Microbiology Lab Assistant

As a Laboratory Assistant in the Microbiology department at IDEXX, you will be assisting with some of the many tasks vital to the running of our network of Reference Labs. We receive thousands of clinical samples (blood, urine, fecal samples) every day from Veterinary Clinics, and we run tests on those samples to help veterinarians identify what might be wrong with someone's pet.   In this role, you will be helping to sort, tag, and prepare veterinary samples for testing.  Every sample you help to move along quickly and accurately in the process means we are one step closer to finding out how or why the pet might be sick.  Thanks to you, someone's very beloved pet will get the treatment plan they need - how great is that? This is a full-time position with excellent day-one benefits.

Want to see what it is like to work in our lab? Check out these videos from our lab employees talking about working at IDEXX:

•  https://vimeo.com/idexxcareers

IDEXX Reference Laboratories are a global network united by a shared commitment to enhancing pet care where the true strength in our name is the people behind it. Our reference laboratories make it possible for our customers to discover more with our unrelenting commitment to innovation, personalized support, guidance, and expertise, while providing the most complete and advanced menu of diagnostic tests along with technology and tools.   

In This Role:    

• You will receive, prepare, and accession veterinary samples (blood, urine, and feces) for laboratory analysis and testing in our Microbiology Department.

• You will be processing clinical samples for the identification of bacteria and fungi using automated and manual methods.

• You might be planting microbiological samples on agar plates.  

• You may be restocking supplies 

• You could be helping to load analyzers with samples. 

• You might be assisting with inventory counts.   

• You will be asked to help in out many ways – and your help is needed!   

What You Will Need to Succeed:   

• You are able and willing to work 40 hours / week. 

• You are reliable – attendance is an essential function of the position.

• You have work or academic experience in a science or laboratory setting.

• You possess a High School diploma or equivalent combination of education and experience is required.  A 2-, 3- or 4-year degree in Microbiology is preferred.

• A willingness to work with and around veterinary samples, including blood, urine, fecal and biopsies. 

• You are excited to work in a fast-paced, high volume busy work environment. You are able to sit or stand for long periods of time; you do not mind being on your feet and moving throughout the night as needed. 

• You can read and interpret documents such as safety rules, standard operating procedures (SOPs), material safety data sheets (MSDSs), operating and maintenance instructions, government rules, and technical procedures.    

• You must have a demonstrated ability to prioritize and multi-task.    

• You possess strong initiative and follow through with outstanding attention to detail.    

• You are able to work independently and as a team contributor.    

• Able to meet the physical requirements that go with working in a lab – standing and sitting for extended periods of time, use of hands, fingers, and arms to handle tools and controls, occasional need to climb, balance, stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl, lift up to 25lb, and specific vision ability – close, color, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus.    

• This is a laboratory, so there is potential exposure to biohazards, agents known to cause zoonotic diseases, and hazardous chemicals.   

What You Can Expect From Us:

• Hourly rates targeting: $22.75/hr

• Opportunity for annual cash bonus

• Health / Dental / Vision Benefits Day - One

• 5% matching 401k

• On the job training and career advancement opportunities (experience NOT required)

• Additional benefits including but not limited to financial support, pet insurance, mental health resources, volunteer paid days off, employee stock program, foundation donation matching, and much more!

Schedule: 

• This is a full time (40 hr/wk), day shift position with scheduled shifts: 8:00 am - 4:30 pm, Tuesday - Saturday.

• The shifts and hours may vary slightly depending on business needs. 

• Reliable and dependable attendance is an essential function of the position. 

Why IDEXX?     

We’re proud of the work we do, because our work matters. An innovation leader in every industry we serve, we follow our Purpose and Guiding Principles to help pet owners worldwide keep their companion animals healthy and happy, to ensure safe drinking water for billions, and to help farmers protect livestock and poultry from disease. We have customers in over 175 countries and a global workforce of over 10,000 talented people.

So, what does that mean for you? We enrich the livelihoods of our employees with a positive and respectful work culture that embraces challenges and encourages learning and discovery. At IDEXX, you will be supported by competitive compensation, incentives, and benefits while enjoying purposeful work that drives improvement.
 
Let’s pursue what matters together. 

IDEXX values a diverse workforce and workplace and strongly encourages women, people of color, LGBTQ+ individuals, people with disabilities, members of ethnic minorities, foreign-born residents, and veterans to apply.

IDEXX is an equal opportunity employer. Applicants will not be discriminated against because of race, color, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, religion, national origin, citizenship status, disability, ancestry, marital status, veteran status, medical condition, or any protected category prohibited by local, state, or federal laws.

This Microbiology Laboratory Assistant position will be based out of our Elmhurst, IL location.

Does this sound like the opportunity for you? Apply today! 

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