About this role
Job Summary:
The Laboratory Intern supports routine laboratory operations in a regulated facility by assisting trained laboratory personnel with sample preparation, sample receipt, laboratory cleaning, inventory control, documentation, and general testing support. This role is intended to provide hands-on experience in a pharmaceutical laboratory while reinforcing good documentation practices, laboratory safety, aseptic technique, contamination control, GLP and cGMP expectations.
The position requires strong attention to detail, willingness to learn, reliable follow-through, and the ability to work under supervision in a fast-paced and highly regulated laboratory environment.
Responsibilities:
Laboratory Support & Sample Preparation
- Assist with receipt, labeling, organization, and preparation of laboratory samples under the direction of qualified laboratory personnel.
- Prepare media, reagents, dilutions, and supplies for routine laboratory activities according to approved procedures and training status.
- Support routine laboratory testing activities by setting up materials, cleaning work areas, and documenting observations as instructed.
- Assist with environmental monitoring support activities, sample staging, and plate handling when appropriately trained.
- Observe and learn compendial laboratory methods, aseptic practices, and contamination control expectations.
- Perform basic laboratory housekeeping, supply stocking, and waste disposal in accordance with SOPs and safety requirements.
- Other duties as assigned.
Data Review, Documentation & Compliance
- Complete assigned documentation in accordance with Good Documentation principles and applicable SOPs.
- Enter, verify, and organize laboratory data as directed by qualified laboratory personnel.
- Promptly communicate errors, atypical observations, safety concerns, or potential deviations to the manager or lab personnel.
- Follow SOPs, work instructions, and training requirements by appropriate personnel.
- Maintain accurate laboratory logs, cleaning records, inventory records, and training documentation as assigned.
- Support audit readiness by keeping laboratory areas, records, and supplies organized and inspection ready.
Equipment Operation & Maintenance
- Assist with basic equipment setup, cleaning, and routine checks for instruments such as pH meters, balances, incubators, refrigerators/freezers, biological safety cabinets, and other laboratory equipment as trained.
- Document equipment usage and cleaning activities according to approved procedures.
- Monitor and record temperatures, equipment status, and supply conditions as assigned.
- Escalate equipment alarms, malfunctions, or unusual observations to qualified laboratory personnel or manager.
Quality, Safety & Continuous Improvement
- Maintain a clean, organized, and compliant laboratory workspace while following aseptic technique, contamination control practices, and good housekeeping expectations.
- Comply with laboratory safety policies, including proper PPE use, chemical handling, biological material handling, and waste disposal requirements.
- Participate in training, job shadowing, and supervised skill development activities.
- Support continuous improvement activities and cross-functional projects as assigned.
Required Skills/Abilities:
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
- Attention to Detail: Able to follow instructions carefully and accurately complete assigned documentation.
- Learning Agility: Willingness to learn laboratory techniques, cGMP expectations, SOPs, and quality system requirements.
- Organization: Maintains orderly work areas, records, samples, and supplies.
- Problem Escalation: Recognizes and promptly communicates errors, unusual observations, or safety concerns.
- Teamwork: Works effectively with laboratory personnel, quality, manufacturing, and other cross-functional partners.
- Compliance Mindset: Demonstrates integrity, confidentiality, and commitment to data accuracy and patient safety.
Education and Experience:
- High school diploma or equivalent required; current enrollment in or completion of coursework toward an Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree in Microbiology, Biology, Chemistry, Biochemistry, Pharmaceutical Sciences, Medical Laboratory Science, or a related scientific discipline preferred.
- Previous laboratory, academic lab, pharmacy, healthcare, manufacturing, or quality experience preferred but not required.
- Basic understanding of laboratory safety, scientific measurements, and aseptic technique preferred.
- Ability to learn and follow SOPs, cGMP requirements, and good documentation practices.
- Basic proficiency in Microsoft Office and data entry; experience with LIMS/ELN platforms preferred.
Physical Requirements:
- Ability to stand for extended periods while performing laboratory procedures.
- Ability to lift up to 25 lbs. (media, solvent containers, equipment parts).
- Work performed in controlled laboratory environments.
- Position may require occasional weekend, holiday, or off-shift work depending on laboratory needs.
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