Laboratory Intern

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.