Lab Assistant - Entry Level
The Prep Lab Assistant supports pharmaceutical manufacturing and laboratory operations by preparing, sterilizing, and maintaining laboratory equipment and materials in compliance with GMP and regulatory standards. This entry-level role involves hands-on tasks such as operating sterilization ovens, maintaining equipment, documenting processes, and supporting manufacturing teams, providing valuable exposure and career growth opportunities in a regulated pharmaceutical environment.
About Careertakes
👉 Important disclosure: Careertakes is a third-party recruiting platform supporting this hiring process. If selected, you will be employed directly by our client, Scientific & QA.
Applicants for this role may also receive access to additional matched opportunities through the Careertakes platform.
What You'll Do
This Prep Lab Assistant role supports laboratory and pharmaceutical manufacturing operations in a regulated environment. You will help prepare, sterilize, maintain, and document equipment and materials used in production and laboratory workflows.
- Clean, sanitize, and sterilize laboratory equipment per GMP standards and established procedures
- Prepare equipment and materials for sterilization by wrapping, sealing, labeling, and staging items
- Operate and load Dry Heat and Vacuum Ovens; maintain accurate production and equipment logs
- Support terminal sterilization processes and assist manufacturing teams as needed
- Assemble, set up, troubleshoot, and maintain laboratory glassware and associated equipment
- Perform routine tubing changes and preventive maintenance activities
- Initiate and document deviation reports when required
- Process inventory transactions and material movements using SAP
- Maintain complete, accurate, and compliant documentation
- Support laboratory organization, cleanliness, and housekeeping initiatives
- Adhere to all GMP, safety, quality, and regulatory requirements
What We're Looking For
Required qualifications
- Minimum of 6 months of experience in a laboratory, pharmaceutical manufacturing, production, or related environment
- Basic knowledge of Biology, Chemistry, Biochemistry, Pharmaceutical Sciences, or a related scientific discipline
- Familiarity with laboratory procedures, quality systems, and documentation requirements
- Strong attention to detail and a commitment to quality
- Ability to follow detailed procedures and maintain accurate records
- Effective organizational, communication, and teamwork skills
- Ability to work independently in a fast-paced environment
- Valid driver's license and reliable transportation
Preferred qualifications
- Associate's or Bachelor's degree in Biology, Chemistry, Biochemistry, Pharmaceutical Sciences, or a related field
- Experience in a GMP, FDA-regulated, pharmaceutical manufacturing, laboratory, or cleanroom environment
- Familiarity with SAP or other inventory/inventory-management systems
- Experience with sterilization processes, equipment preparation, or manufacturing support operations
Physical Requirements
- Ability to lift, carry, and move materials up to 25 pounds regularly
- Ability to load and unload trays, equipment, and materials throughout the day
- Ability to stand, walk, bend, and perform repetitive tasks for extended periods
- Ability to work safely in both manufacturing and laboratory settings
Compensation & Benefits
- Pay range: $17.00 - $19.00 per hour (range provided by the client)
- Contract to hire
- Benefits (eligibility and availability may depend on role and classification) may include:
- Medical, dental & vision
- 401(k) retirement plan (pre-tax and Roth options)
- Life insurance and disability options
- Health Savings Account (HSA)
- Employee assistance program
- Paid time off and other leave benefits
- Individual pay within the range will depend on qualifications, experience, location, and other job-related factors
Job Type & Location
- Contract to Hire — full-time
- Workplace: fully onsite in Baxter Estates, NY
Why Join Us
- Hands-on training and structured onboarding
- Career growth and advancement opportunities within pharmaceutical manufacturing and lab operations
- Exposure to regulated manufacturing processes and quality systems
- Collaborative, team-oriented environment with a consistent Monday–Friday schedule and overtime opportunities
Reasonable Accommodation
If you require a reasonable accommodation during the application or interview process due to a disability, please notify the hiring team or Careertakes so we can assist.
Equal Opportunity & Hiring Transparency
Careertakes and our client are Equal Opportunity Employers committed to building a diverse and inclusive workforce. We prohibit discrimination or harassment of any kind. To support a fair and efficient hiring process, AI tools may be used to assist with application review or resume screening. These tools do not replace human decision-making. Final hiring decisions are made by people.
If you have questions about how your data is used, please contact us directly.
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