Laboratory Assistant, Culture Media Job Description:

Prepares culture media used to develop vaccines and toxoids or to conduct chemical, microscopic, and bacteriologic tests: Measures and weighs ingredients, such as food source, chemicals, preservatives, and vitamins, to prepare growth medium, using scales, graduated flasks, syringes, pipettes, and standard formulas. Adjusts controls of equipment, such as pumps, filters, steam kettles, and autoclaves, to obtain uniform consistency of sterile medium. Removes sample of medium from batch and tests sample for consistency, potency, and sterility, according to standardized procedures. Pours medium or adjusts controls on automatic equipment that dispenses medium into containers, such as petri dishes, test tubes, or storage drums. Seals containers and prepares and affixes identification labels to containers. Maintains production and test records. May order supplies. May mix ingredients to prepare stains used in tests.