Lab Assistant (Research & Development)

Pay: $23 - $26 Hourly

**Position on-site in our Chicago lab**

Summary:

The Laboratory Assistant supports the Research & Development and Quality teams through hands-on assistance with material handling, sample preparation, testing support, and general lab operations. This role is critical to maintaining efficient workflows, accurate sample tracking, and a well-organized laboratory environment. The ideal candidate is reliable, organized, safety conscious, and comfortable performing physical work in an industrial lab setting.

Principal Duties and Responsibilities:

Sample Handling & Logistics:

• Log, handle, package, and ship samples received from various internal departments
• Coordinate bulk material shipments for partner companies
• Prepare and manage materials for third party testing drop offs
• Maintain accurate records for incoming and outgoing samples

Laboratory Support & Testing Assistance:

• Assist with QA-related tasks for the cement and materials group
• Prepare material blends for in-house testing or external testing agencies
• Sieve samples for mortar lab use
• Assist with obtaining, batching, and prepping materials for trials and research projects
• Source and organize aggregates for testing and development work
• Prep concrete and mortar mixes under direction of lab staff

Equipment & Facility Support:

• Assist with routine equipment maintenance to ensure steady workflow
• Cleaning and preparing molds
• Prepping equipment prior to mixing
• Supporting calibration efforts under the guidance of the Quality Manager or Lab Supervisor
• Assist with breaking cylinders and cubes when needed (under supervision of certified technicians)

Inventory & Organization:

• Maintain a running inventory list of lab supplies (excluding cementitious materials)
• Notify the Lab Manager when supplies are low or need to be reordered
• Help keep the lab clean, organized, and compliant with safety standards

Global Responsibilities:

• Regular attendance and physical presence at work is an essential function of this position
• This job may require additional duties not listed above and the employee may be asked to perform those duties to meet business needs

Qualifications:

Education/Specialized Knowledge/Professional Certifications:

• High School Diploma or equivalent required
• Familiarity with basic material handling, batching, or testing processes preferred

Experience:

• Prior experience in a laboratory, construction materials, or industrial environment preferred

Skills/Abilities:

• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail
• Willingness to work hands-on in a lab and materials environment
• Dependable, safety focused, and able to follow established procedures

Working Conditions:

• On-site laboratory and materials handling environment
• Regular lifting, carrying, and manual handling of materials
• Standing, walking, and repetitive tasks throughout the workday
• Regular use of PPE as required
• Possible Saturday work may be required based on business needs and workload

Physical Requirements:

• Regularly required to talk or hear; frequently is required to stand; walk; use hands to finger, handle or feel; and reach with hands and arms
• Occasionally required to sit; climb or balance; and stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl
• Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus
• Ability to lift up to 50lbs and perform physical work while standing for extended periods of time

Benefits Information:

At Ozinga, we care about the well-being of our team members both in and out of the workplace. That’s why we’re proud to offer a comprehensive benefits package designed to support your health, financial security, and overall quality of life. Our benefits include:

• Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance – Protecting your health and providing peace of mind.
• Retirement Plan Options – Helping you build a secure future.
• Voluntary Benefits – Helping you to cover unexpected expenses.
• Work-Life Balance – Supporting flexibility so you can thrive in every area of your life.
• Employee Assistance Program – Offering confidential support for personal and professional challenges.
• Wellness Program – Promoting a healthy lifestyle through resources and incentives.