JOB TITLE: LABORATORY ASSISTANT

JOB CODE: 32010

DEFINITION: This is routine clerical and manual work in a commonwealth agency laboratory.

An employee in this job performs a variety of clerical and manual tasks to develop competency and assist in standardized laboratory processes, procedures, and practices. Work involves assisting professional and technical staff in preparing and conducting tests and experiments and in preparing and reviewing reports of related results. Work also involves collecting, cataloguing, storing, and maintaining specimens; cleaning and storing laboratory equipment and maintaining related records; and performing routine manual work in the custodial care of plants, animals, and laboratory facilities. Work is assigned and reviewed in progress and upon completion by technical and professional staff.

EXAMPLES OF WORK: (NOTE: The examples of work are representative of the work, but every position classified to this job may not perform all examples of work listed. Conversely, this is not an all-inclusive list of work examples.):

• Assists technicians in the set-up and conduct of a variety of laboratory tests.

• Makes microscopic examinations under close supervision and enters related information into databases.

• Assists technicians in preparation and maintenance of an inventory of laboratory supplies, media, and reagents; and ensures date-sensitive items are properly documented.

• Prepares biological samples for examination using a centrifuge and other methods and tools.

• Cares for and maintains a wide variety of living flora and fauna.

• Receives, logs, stores, and tracks field and laboratory samples from a variety of sources for use by technical and professional staff.

• Drives an automobile or light truck to obtain, transport, and deliver samples and specimens from field locations.

• Cleans and sterilizes laboratory equipment such as slides, pipettes, test tubes, petri dishes, flasks, and rubber tubing by hand washing or operating autoclaves, sterilizers, and ovens.

• Routes telephone calls to proper individuals, greets visitors, and records and provides routine information.

• Washes, dusts, and polishes fixtures and furnishings and assists in maintaining orderly laboratory facilities.

• Performs related work as required.

ENTRY LEVEL KNOWLEDGES, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

• Ability to read and understand written materials.

• Ability to perform basic mathematical calculations.

• Ability to communicate effectively orally.

• Ability to communicate effectively in writing.

• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENT:

• Certain positions may require possession of an active non-commercial Pennsylvania Class C driver’s license or equivalent.