Laboratory Associate II

Hygiena provides rapid microbiology diagnostic tests and solutions for mission-critical, time-sensitive processes around the world. Hygiena’s proprietary diagnostic technologies enable customers to prevent illness and save lives, comply with regulations, protect products and brands, run businesses more effectively. Solutions are sold in a wide range of industries globally, but the core focus is food safety. Headquartered in Camarillo, California and with offices around the world, we are actively looking for talented individuals to help grow the business!

At Hygiena we believe:

• In providing the highest quality products & service
• Being a leader in innovation
• Having a compelling desire to improve and win in the marketplace
• In contributing positively not only in the workplace, but in our community and environment!

With rapid growth comes opportunity. We are looking for a Lab Associate II to join our team in Camarillo, CA! This is a full-time / non-exempt position. The Laboratory Associate II is responsible for the end‑to‑end preparation, testing, documentation, and release support of reagent solutions used in regulated diagnostic and life‑science applications. This role supports GMP‑compliant manufacturing, in‑process quality control, material readiness, equipment readiness, and cross‑functional technical support. Associates collaborate closely with R&D, Quality, Engineering, and Production to ensure all products meet stringent performance, safety, and regulatory requirements.

Responsibilities:

Reagent Solution Manufacturing & Preparation

• Prepare GMP compliant solutions following controlled batch records, SOPs, and formulation specifications.
• Perform chemical weighing, solution blending, pH adjustment, filtration, and sterile handling using aseptic technique.
• Ensure material readiness by verifying chemical availability, lot status, expiration, and COA requirements.
• Coordinate preparation of specialized media, including heat labile, light sensitive, or sterile filtered formulations.
• Maintain complete, legible, audit ready documentation in compliance with ISO 9001, and internal quality systems.

Filling Support & Production Operations

• Deliver prepared solutions to filling suites and support filling line operations, including pre use checks, solution transfer, and environmental control.
• Partner with Engineering and Production to troubleshoot fill line issues, material flow, or equipment readiness.
• Ensure product integrity from formulation through final fill.

Laboratory & Equipment Maintenance

• Maintain a clean, organized, and compliant laboratory environment consistent with GMP and clean room expectations.
• Perform equipment pre inspection, verify sterilization cycles, review autoclave printouts, and ensure calibration status.
• Conduct routine cleaning, sanitization, and equipment setup for daily operations.

In Process Testing & Quality Support

• Collect and test in process samples for pH, conductivity, osmolality, appearance, and other QC parameters.
• Document deviations, support root cause investigations, and assist in implementing corrective actions.
• Collaborate with Quality to ensure batch release readiness.

Cross Functional Collaboration & Continuous Improvement

• Participate in process improvement initiatives, reagent reformulation, and workflow optimization.
• Support vendor qualification for new chemical suppliers, including evaluation of material performance.
• Work with R&D to resolve product performance issues and propose alternative solutions.

Training, Leadership & Documentation Ownership

• Provide training, mentorship, and technical guidance to new team members.
• Support cross departmental requests for technical assistance.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s Degree in Biology, Microbiology, Biochemistry, Chemistry or related field, or equivalent education and work experience in a laboratory or manufacturing environment, required.
• Minimum of 1-3 years of experience working in a laboratory or manufacturing environment required that includes the following: knowledge of cGMP; aseptic technique
• Intermediate knowledge of Microsoft Office (Outlook, Word, Excel, Visio, PowerPoint) and Adobe Acrobat required.

Salary Range (applicable to California):

$27.00 per hour DOE

Skills/Abilities:

• Excellent verbal and written communication.
• Must be able to use discretion and independent judgement.
• Must be able to work in a team environment.
• Must be able to pay close attention to details.
• Must be able to adapt and adjust to a constant changing environment.
• Is required to work from 6:30am – 3:00pm Monday through Friday in the Camarillo, CA office.
• Will occasionally be required to travel.
• May occasionally work evenings and/or weekends as needed.
• Required to wear full six-piece personal protective equipment (PPE) for up to 6–8 hours per day, including eye protection, hair net, lab coat, shoe covers, face mask, and gloves, in accordance with laboratory safety and chemical handling requirements.

Why you’ll want to join our team:

🤝 Teamwork as a core value.

At Hygiena, our emphasis on teamwork and cross-functional communication enables us to build stronger bonds within our business.

🌍 Be a part of something big.

Hygiena plays a critical role in helping to prevent global health crisis such as foodborne illness, healthcare-associated infections, and other outbreaks — today, that means protecting people in more than 100 countries.

🚀 Growing fast, together.

With rapid growth comes real opportunity — new challenges, more ownership, and room to build a career as we expand our science and our reach around the world.

💚 Giving back to our communities.

Hygiena believes in giving back by supporting local organizations committed to improving the lives of children and youth in our communities.

Benefits and Perks: 

• 15 days of PTO & 10 paid company holidays
• Medical with HSA employer contribution, Dental, Vision available 1st of the month after start date
• Company paid Life Insurance, Short* and Long-Term Disability and an Employee Assistance Program
• 401(k) with Safe Harbor and Profit-Sharing employer contributions
• Tuition Reimbursement program
• Charitable Contribution matching
• Employee Referral bonus opportunities

*State paid short-term disability for California based employees

Sound like you? We’d love to hear from you — apply today and help us build the future of diagnostics.

We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity. All employment is decided on the basis of qualifications, merit and business need. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran.

Hygiena participates in E-Verify.