Laboratory Assistant

Job Title: Laboratory Assistant  Employment Type: Full-Time (Hourly, ≤40 hours/week) Location: On-site Laboratory (3500 Camp Bowie Blvd, Fort Worth, Tx. 76107) Reports To: Dr. Christian Nkanga, Ph.D., Chief Scientific OfficerPosition Summary  The Laboratory Assistant plays a critical role in supporting daily laboratory operations by ensuring a well-maintained, organized, and fully stocked lab environment. This individual will be responsible for inventory management, equipment upkeep, biohazard handling, and administrative coordination to enable scientific staff to operate efficiently and compliantly. This role requires strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and the ability to manage multiple operational tasks in a fast-paced laboratory setting. Roles and Responsibilities  Inventory Management & Procurement Maintain accurate records of laboratory inventory, including consumables, reagents, and equipment  Track orders through systems such as Quartzy and approved vendors  Receive, log, and organize incoming shipments; monitor delivery timelines  Restock commonly used supplies (e.g., pipette tips, gloves, tubes, media, plates)  Coordinate returns, credits, and discrepancies with vendors  Break down packaging and dispose of packaging in accordance with safety and facility guidelines Communicate with vendors to resolve delays, backorders, or fulfillment issues Ensure inventory levels are sufficient to support ongoing research, development, and manufacturing activities Store materials under appropriate environmental conditions (e.g., ambient, refrigerated, frozen) Laboratory Maintenance & Organization  Maintain a clean, organized, and compliant laboratory environment  Monitor equipment functionality and maintenance schedules  Clean and maintain laboratory equipment (e.g., tanks, shared instruments)  Autoclaving & Biohazard Handling  Operate autoclaves for sterilization of glassware, media, and biohazardous materials (Experience with autoclaves preferred) Manage biohazard waste disposal and coordinate pickup services (Every Friday) Lab Support  Support scientists with basic lab-related tasks as needed Assist with routine lab maintenance tasks (e.g., water bath levels, incubator maintenance)  Set up new laboratory equipment and coordinate placement  Monitor critical lab systems (e.g., incubators, water baths, HPLC reagent levels)  Ensure equipment is functioning properly and organize periodic calibration of laboratory equipment. Assist with troubleshooting basic lab equipment or computer setup issues (IT) Administrative & Operational Support  Maintain safety documentation, including Safety Data Sheets (SDS)  Assist with onboarding of new lab personnel (lab orientation, setup, parking passes, badge activation, etc.)  Coordinate outgoing shipments and deliveries (e.g., post office, courier services)  Support internal logistics such as meeting coordination (e.g., ordering food for team events, scheduling meeting rooms)  Assist with travel coordination for laboratory staff  QualificationsRequired: Bachelor’s degree (BA/BS) in Biology, Microbiology, Chemistry, or related scientific field Strong organizational and time management skills Ability to work independently and manage multiple responsibilities Attention to detail and commitment to maintaining compliance and safety standards Preferred:  Prior laboratory experience (academic, internship, or industry)  Experience with inventory management systems (e.g., Quartzy)  Familiarity with basic laboratory equipment and sterile techniques Compensation and Benefits  Hourly position (not to exceed 40 hours per week)Benefits - Full Time Position Benefits available (Ex. Medical, Dental, Life Insurance, etc.) Additional Legal Requirements: Must be authorized to work in the United States. The company is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or protected veteran status. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Employment is contingent upon successful completion of a background check and eligibility to work in the U.S.