Lab Steward

Job Summary:

The Lab Steward is a critical member of our laboratory team, responsible for ensuring the smooth operation of our facilities. This role requires a high degree of organization, attention to detail, and a commitment to maintaining a safe and clean working environment.

Key Responsibilities:

• Laboratory Maintenance:
  • Clean and sanitize laboratory equipment, surfaces, and workspaces to maintain a high level of hygiene and prevent contamination.
  • Ensure that laboratory instruments and tools are regularly calibrated and maintained to ensure accuracy and reliability.
  • Organize and stock lab benches, ensuring proper storage of equipment and consumables to optimize workflow and reduce waste.
• Inventory Management:
  • Track and maintain inventory of lab supplies, reagents, and chemicals to ensure timely ordering and minimize stockouts.
  • Place orders for supplies and chemicals when inventory is low, ensuring continuous lab operations and minimizing disruptions.
  • Receive and properly store incoming lab materials to maintain a clean and organized workspace.
• Health and Safety Compliance:
  • Adhere to all health and safety protocols and ensure others do the same to maintain a safe working environment.
  • Manage the disposal of hazardous and non-hazardous waste following regulatory guidelines to minimize environmental impact.
  • Perform regular safety inspections, including checking fire extinguishers, emergency exits, and safety equipment to identify and address potential hazards.
• Waste Management:
  • Properly segregate and dispose of chemical and biological waste to minimize environmental impact and ensure regulatory compliance.
  • Coordinate with external vendors for hazardous waste disposal to ensure timely and cost-effective removal.
• Equipment Care:
  • Assist in maintaining and troubleshooting laboratory equipment and machines to ensure optimal performance and minimize downtime.
  • Coordinate repairs and servicing when necessary to maintain equipment in good working order.
• Documentation and Reporting:
  • Maintain detailed logs of chemical and reagent use, inventory, and disposal records to track usage and identify trends.
  • Report any safety hazards or issues to the Lab Manager to ensure prompt attention and resolution.
  • Assist with the preparation of lab audits and safety inspections to ensure compliance with regulatory requirements.
• Support to Lab Staff:
  • Assist scientists and technicians with setting up experiments as needed to ensure timely completion and minimize disruptions.
  • Provide general support for laboratory activities, including preparation of reagents and sterile materials to maintain a smooth workflow.

Qualifications:

• A high school diploma or equivalent, as well as a degree in a science-related field, is a plus.
• Experience working in a laboratory environment is preferred.
• Familiarity with basic lab equipment and safety procedures is essential.
• Excellent organizational and time management skills are required to prioritize tasks and manage multiple responsibilities.
• Ability to work independently as well as in a team to maintain a collaborative and supportive work environment.
• Attention to detail and a commitment to maintaining a clean and safe working environment are essential.

Skills and Competencies:

• Knowledge of chemical safety and hazardous waste management is required to ensure regulatory compliance and minimize environmental impact.
• Strong organizational skills and ability to manage multiple tasks efficiently are essential to prioritize tasks and manage responsibilities.
• Effective communication skills are required to interact with lab staff and external suppliers to ensure timely and cost-effective ordering and delivery of supplies.