Laboratory Assistant I

Position Title: Laboratory Assistant I
Work Location: Athens, GA 30601
Assignment Duration: 12 Months
Work Arrangement: Onsite
 
Position Summary:

• Support daily laboratory operations and staff to meet our organization’s Discovery needs.
• The incumbent will assist laboratory team in insect rearing activities, daily lab maintenance, and may contribute to internal drug screening activities.

 
Background & Context:

• Operations of the Parasitology Research team including internal drug screening and insect rearing activities.

 
Key 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.

 
Qualification & Experience:

• 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.
• 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

 

At SPECTRAFORCE, we are committed to maintaining a workplace that ensures fair compensation and wage transparency in adherence with all applicable state and local laws. This position's pay range is $25.00/hr – $28.17/hr.