The Research Institute for Medical and Health Sciences (RIMHS) is currently recruiting a Laboratory Support Officer. The successful candidate will be responsible for supporting the daily operations of research laboratories by ensuring the safe handling, storage, and distribution of laboratory chemicals, consumables, and hazardous materials. The role involves coordinating the transportation of laboratory supplies between research laboratories and central storage facilities, maintaining inventory records, and ensuring compliance with laboratory safety regulations, including OSHA standards. The candidate will also support researchers, faculty members, and students by facilitating efficient laboratory operations, conducting routine laboratory inspections, assisting with risk assessments, and coordinating hazardous waste management. The ideal candidate should have experience in laboratory operations, chemical inventory management, laboratory safety practices, and emergency preparedness, with strong organizational skills and the ability to work effectively in a multidisciplinary research environment.

Main accountabilities & expectations

Handle the daily transportation and relocation of chemicals, laboratory consumables, and related materials between research laboratories and designated storage areas.

Ensure the proper storage, labeling, segregation, and safe handling of chemicals and hazardous materials in accordance with laboratory regulations.

Support the day-to-day operation of research laboratories and provide technical and logistical assistance to researchers, faculty members, students, and laboratory staff.

Receive, inspect, organize, store, and distribute laboratory consumables, chemicals, and equipment.

Monitor inventory levels, maintain accurate stock records, and coordinate timely replenishment of laboratory supplies.

Conduct routine laboratory inspections and assist in laboratory risk assessments to ensure a safe working environment.

Ensure compliance with laboratory safety policies, OSHA standards, and institutional health and safety regulations.

Coordinate the collection, storage, and disposal of hazardous waste and chemicals in accordance with applicable safety and environmental regulations.

Support emergency preparedness initiatives, including fire prevention, evacuation procedures, and laboratory emergency response activities.

Respond to laboratory emergencies and incidents in accordance with established laboratory emergency protocols and standard operating procedures (SOPs).

Contribute to the research environment at RIMHS by supporting workshops, journal clubs, seminars, presentations, application training sessions, and other research-related activities.

Perform other laboratory operational and administrative duties as assigned to support the effective functioning of RIMHS laboratories

Required Skills

Knowledge of laboratory operations, chemical handling, and inventory management.
Understanding laboratory health, safety, and regulations, including OSHA standards.
Knowledge of hazardous chemical storage, labeling, segregation, & waste management.
Ability to conduct laboratory inspections and support risk assessment activities.
Strong organizational and inventory management skills with attention to detail.
Ability to prioritize tasks and manage multiple responsibilities in a fast-paced environment.
Effective communication and interpersonal skills with the ability to work collaboratively with multidisciplinary research teams.
Problem-solving skills & ability to respond effectively to lab operational and safety issues.
Ability to follow and implement SOPs.
Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications and laboratory inventory management systems.