Laboratory Assistant

Lab Assistant – Dover, DE

Contract: 3 months, contract-to-hire

Pay Rate: $24–$26/hr. DOE

Must-Have Skills: LC-MS, GC-MS, and sample preparation

Job Description Summary

The Instrument Readiness Specialist provides operational and technical support for LC-MS, HPLC, and GC-MS laboratories at Customer facilities in Delaware. This role includes routine instrument operation, sample preparation support, preventive maintenance, performance monitoring, and compliant documentation following Customer SOPs, validated methods, and regulatory requirements.

The position requires strong attention to detail, the ability to work independently in a laboratory environment, and effective collaboration with Customer scientists and project stakeholders to ensure reliable analytical operations.

Job Responsibilities

• Provide hands-on operational support for LC-MS, HPLC, and GC-MS instrumentation at Customer facilities, including the DuPont Experimental Station (Wilmington, DE) and New Castle, DE, following SOPs, validated methods, and compliance requirements.
• Perform routine operation of analytical systems: instrument startup/shutdown, method loading, sequence/sample queue setup, data acquisition, and basic system checks.
• Support sample preparation activities: dilution, extraction, filtration, derivatization (as applicable), reagent preparation, consumable selection, and proper sample labeling per Customer-approved procedures.
• Monitor and assess instrument performance: chromatographic stability, pressure/flow profiles, vacuum system performance, detector response, ion source condition, mass accuracy, and column integrity; promptly communicate deviations or abnormal trends.
• Conduct routine preventive maintenance and system upkeep: solvent/mobile phase preparation, degassing, tubing/fitting inspection, leak checks, column flushing, injector/ion source cleaning, vacuum pump monitoring, tuning verification, and routine calibration per manufacturer and Customer requirements.
• Support day-to-day lab operations: equipment readiness, workflow coordination, and effective communication with project leads and local stakeholders.
• Comply with all site-specific safety, laboratory access, emergency response, and environmental health requirements; participate in required safety, EHS, and instrumentation training programs.
• Maintain accurate documentation of instrument usage, maintenance activities, experimental observations, deviations, and corrective actions per Customer practices and data integrity standards.
• Prepare analytical summaries, instrument performance logs, and status updates as requested.
• Ensure proper archiving of raw data, chromatographic results, mass spectral files, electronic logs, and supporting documentation within Customer systems.
• Document and escalate deviations, nonconformances, or unexpected findings promptly; support quality assurance, audit readiness, and inspection activities as requested.

Note: Management reserves the right to assign or reassign duties at any time.

Critical Skills

• Working knowledge of LC-MS, HPLC, and GC-MS instrumentation and laboratory workflows
• Ability to operate analytical instruments according to SOPs, validated methods, and compliance requirements
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to data integrity
• Ability to monitor instrument performance, identify deviations, and escalate issues
• Hands-on experience with routine instrument maintenance, troubleshooting, and preventive care
• Strong organizational and time-management skills in a fast-paced laboratory environment
• Ability to follow instructions and adhere to established procedures
• Effective communication and collaboration with scientists, vendors, and site stakeholders
• Ability to work independently while supporting team objectives

Basic Qualifications

One of the following education and experience combinations:

• Bachelor’s degree in chemistry, biology, biochemistry, or related discipline + 3+ years of relevant lab experience supporting analytical instrumentation
• Associate’s degree in a scientific/technical discipline + 5+ years of hands-on experience supporting LC-MS, HPLC, or GC-MS systems
• High School diploma or GED + 7+ years of directly related laboratory experience in an analytical environment

Additional Requirements:

• Basic proficiency with Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, Outlook, PowerPoint)

Preferred Qualifications

• 5+ years supporting LC-MS, HPLC, and/or GC-MS in industrial, academic, or regulated labs
• Master’s degree in chemistry, analytical science, or related discipline
• Experience in SOP-driven or regulated labs (GLP, GMP, or similar)
• Familiarity with analytical data systems, ELNs, and data archiving
• Demonstrated ability to support audits, inspections, or QA activities

Working Environment

• Work in laboratory and controlled environments requiring PPE (lab coat, safety glasses, etc.)
• Fast-paced environment with high job completion demands
• Stationary work >25% of the time; occasional movement between labs, corridors, adjoining rooms, and buildings
• Frequent bending, squatting, stretching, and reaching for instrument operation
• Occasionally lift/move up to 25 pounds (potential up to 50 pounds)
• Vision requirements: close-range observation, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, ability to adjust focus
• Occasional use of computers and office machinery
• May handle hazardous waste per regulations
• Exposure to lab hazards: extreme temperatures, biological materials, hazardous chemicals
• May require medical clearance, respiratory protection training, and respirator fit testing