Food Lab Assistant Jobs in Arizona (NOW HIRING)

Analytical Resource Laboratories (ARL) is a third-party contract laboratory specializing in microbiological and chemical testing of food, cosmetics, and dietary supplements. ARL has been offering analytical testing services for 23 years. We are looking for a team member with a background in analytical chemistry, microbiology, biophysics, or a closely related field, who is highly motivated, has a great desire to learn, is a quick learner, competent, meticulous, tech-savvy with excellent communication and organizational skills, personable, and proactive individual who is willing to wear multiples hats and embrace a "can-do" attitude to join our laboratory.
Our team is seeking a team player who can thrive in a fast-paced and high-pressured work environment to join our robust, hardworking, intelligent, responsible, adaptive, positive, accountable, and amazing team! The successful candidate has the drive to thrive in a fast-paced, high-pressured work environment. This is an excellent entry-level position for graduates in a relevant field of science who wish to gain valuable experience and grow professionally in a third-party laboratory industry.
Anticipated work schedule: 2-3 days during the weekday + 1-2 days during the weekend
General Job Description
The Satellite Lab Assistant supports laboratory operations at the Tempe, Arizona satellite location by processing samples, conducting testing, and ensuring compliance with all ARL quality, safety, and regulatory standards. Working closely with a Site Lead and/or under the supervision of the Laboratory Manager, this role contributes to the accuracy, reliability, and timeliness of laboratory results. This position also performs courier duties as needed to support sample management and client relations.
Responsibilities
Laboratory Testing & Technical Operations

• Process samples and perform routine and advanced laboratory testing
• Assist with method validation activities, as assigned
• Complete sample preparation and testing in a timely manner using approved SOPs and proper techniques
• Ensure accuracy, accountability, and compliance with proper laboratory practices

Analytical Techniques & Instrumentation

• Demonstrate ongoing learning and proficiency in maintaining and troubleshooting analytical instruments
• Serve as on-site point of contact for vendors and maintenance personnel (e.g., repair technicians), as needed

Sample Handling & Identification

• Classify and label samples according to established protocols
• Assist with sample management tasks as necessary

Data Analysis, Interpretation & Reporting

• Record, analyze, and interpret laboratory results accurately
• Document and review findings
• Communicate testing status, results, and any issues verbally and in writing

Documentation & Records Management

• Maintain accurate and compliant laboratory records
• Document all activities and report progress and test preparation status to supervisor

Quality Assurance & Regulatory Compliance

• Adhere to all GLP, GMP, and ISO regulations applicable to assigned duties
• Comply with all ARL workplace policies, procedures, and quality standards

Laboratory Housekeeping, Safety & Waste Management

• Clean and sterilize laboratory workspace and equipment
• Maintain laboratory cleanliness at all times
• Provide support for lab-specific waste management
• Comply with all ARL health, safety, and environmental regulations

Training, Competency & Professional Development

• Successfully complete all required training, skills assessments, and proficiency testing within required timeframes
• Stay informed of current industry trends, techniques, and best practices

Courier & Client Support Duties (As Needed)

• Serve as a professional customer representative for ARL
• Follow assigned pickup and delivery routes safely and efficiently
• Comply with traffic laws and ARL driving policies
• Perform general data entry for sample tracking and processing
• Pick up samples from clients as needed

Project Coordination & Accountability

• Complete special projects and additional duties as assigned

Job Requirements & Expectations
Workplace & Professional Expectations

• Communicate professionally with team members and leadership to resolve issues
• Contribute to a positive, ethical, and collaborative work environment
• Demonstrate professionalism, teamwork, and adaptability
• Follow established conflict resolution procedures
• Work calmly and effectively under pressure in a fast-paced laboratory environment
• Demonstrate working knowledge of laboratory information management systems (LIMS) and related data workflows

Scheduling & Availability

• Available to work five (5) days per week, including weekends when needed
• Able to work schedules that support timely testing, courier coverage, and reporting
• Follow ARL work schedule, attendance, and time-off requirements

Physical & Compliance Requirements

• Able to lift at least 50 pounds
• Valid driver's license with a good driving record
• Abide by ARL drug testing, background check, and drug-free workplace policies
• Must live within 50 miles of the work location

Hiring Requirements & Qualifications
Educations & Experience

• Currently pursuing a degree in Biology, Microbiology, Biotechnology, Food Science, or a related scientific field
• Understanding of laboratory regulations, cleanliness standards, and approved testing procedures

Technical & Professional Competencies

• Critical and analytical thinking skills
• Strong attention to detail, responsibility, and accountability
• Ability to adapt professionally to changing schedules, demands, or procedures
• Demonstrated commitment to professional ethics, teamwork, and clear communication
• History of compliance with company procedures and safety policies

Additional Requirements

• Fluency in English (verbal and written) required
• U.S. work authorization required; ARL does not offer visa sponsorship

Reporting Structure

• Reports to: Site Lead / Team Lead and Laboratory Manager

Additional Expectations
ARL seeks to employ and promote team players who exhibit leadership, adaptability, intelligence, responsibility, and a commitment to excellence. We value individuals who thrive in a fast-paced, high-pressure work environment and demonstrate accountability, positivity, and professionalism in all aspects of their role.
COMPENSATION RATE DEPENDENT ON RELEVANT INDUSTRY EXPERIENCE
About ARL
Analytical Resource Laboratories LLC is a third-party quality testing laboratory in the food, cosmetics, dietary supplements, and pharmaceutical industries. It was established on January 1, 2000. In 2015, ARL partnered with Tentamus North America, Inc., a network of laboratories headquartered in Germany, to form International Contract Laboratories, LLC. We celebrate 22 years of serving the industry. We offer microbiology and chemistry testing services, as well as method development, to manufacturers, retailers, raw material providers, and even consumers. On June 1, 2021, ARL acquired EuTech Scientific Services, Inc. ARL laboratories are located in Utah, Arizona, Florida, and New Jersey. We continue to grow and expand to serve our partners across the United States.
ARL's motto of "Doing it right, on time, every time," not only means executing the right work to produce quality results professionally but also doing what is right legally, morally, and ethically. Our greatest strength is in walking the moral high ground that drives our work, relationships, character, and leadership. They are reflected in the way we build our success and in the way we treat each other and our colleagues in the business, even our competitors. Doing it right is what sets us apart.
VISION
"To be the best quality lab in the industry founded on a championship culture of leaders who inspire good and elevate life wherever we go, doing what we exist to do"
MISSION
We exist to provide experience, professionalism, and value in world-leading analytical testing services at the highest level of integrity, reliability, timeliness, and accuracy by the best and greatest people.
VALUES
Experience: We stand for the highest level of performance, proficiency, and drive because ...
... we perfect our craft and seek learning anywhere, anytime.
... we don't just avoid errors; we achieve excellence.
... we state our intentions and take deliberate actions.
... we embrace change and better ways of thinking.
This is how we do it right.
Professionalism: We manifest total commitment to doing our absolute best because ...
... we exercise integrity, honesty, and transparency.
... we are effective, accountable, and reliable.
... we demonstrate that leadership is an active choice, not a passive position.
... we deliver accuracy and quality in all our work.
... we take ownership of our stewardship.
This is who we are.
Value: We empower ourselves to bring value to those whose lives we impact by ...
... building bridges of partnerships and service.
... inspiring moral discipline and character.
... creating authentic chemistry in our relationships.
... elevating the world through the results of our work.
The world is a better place because we are here.
OUR WORK
We often hear the phrase "Don't overpromise and under-deliver." We do not make promises we cannot keep and represent what we aren't. ARL is committed to truth and honesty. In our partnerships, our on-time timeline is driven by professional ethics to do the right work to produce correct results. We strive to fulfill the quality needs of our partners by setting reasonable expectations and realistic results. In our journey with our team, we do the same. No, we do not overpromise and under-deliver. Our goal is to deliver the unexpected. We set performance standards and realistic expectations for growth from advancement to progression. When you grow, we grow. When you perform, we deliver. We want you to trust that we will take your needs seriously without sacrificing integrity. It is the same conviction we take to our partners. There is no double standard.
OUR RELATIONSHIPS
When we say we care, we actually do something about it. We personally care about our success and how we serve yours. ARL is available for our partners as best as humanly possible, but we are present at any time for our people. We make people care our priority, personally and inherently. Our commitment to long-lasting relationships started long before you joined our team. This is not just business for us; it is who we are. Doing it right and doing what is right are our creed to build a better everything for you and for the ARL family.
OUR CHARACTER
ARL's team is hand-picked. Our team is a team of abundant thinkers. We think big. We think plenty, not empty. The strength of our performance comes from an attitude of gratitude and a marathon of moral altitude. Non-abundant thinkers don't last. Our identity in the profession go hand in hand with our core values. While the work that we do are founded on expertise, knowledge, proficiency, and experience, we stake our professional dealings on integrity, charity, respect, and all that is ethical, right, and true. Our people strive to exemplify a higher standard and choose to take the better path. This means we do not sacrifice long-term relationships for short-term gains. We do not seek to win at any cost.. Rather, we seek to do it right by our people, our partners, and our planet. At ARL, we understand the importance of never burning a bridge. (We never know when we might have to cross that bridge again.) It is reflected in our external behavior and practices in developing trust in our professional and personal relationships within our team, with our partners, and with our community.
OUR LEADERSHIP
We seek to build a team of leader-leaders. Our goal is to give you the tools to be technically competent so that we can trust you to actively and effectively deliver results at the level we seek to achieve. More importantly, we want you to be able to embrace your stewardship and take your place in our team so that you can achieve a sense of meaning and purpose in your work. Leader-leaders don't wait for growth to happen. Leader-leaders bring stability to chaos. They seek out weaknesses and turn them to strengths. They don't sit in the cart as someone else pushes and pull to the finish line. They put their shoulders to the wheel because they can and because they will. Leader-leaders at ARL make things happen. Leader-leaders keep a positive eye on possibilities and opportunities to grow our work, our relationships, our character, and our potential for leadership.
We treat fumbles and tumbles as opportunities to become stronger than we were the day before. Our focus is on building, maintaining, and supporting a team that does it right, on time, every time, and delivering the unexpected. This is the cornerstone of who we are.
If you resonate with our philosophy, we just might be the lab for you. Send us your application.