Lab Assistant Jobs in Tacoma, WA (NOW HIRING)

Position Overview

The Lab Assistant position will be responsible for supporting the functions of the Clinical Laboratory and Integrated Development Operations Laboratory (IDOL). Technologists and Scientists working in these labs process samples for research, development, validation and clinical diagnostic results.  

This role is designed for employees who are seeking to gain experience in a clinical/molecular laboratory setting.

Key Responsibilities and Essential Functions

Scope/Impact

• Performs basic and routine laboratory tasks under direction and supervision.
  • Clean and maintain various types of laboratory equipment and laboratory spaces on the designated schedules.
  • May prepare workspaces for upcoming sample processing.
  • Complete all applicable documentation associated with maintenance and processing assistance activities.
  • Complete other tasks as assigned.
• Executes tasks in accordance with existing SOPs and procedures under compliance with regulatory agencies; models appropriate clinical, regulatory and safety practices.
• Consistently meets deadlines and follows through on commitments.
• Develops understanding of laboratory systems, procedures and requirements.

Complexity

• Works on assignments that are routine in nature, requiring limited judgement.
• Uses standard laboratory procedures and follows processes to solve routine problems under general supervision.
• Gain familiarity with Adaptive's lab processes, such as DNA extraction methods, PCR amplification, or high-throughput sequencing assays on DNA libraries.
• Ensure compliance with lab regulatory agencies (GxP, FDA, ISO).
• Keep accurate and detailed records for all workflows following Good Documentation Practices.

Knowledge/Level of Expertise

• Demonstrate good judgment and integrity while developing strong clinical mindfulness.
• Build and continually develop an understanding of the underlying scientific principles of the equipment and analytical methods utilized in the lab.

Interaction, Supervision and Discretion

• Receives close supervision from supervisors.
• Seeks advice from lab management or senior staff to assist with questions or technical advice.
• Exercises clinical discretion on a limited basis.

Regulatory Responsibility

• Record or report incidents/nonconformances for all appropriate errors.
• Enter and track data in a laboratory information database (LIMS), as needed.
• Regulatory responsibilities per Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP)
• Regulatory responsibilities per Good Clinical Practices (GCP)
• Regulatory responsibilities per Good Laboratory Practices (GLP)

All other duties as assigned

Position Requirements (Education, Experience, Other)

Required

• High School Diploma or Associates degree
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, ability to collaborate across teams and disciplines.
• Demonstrated ability to effectively manage time, organize work, and prioritize responsibilities to consistently meet deadlines and business objectives.
• Currently enrolled in an accredited institution working on obtaining a BS or MS degree in a Chemical, Physical or Biological science.

Preferred

• BS/BA degree or currently enrolled in an accredited institution working on obtaining a BS or MS degree in a Chemical, Physical or Biological science.
• Relevant internship or laboratory familiarity.
• Developed understanding of general molecular laboratory techniques and practices.
• Working knowledge of laboratory terminology. 
• Ability to work cohesively in a team environment with dynamic organization. Strong interpersonal and communication skills, both written and spoken.  
• Experience following SOPs and procedures in a laboratory setting.

Working Conditions

Job involves working in a laboratory where human biological specimens are processed. Flexibility and willingness to work more than standard hours when necessary, including nights & weekends.

Physical Requirements

Individuals are required to sit or stand for much of the workday and perform data entry into computer systems.

Compensation

Hourly Rate: $21.69 - $23.99

Possible "other compensation" elements to include:

• equity grant
• bonus eligible