Laboratory Assistant

Laboratory Assistant

This Laboratory Assistant is responsible for a wide range of duties that include coordinating the calibration of test equipment, purchasing supplies, shipping, logging test samples, and providing facility support necessary for efficient site and laboratory operations. The role also supports asset management, inventory control, document and record maintenance, visitor and vendor coordination, laboratory testing support, and compliance with safety and quality requirements. The Laboratory Assistant serves as a key operational resource to ensure the effective functioning of laboratory, facility, and administrative processes.

Responsibilities

• Coordinates the site calibration program by generating and distributing calibration-due reports, tracking equipment status, creating work orders and shipping documentation, arranging outside or onsite calibration, reviewing returned equipment and certificates, updating asset records, recording costs, and routing equipment back to the responsible department.

• Maintains asset records and traceability documentation for calibration and laboratory equipment, including equipment locations, service history, certificates, and status updates within designated business systems.

• Coordinates purchasing activities in accordance with global sourcing and purchasing policies, including supplier verification and onboarding, purchase requisitions and purchase orders, cost allocation, blanket purchase orders, invoice tracking, receiving, payment follow-up, and year-end purchase order renewal.

• Monitors and replenishes laboratory, testing, critical consumable, shipping, office, breakroom, building, personal protective equipment, first aid, and battery supplies. Maintains required certificates, conditioning records, inventories, and other traceability documentation for critical consumables.

• Maintains records for recurring invoices and site expenses, resolves purchase order and invoice discrepancies, and supports purchasing and laboratory equipment audits by organizing required documentation.

• Coordinates shipping and receiving activities for laboratory samples, equipment, and calibration items. Reviews shipping instructions, prepares packages and packing slips, submits shipping requests, records tracking and cost information, and confirms receipt and condition of returned items.

• Builds and/or adapts basic setups and test equipment for the performance of tests. Performs tests using general laboratory equipment and provides routine care of designated test equipment and work areas.

• Follows defined test plans and data sheets. Evaluates test performance and sample operation, records observed or calculated data, and explains test results.

• Reads and interprets test results, measuring instruments, and prepares accurate, complete and concise reports to reflect significant facts. Prepares charts, graphs, and reports using spreadsheets and documents to communicate results.

• Operates designated laboratory equipment and tools as directed. Receives instructions from and reports data to engineers and other laboratory staff, while developing working knowledge of job methods, instrumentation, and systems.

• Coordinates visitor, contractor, and vendor access activities in accordance with site safety, security, and visitor management procedures.

• Self-motivated to identify tasks that need to be completed and bring them to completion.

• Communicates effectively with internal customers, suppliers, service providers, calibration vendors, and other external contacts to coordinate work and resolve routine issues.

• Participates in environmental, health, and safety (EHS) activities, inspections, corrective actions, and compliance initiatives to support a safe working environment.

• Integrates continuous improvement concepts and techniques into all aspects of the job.

• Reads and follows the Underwriters Laboratories Code of Conduct and all applicable physical and digital security practices.

• Performs other duties as directed.

Qualifications

• Higher Secondary Education. Effective communication skills and ability to interact with customers.

• Desire to work in a team-oriented environment.

• Ability to use Microsoft Office suite is a must, particularly Outlook, Excel, and Word.

• Effective written and verbal communication skills and the ability to interact professionally with customers, suppliers, service providers, and coworkers.

• Ability to maintain accurate records, organize multiple priorities, follow established procedures, and handle purchasing, calibration, shipping, and safety documentation.

• Ability to work independently, prioritize multiple responsibilities, and manage deadlines with minimal supervision.

• Experience supporting purchasing, inventory management, shipping/receiving, laboratory operations, facilities coordination, or administrative functions preferred.

• Demonstrated problem-solving skills and the ability to coordinate activities across multiple departments, vendors, and service providers.

• Familiarity with laboratory safety practices, personal protective equipment (PPE), and compliance requirements preferred.

• Ability to safely handle routine laboratory equipment, packages, supplies, and materials in accordance with site procedures.

• Possess an attention to detail.

• Must be able to lift 40 pounds unassisted.

Total Rewards : We understand compensation is an important factor as you consider the next step in your career. The estimated salary range for this position is $37,000- $40,000 and is based on multiple factors, including job-related knowledge/skills, experience, geographical location, as well as other factors. This position is eligible for annual bonus compensation with a target payout of 5% of the base salary. This position also provides health benefits such as medical, dental and vision; wellness benefits such as mental and financial health; and retirement savings (401K) commensurate with the standard rewards offered in each individual location or country. We also provide full-time employees with paid time off including vacation (15 days), holiday and personal days (totaling 12 days), and sick time off (72 hours).

Required Skills

• Ability To Work Proactively
• Assembly Technician
• Communication Skills
• Compliance Regulations
• Data Analysis
• Data Recording
• Digital Concepts
• Electrical Testing
• Electronic Test Equipment
• Engineering Procedures
• ISO/IEC 17025
• Lab Procedures
• Laboratory Safety
• Lean Principles
• Measurement Conversion
• Microsoft Office
• Presentation Skills
• Product Testing
• Program Management
• Project Management
• Quality Management System
• Task Automation
• Time Management
• Writing Communication Skills

About Us

A global leader in applied safety science, UL Solutions (NYSE: ULS) transforms safety, security and sustainability challenges into opportunities for customers in more than 110 countries. UL Solutions delivers testing, inspection and certification services, together with software products and advisory offerings, that support our customers' product innovation and business growth. The UL Mark serves as a recognized symbol of trust in our customers' products and reflects an unwavering commitment to advancing our safety mission. We help our customers innovate, launch new products and services, navigate global markets and complex supply chains, and grow sustainably and responsibly into the future. Our science is your advantage.

About the Team

There's nothing more fundamental than the air we breathe and the water we drink. Our rigorous testing processes help providers deliver these fundamental building blocks safely around the world. And with the rise of smart, connected homes, the work we do has never been more exciting — or more innovative. Whether it's light pollution, security systems or smart appliances, we work with commercial systems to ensure their performance and safety for people around the world. We're passionate about exploring new solutions and finding better ways to help create healthier, happier environments. Join our team and play an essential role in shaping safer futures.

Job Info

• Job Identification 10780
• Job Category Laboratory
• Degree Level Associate's Degree
• Job Shift Day
• Locations Newton, IA, United States