Laboratory Assistant / Lab Assistant

Job Objective

To provide essential support in the laboratory by preparing materials for experiments, maintaining the cleanliness of the facility, ensuring the safety of students/staff, and managing the storage of chemicals and apparatus.

Key Responsibilities

1. Preparation & Setup

• Experiment Readiness: Set up scientific apparatus, glassware, and reagents required for daily practicals or research sessions.
• Chemical Preparation: Assist in preparing simple solutions, buffers, and reagents under the supervision of the Lab Technician or Incharge.
• Specimen Handling: (For Biology labs) Help in the preservation and display of biological specimens or the preparation of microscope slides.

2. Maintenance & Hygiene

• Glassware Care: Ensure all glassware is thoroughly cleaned, sterilized (if required), and stored correctly to prevent contamination.
• Equipment Upkeep: Perform routine cleaning of laboratory instruments like microscopes, weighing scales, and burners to ensure they remain in working order.
• Waste Disposal: Safely dispose of chemical waste, biological materials, and broken glass according to established safety protocols.

3. Inventory & Record Keeping

• Stock Monitoring: Regularly check the levels of chemicals, consumables, and stationery, and inform the supervisor when supplies are low.
• Issue Register: Maintain a record of equipment or materials issued to students or researchers and ensure their safe return.
• Labeling: Ensure all chemical containers and equipment are clearly and accurately labeled.

4. Laboratory Safety

• Safety Gear: Ensure that students and staff follow safety protocols, such as wearing lab coats and goggles.
• Emergency Readiness: Monitor the status of fire extinguishers, eye-wash stations, and first-aid kits within the lab.
• Hazard Awareness: Assist in the safe handling and storage of flammable or toxic substances.