POSITION TITLE: Laboratory Assistant 2
Purpose
Holds a crucial role in supporting the operations of the laboratory, ensuring smooth and efficient functioning of experiments and research activities. This position requires a strong attention to detail, excellent organizational skills, and a solid understanding of laboratory procedures and protocols.
Overview
Are you interested in working in a company setting with a small group of enthusiastic, hard-working, and supportive individuals? Then consider working at Diverge TSL! Diverge TSL got its start in an academic setting but ‘diverged’ from academia to industry in 2022. Each member of the team worked together to make the transition a reality. Diverge works with biotech and pharmaceutical companies around the world to assist them with their drug development efforts. We conduct pre-clinical and clinical trial level experiments for companies that do not have laboratories or need extra laboratory support. In most cases, the companies we work for are working to cure rare diseases and this motivates us to work hard, fast, and smart to accomplish goals efficiently and effectively. We are looking for an entry-level person to assist our staff researchers with tasks that are slowing down operations. We look to this person to work hard with efficiency. If you can do these things, we can train you to do what is required.
Why work at Diverge TSL?
We offer competitive compensation packages including medical, dental and vision benefits, and access to health savings accounts, long and short-term disability, voluntary life insurance, retirement investing with company match. As well as annual bonuses, and most importantly, a friendly, fun, and supportive work environment.
Primary Functions - Laboratory
· Experiment Preparation: Assist in the preparation of materials, solutions, and equipment required for experiments and research projects.
· Sample Handling: Receive, label, and process samples according to established protocols. Maintain accurate records of sample information and tracking.
· Instrument Operation: Operate laboratory equipment and instruments, including but not limited to microscopes, centrifuges, spectrophotometers, and pipetting devices. Perform routine maintenance and calibration of equipment as needed.
· Data Collection: Assist in data collection during experiments, recording observations, measurements, and experimental results accurately and comprehensively.
· Data Entry and Analysis: Enter experimental data into computer databases or spreadsheets. Perform basic data analysis under the guidance of senior laboratory staff.
· Laboratory Maintenance: Maintain cleanliness and orderliness of the laboratory workspace. Dispose of waste materials properly and ensure compliance with safety regulations and procedures.
· Inventory Management: Monitor and replenish laboratory supplies and reagents as needed. Keep track of inventory levels and assist in procurement activities.
· Quality Control: Assist in quality control procedures to ensure accuracy and reliability of experimental results. Follow established protocols for quality assurance and quality control.
· Collaboration: Collaborate with other laboratory personnel, including scientists, technicians, and researchers, to support ongoing projects and initiatives
· Documentation: Maintain detailed records of laboratory activities, including experimental procedures, results, and observations. Prepare reports or presentations as required. Label laboratory items such as slides and tubes
Qualifications
· Demonstrates a positive attitude and professional behavior
· Self-motivated
· Strong attention to detail
· Excellent organizational skills
· Adaptability and willingness to learn
· Experience working with Microsoft Office (e.g., Word, Excel)
· Comfort with handling tissue samples derived from human and animal
· Comfort asking questions and giving and receiving feedback
· Dependable and accountable
Application
· Send cover letter and resume to jtetzlaff@divergetsl.com
· Include in the cover letter and/or resume
o Your qualifications
o Your employment history, including experiences and/or duties and a summary of accomplishments and skills learned or used
o Any training or experience, including volunteer work or internships, you have related specifically to the “Qualifications” section
o Additional information regarding your past work experience, or relevant coursework you have taken
Trial Period
Trial Period-A 90-day trial period will commence upon the start date of employment. This period is intended to provide both the employee and Diverge TSL with an opportunity to assess the compatibility of the employee's skills, abilities, and work style with the requirements of the position.
Termination During Trial Period-During the trial period, either the employee or Diverge TSL retains the right to terminate the employment relationship with or without cause and with or without prior notice. Should either party decide to terminate the employment during this trial period, the termination will be considered the conclusion of the trial period and will not constitute grounds for legal claims or actions.
Regular Employment-Upon successful completion of the 90-day trial period, the employee will be evaluated for continued employment in the position. If mutually agreed upon, the employment relationship will transition to regular employment status.
Organizational Structure
Building: Global Water Center, 247 West Freshwater Way, Milwaukee, WI
Reports to: Michael Lawlor (CEO), Julie Tetzlaff (COO)
Direct Reports: None
Collaborates with: All company employees
Specifications
Minimum Required Education: Associate’s degree
Minimum Required Experience 2 years of relevant experience
Preferred Education Some college education with a science background
Preferred Experience Prior experience working in a laboratory environment, either through coursework, internships, or part-time positions
Certifications None required
FLSA Status Non-exempt, hourly position
Workweek Full-time role 40 hours per week during regular business hours (9:30am – 5:30pm, one 30-minute lunch break, two 15-minute breaks)
Job Scope
Complexity – initiative and occasional judgment required
Impact – errors may cause damage; work requires regular attention to accuracy
Autonomy – performs work without constant supervision; expected results are specifically outlined
Communication – proactively provides information to others; ensures appropriate dissemination of information
Responsibility – assists others to ensure proper completion of work
Confidentiality – expected to work with confidential information and maintain its confidentiality
Leadership – none
Physical Requirements
Work requires occasionally lifting moderate weight materials, standing, or walking continuously.
Risk Potential
Possible exposure to hazards such as dust, fumes, or extreme temperatures, airborne or blood borne pathogens, extreme temperatures, or allergens. Proper training and safety equipment will be provided.
Sensory Acuity
Ability to detect and translate speech or other communication required. May occasionally require the ability to distinguish colors and perceive relative distances between objects.
Work Environment
This position primarily takes place within a laboratory setting, involving both hands-on work and computer-based tasks. The Laboratory Assistant will interact with researchers, scientists, and other laboratory and office staff regularly. The role will require standing, lifting, and working with chemicals and equipment, following appropriate safety measures. Occasional exposure to dust, noise, temperature changes, or contact with water or other liquids. Work is performed in an environmentally controlled environment.
Performance Dimensions
Collegiality
Exhibit confidentiality, honesty, and actions that build trust and strengthen relationships. Listen to others and effectively communicate in a clear and concise manner through written and verbal communication. Demonstrate respect and commitment to the values of diversity and equity; seek out and incorporate diverse perspectives into decision making.
Excellence and Creativity
Exhibit initiative and ingenuity by taking ownership of tasks to proactively improve services, avoid problems, or develop opportunities. Generate novel and valuable ideas to impact company missions. Identify and implement new methods to increase efficiency and quality.
Education and Development
Display an ongoing commitment to continuous learning and self-improvement in your area of responsibility. Actively seek out mentorship and learning opportunities that can be applied to current and future work activities.
Agility and Judgment
Remain flexible and versatile in a rapidly changing environment and adapt quickly to changing circumstances. Change behavioral style or method of approach when necessary to achieve a goal. Make timely and sound decisions based on analysis of information, experience, and logic. Show reliability and accountability in the successful completion of all work.
Stewardship and Institutional Citizenship
Support transformational change to achieve institutional vision and strategies. Be an active and thoughtful participant in institutional initiatives and meetings. Conserve resources and use them in an efficient and cost-effective manner across all institutional missions. Look for ways to improve and promote quality within area of influence.
Disclaimers
Background Check
Employment in this position may be contingent upon successfully completing a background and criminal history check, caregiver background check in accordance with the Wisconsin Caregiver Background Check
Law, physical examination, and / or driving record check.
Equal Opportunity Employer
Diverge TSL is an affirmative action / equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate in hiring or employment based on age, sex, race, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, or sexual orientation.
Diversity and Inclusion
Diverge TSL defines diversity as a commitment to recognizing and appreciating the variety of individual differences in an environment that promotes and celebrates individual and collective achievement. The diversity of Diverge TSL continues to be an important source of innovative ideas and creative accomplishments.
Confidentiality
Employees that have access to Diverge TSL data are obligated to protect the confidentiality and proper use and access of this information to prevent loss, misuse, unauthorized access, unnecessary identification, or security breaches.
Completeness
This job description is not an employment contract and Diverge TSL may modify this document at any time. This document is intended to indicate the types of tasks and levels of skill, effort, and responsibility required by positions assigned this title. This information shall not be construed as a declaration of the specific duties and responsibilities of any position. It is not intended to limit or modify the right of any supervisor to assign, direct, and control the work of direct reports. The functions described are not to be interpreted as exclusive or all-inclusive of the various functions performed.
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: $47,000.00 - $51,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- 401(k) matching
- Commuter assistance
- Dental insurance
- Employee assistance program
- Flexible spending account
- Health insurance
- Health savings account
- Life insurance
- Paid sick time
- Paid time off
- Parental leave
- Professional development assistance
- Retirement plan
- Safety equipment provided
- Vision insurance
Schedule:
- 8 hour shift
- Day shift
- Monday to Friday
- No weekends
Ability to Commute:
- Milwaukee, WI 53005 (Required)
Ability to Relocate:
- Milwaukee, WI 53005: Relocate before starting work (Required)
Work Location: In person