such storing or retrieving chemicals. The employee must be able to reach. Vision abilities required by this job include close vision to record data on laboratory worksheets, enter data into spreadsheet workbooks, enter data into the LIMS system, and perform chemical analyses. The employee must be able to move about in the laboratory regularly throughout the work day. The employee must be able to occasionally work in extreme cold (below 32 degrees F) temperatures when retrieving samples, cleaning out retained samples and reorganizing stored samples. The employee must be able to tolerate moderate amounts of noise from laboratory equipment. The employee must be able to regularly tolerate very strong chemical odors. Provided with proper protective equipment, the employee must work with chemical hazards