Laboratory Assistant - Inorganics

Imagine your future with us! 

At ALS, we encourage you to dream big.  

When you join ALS, you join a purpose and values-driven team that empowers you to innovate, create, and thrive. 

Our global team turns up each day with passion and commitment to do amazing things, always challenging our thinking to find ways to solve some of the world’s most complex problems for a safer, healthier world. 

About the role 

Location ALS Environmental, Saskatoon

Reports to: Laboratory Supervisor or Team Lead

About the Position:

The Laboratory Assistant will assist with basic laboratory functions, such as preparing client samples for analysis, performing extractions and routine lab maintenance. You will be working independently and in a team environment, with an emphasis on providing quality and efficient service to clients.

Specific Responsibilities

• Sample preparation, drying, grinding, pasting, homogenizing, subsampling, filtration, SALM digestion and extract samples of different matrices (including but not limited to soil, water, product, manure, plant, and animal tissue, etc.);
• Assist in managing daily sample workload to meet corporate turnaround times and hold times.
• Coordinates staff, equipment and other resources to maximize production, quality and efficiency;
• Communicate any sample integrity or potential turnaround time issues to client support staff.
• Responsible for the calibration, routine maintenance, troubleshooting and/or repairs of basic instruments;
• Generate work lists from LIMS software;
• Monitor and restock laboratory consumables/chemicals;
• Monitor controlled equipment;
• General laboratory clean-up and maintenance;
• Perform all required record-keeping & documentation;
• Maintain a reserve inventory of standard materials, reagents and supplies so that the processing of the anticipated sample workload is not put at risk.
• Ensure that all junior staff are trained as per ALS policies and they adhere to strict QA/QC policies. Maintain current training records for all employees working under your supervision.
• Perform all required quality control procedures; including perform peer review of data bundles, rechecks and investigating CARs;
• Use correct methods in accordance with the established procedures and schedules while ensuring analytical quality;
• Observe established safety regulations and comply with all ALS health and safety policies and procedures;
• Other duties as assigned.

Required Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Good English communication skills (auditory, verbal, written and reading)
• Ability to use Microsoft Office (Word, Excel and Outlook);
• Accurate and efficient data entry skills;
• Capability to perform repetitive tasks correctly in a fast-paced environment;
• Good organizational skills with the ability to meet strict deadlines such as turnaround times (TAT) and holding requirements;
• Analytical and process oriented skill with the ability to critically think in ambiguous situations;
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team;
• A strong work ethic and willingness to take on varied tasks as required;
• Highly motivated, detail oriented, a commitment to excellence and a client-focused attitude.

Required Qualifications

• Completion of High School diploma or equivalent (required);
• Previous experience working with chemicals or in a laboratory setting (asset).
• Knowledge from high school science courses and/or basic laboratory setting (asset)
• Some previous experience working in a fast-paced, production, and/or preparation environment (asset);

Physical Demands

• Able to lift 30 lbs. and carry for short distances
• Able to climb stairs
• Manual dexterity to perform intricate and/or repetitive tasks;
• Wear issued personal protective equipment (PPE) such as dust masks, gloves etc., when required;
• Ability to stand for a full shift;
• Ability to sit at a desk and do general office work, which includes periodic sedentary responsibilities;
• You may be exposed to unpleasant odours;
• Please note that ALS operates 24/7 and will require day, afternoon, and graveyard shift work including weekends.

Working at ALS 

Our people are our most valuable asset and drive our success at ALS. 

We are a diverse community of dedicated professionals united by our passion to make a difference in the world. We reward excellence and uphold our values in our work and how we treat each other. 

At ALS, you’ll be supported to expand your skills and develop new ones so you can reach your full potential. We invest in our people with a range of programs and provide opportunities across the company, giving our people scope to grow diverse careers and develop as leaders. 

We want everyone to have a safe, flexible and rewarding career that makes a positive impact on our people, the planet and the communities where we work. 

Our benefits include:

• Structured wage increases
• Comprehensive benefit package specific to your work status (including extended medical, dental, and vision coverage, access to company perks, life and disability insurance, retirement plan with company match, employee assistance and wellness programs,
• Additional vacation days for years of service
• Business support for education or training after 9 months with the company
• Learning & development opportunities (unlimited access to e-learnings and more)

About ALS 

ALS is a global leader in scientific testing, providing comprehensive testing solutions to clients in more than 60 countries across a wide range of industries, including environment, food and beverage, mining, personal care, pharmaceutical, healthcare and equipment reliability. Using state-of-the-art technologies and innovative methodologies, our dedicated international teams deliver the highest-quality testing services and personalised solutions supported by local expertise. We help our clients leverage the power of data-driven insights for a safer and healthier world. 

Everyone matters

ALS is proud to be an equal opportunity employer and is committed to fostering an inclusive work environment where the strengths and perspectives of each employee are both recognised and valued.  

Qualified candidates will be considered without regard to race, colour, religion, national origin, military or veteran status, gender, age, disabilities, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic characteristics protected by the law. We invite resumes from all interested parties, including women, Indigenous persons, members of minority groups, and persons living with disabilities. 

ALS also welcomes applications from people with all levels of ability. Accommodation is available on request for candidates taking part in all aspects of the selection process. 

Note:  benefits vary based on employee status, e.g parttime, casual