Laboratory Assistant
Elemental Enzymes is looking for a full-time Laboratory Assistant that supports the site Operations team to ensure the smooth, safe, and efficient operation of the site. They are the hands-on support for the daily operation and readiness of Elemental Enzymes’ site which supports the scientific goals of the company. The primary focus of this position is fulfilling support requests, including preparation of reagents and growth media, chemical and waste handling, consumable inventory and receiving, assisting in scheduling lab activities, preparing lab spaces, ensuring equipment is available and functional, and maintaining safe, clean, stocked, and ready-to-use space. Responsibilities are performed in accordance with established procedures and within the employee’s role, training, and authorization.
Job Description:
Laboratory Operations Support
- Prepare reagents, growth media, and media plates while maintaining appropriate aseptic techniques.
- Fulfill laboratory requests accurately and in a timely manner based on research needs and established priorities.
- Perform routine maintenance, calibration, and validation activities for laboratory instruments as trained and assigned.
- Operate an autoclave to sterilize labware, biological waste, media, and other approved materials.
- Wash, sterilize, organize, and maintain laboratory glassware and reusable materials.
- Follow standard operating procedures, laboratory protocols, and documentation requirements.
- Adhere to laboratory safety guidelines and maintain a safe working environment.
- Maintain laboratory spaces through general daily cleaning, organization, and readiness activities.
- Utilize general laboratory techniques and systems, including the electronic laboratory notebook (ELN), as required.
- Support other routine laboratory activities based on research and operational needs.
Inventory, Receiving and Warehouse Support
- Monitor, maintain, and replenish laboratory consumables and routinely used supplies.
- Track inventory levels and communicate replenishment needs to appropriate personnel.
- Receive, inspect, and distribute incoming laboratory materials, packages, and deliveries.
- Properly stage, store, and organize supplies and materials in accordance with established procedures.
- Support inventory management and organization activities within laboratory and warehouse spaces.
- Assist with stocking, restocking, and maintaining readiness of leased warehouse areas.
Equipment Support
- Support equipment maintenance, calibration, validation, troubleshooting, documentation, and moves assigned.
- Complete equipment-readiness tasks, including data logging, temperature mapping, spore testing, labeling, and routine cleaning/defrosting.
Safety, Chemical Management, and Site Readiness
- Support chemical audits, waste handling/disposal, labeling, and related documentation in compliance with procedures.
- Complete routine safety and site-readiness inspections, including eyewash stations, safety showers, signage, and safety equipment.
Required Experience:
- High school diploma or equivalent required; Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree in Biology, Chemistry, Biotechnology, Agriculture, Environmental Science, or a related scientific or technical field preferred.
- Previous laboratory, research, manufacturing, or similar hands-on experience preferred.
- Experience with media or reagent preparation and aseptic techniques preferred.
- Familiarity with laboratory equipment, inventory management, chemical handling, and laboratory safety practices preferred.
- Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
- Ability to follow written procedures, perform basic calculations, and maintain accurate records.
- Ability to manage recurring responsibilities while responding to changing laboratory priorities.
- Ability to work independently after training and collaborating effectively with scientists and Operations staff.
Physical Demands:
- Extending: Extend self in a direction to complete a task.
- Stationary Position: Remaining in one position for sustained periods of time.
- Moving: Moving to accomplish tasks, particularly for long distances or moving from one work site to another.
- Fine Motor Skills: Using fingers for tasks such as typing, picking, or pinching, rather than full hand movements.
- Transporting: Moving objects from a lower to a higher position or moving objects horizontally from position-to-position. Objects can be up to 50 pounds in weight.
- Manual Handling: Gripping, grasping, or applying pressure to objects using fingers and palms.
- Operating: Using tools and equipment including a work computer and other office devices such as printers, calculators, etc.
- Repetitive motion: Engaging in recurring movements of the wrists, hands, or fingers, such as typing, assembling components, or pipetting.
- Medium Work: Exerting up to 50 pounds of force occasionally, up to 30 pounds of force frequently, and/or up to 10 pounds of force constantly to move objects.
Physical Requirements:
- Sensory Touch: Assessing the size, shape, texture, or temperature of objects by touch, particularly with fingertips.
- Communicating: Expressing or exchanging ideas by spoken word, including providing detailed or critical instructions clearly, quickly, and accurately. Perceiving sound details at normal speaking levels. Alternative methods of communication can be utilized as necessary.
- Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): The worker is required to wear appropriate PPE as necessary for their role, including but not limited to gloves, safety eyewear, lab coats, hearing protections, and/or respiratory protection depending on the work environment and exposure risks.
- Environmental Exposure: Those with this position must be able to work in Biosafety Level 2 Laboratory where there may be exposure to biological Individuals with immuno-compromised systems may be at increased risk in these environments.
Job Location: St. Louis, MO, United States
Position Type: Full-Time/Regular/Hourly/Non-exempt
Salary: Competitive base range
Benefits: 401K with match, Healthcare, Dental, Vision, Life Insurance, HSA/FSA options, Dependent Care Account, Employee Assistance Program, Short-Term Disability, Long-Term Disability, Pet Insurance, Accident Insurance, Critical Illness Insurance
About Elemental Enzymes
Elemental Enzymes was founded upon the simple belief that we must do everything we can to improve agricultural performance in a way that not only enables plants to flourish but enriches and renews the planet with eco-friendly and sustainable agricultural solutions. From products that enable effective enzyme, peptide and protein inputs to foliar treatments that hold the promise to renew entire industries, our focus to make a positive difference in the world through people – like you and me. Success is a byproduct of responsible production. That’s why Elemental Enzymes works to bring cross-disciplinary scientists and processes together to create novel solutions to practical problems with a shared goal of helping both the plant and the planet.
Apply
Please fill out the application and attach a cover letter and CV/Résumé. References required upon request.
