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, water quality testing and environmental laboratory services.

Applicants for this role may also receive access to additional matched opportunities through the Careertakes platform.

---

About the role

Confidential Client is hiring a part-time Laboratory Assistant to support daily operations in an ISO 17025–accredited microbiology laboratory specializing in water quality testing (including Legionella and heterotrophic plate counts). This entry-level role is ideal for recent graduates or early-career scientists seeking hands-on lab experience. The position reports to the Lab Supervisor and includes method-specific training.

---

Location & schedule

Confidential Client — Birmingham, AL (on-site)

• Part-time, estimated ~25 hours per week
• Contract role; initial training period included

---

Compensation

• $18.00 per hour during a 3-month training period, with an increase following a competency review

---

Key responsibilities

• Receive and log water samples; verify chain-of-custody forms, labels, and sample temperatures
• Process samples for Legionella and heterotrophic plate count (HPC) testing under supervision
• Read and record plate results at required time points and enter data accurately
• Perform routine water chemistry tests (pH, conductivity, hardness)
• Prepare culture media and reagents and maintain media sterility
• Maintain quality control records (equipment checks, temperature logs)
• Assemble and ship sampling kits to field teams as needed
• Clean and organize the lab, biosafety cabinet, and glassware
• Assist with supply inventory and ordering tracking
• Follow all laboratory safety, PPE, and BSL-2 protocols

---

Required qualifications

• Completed or completing a bachelor's degree in Biology, Microbiology, Chemistry, Environmental Science, or related field; OR an associate degree plus 1+ year relevant experience
• Hands-on lab coursework or experience (pipetting, aseptic technique, plating)
• Strong attention to detail and accurate record keeping
• Comfortable using Excel and performing data entry
• Able to stand for extended periods and lift up to 40 lbs as needed
• Able to work in a BSL-2 lab and handle biohazardous materials under established safety protocols
• Authorized to work in the United States

---

Preferred (nice-to-have)

• Microbiology culture experience (membrane filtration, spread plate methods)
• Experience in an accredited or regulated lab (ISO 17025 or similar)
• Previous lab job, internship, or undergraduate research experience
• Schedule flexibility

---

What we offer

• Hands-on training in an ISO 17025 accredited microbiology laboratory
• Real-world experience with Legionella and environmental water testing workflows
• Opportunity to develop laboratory skills useful for future scientific or regulatory careers

---

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.