There is one (1) opening for a Laboratory Assistant 1 – Part-Time (50% Time) with the Washington State Department of Health (DOH)in the Office of Operations and Technical Support within the Division of Epidemiology, Health Statistics, and Public Health Laboratories located in Shoreline, Washington.

Primary Duties: Assists in the laboratory glassware area; autoclaving, sterilizing, cleaning, washing and sorting. Receives glassware and media from laboratories and is responsible for proper disposal, cleaning, and sorting. Duties include working in a safe and responsible manner and ensuring that disposal of autoclaved items, samples, and other contaminated materials are done properly. Responsible for feeding, watering, and care of laboratory mice. Cleans work area and disinfects when appropriate. Assist in processing mail and receiving incoming biological and environmental samples from submitters. Sort, open, verify acceptability of samples, and deliver to appropriate laboratory. Prepare outgoing mail, sample collection kits, and specimens for shipment. Answer telephone calls from submitters regarding package shipments and appropriate packing procedures.

Required Qualifications: • High School graduate or GED equivalent • Laboratory experience: a minimum of one (1) semester OR six (6) or more months of work experience performing microbiological, chemical, clinical, or public health testing or surveillance Desired Qualifications: • An Associate's Degree with classes in biology or chemistry • Laboratory experience and knowledge of basic laboratory procedures, principles, techniques, and safety practices. • Demonstrated experience in computers and computer programs such as Excel, Word, Internet Explorer, etc. Conditions of Employment: • Willing and able to sit and stand for long hours while performing repetitive lab procedures. • Willing and able to occasionally work in excess of 40 hours per week, which may include weekends and holidays, in order to meet critical deadlines. • Willing and able to lift, move, or relocate packages, such as boxes containing water samples or laboratory materials, up to 40 pounds. • Willing and able to work with and care for laboratory animals. • Willing and able to undergo periodic health monitoring. • Willing and able to receive laboratory vaccinations. • Willing and able to wear personal protective equipment (e.g., gloves, lab coat, caps, etc.), including a respirator, as needed. • Willing and able to legally operate a state or privately owned vehicle OR provide alternative transportation.

Application Process: Individuals interested in applying for this position should visit the complete job announcement at http://www.doh.wa.gov/job_ann/DOH992.doc for more information and instructions on how to apply.

For more information please click here.