Laboratory Assistant I

Position Summary

Support daily laboratory operations and staff to meet Client's Animal Health Discovery needs. The incumbent will assist laboratory team in insect rearing activities, daily lab maintenance, and may contribute to internal drug screening activities. Support operations of the Parasitology Research team including internal drug screening and insect rearing activities.

Duties & Responsibilities

• Support daily insect husbandry activities. Many of these activities are repetitive and will need to be performed in an independent manner once trained.
• Contribute to daily operations in support of parasitology research, including but not limited to reagent preparation, cleaning, consumables stocking, and specific steps in assay execution.
• Maintain track of laboratory equipment, maintenance schedules and supplies and place orders as needed.
• Ensure proper reception, storage and disposal of laboratory materials.
• Initiate and complete tasks in an independent and efficient manner, with minimal supervision.
• Perform all activities in compliance with safety protocols, legislative expectations of regulatory agencies, as well as internal standards of Good Scientific Practice.
• Learn basic operation of automation software and equipment, leading to occasional independent operation with minimal support from other scientists.

Requirements

• College coursework in biology or equivalent. Applicants with advanced degrees (such as MS or PhD) will not be considered for this role.
• Experience in insect or ectoparasite rearing and maintenance.
• Ability to perform activities using aseptic technique.
• Track record of reliable working attitude and meticulous laboratory work execution.
• Strong communication, interpersonal and intercultural skills allowing effective interaction within the team.
• Fluency in English.

Desired Experience, Skills, and Abilities

• 2+ years of experience in a laboratory setting within a research company or academic institution.
• 1+ years of experience working in a vivarium or insectary maintaining insect or ectoparasite colonies.
• Experience rearing insects.