Overview
Laboratory Waste Technician Jobs in North Chicago, IL at Thermo Fisher Scientific
Pay: $16.86 – $25.29 per hour
Schedule: Monday–Friday, 5:30 AM – 2:00 PM (1st Shift) with overtime as needed
About the Role
Thermo Fisher Scientific is hiring a Laboratory Waste Specialist to support safe and compliant handling of bio-hazardous and non-hazardous laboratory waste. This hands-on operations role is part of the Unity Lab Services team and focuses on waste management, hazardous material handling, and logistics support in a laboratory and GMP-regulated environment.
This position is ideal for candidates with experience in hazardous waste, material handling, or laboratory operations who thrive in a safety-first, compliance-driven setting and are comfortable working with PPE and chemical exposure.
Key Responsibilities
- Ensure proper handling of all hazardous and bio-hazardous waste in accordance with regulatory standards and internal procedures
- Collect, transport, and store waste from laboratory areas to designated accumulation points
- Perform waste consolidation activities, including container handling and preparation for disposal
- Operate and maintain waste handling equipment, including autoclaves for sterilization and treatment
- Support logistics and dock-related activities within Unity Lab Services
- Follow all Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) and standard operating procedures (SOPs)
- Read, understand, and adhere to safety, compliance, and documentation requirements
- Perform additional duties as assigned by management
Environment
- Laboratory, stockroom, warehouse, and waste accumulation settings
- Exposure to bio-hazardous and hazardous materials, chemical odors, and pharmaceutical compounds
- May include exposure to allergens such as penicillin and tetracycline
- Requires use of PPE, including safety glasses, gloves, gowns, lab coats, facemasks, coveralls, ear plugs, and steel-toe shoes
- Frequent standing, walking, bending, reaching, and lifting
- Ability to lift 40 lbs. without assistance and up to 75 lbs. regularly
- Strong odors (chemical, biological, lubricants) may be present
- Independent work at customer sites with strict adherence to safety standards
- Overtime work may be required
Qualifications
Education:
- High school diploma or equivalent required
Experience:
- Required: Minimum 2 years of experience in hazardous or bio-hazardous material handling, waste management, or related operations
- Preferred: Laboratory or pharmaceutical industry experience
- Preferred: Experience in a cGMP or GMP-regulated environment
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
- Strong understanding of hazardous, bio-hazardous, and pharmaceutical waste handling practices
- Basic proficiency with Microsoft 365 tools (Excel, Outlook, Teams)
- Strong attention to detail and organizational skills
- Ability to follow SOPs, regulatory guidelines, and safety protocols
- Strong verbal and written communication skills in English
- Safety-first mindset with compliance-driven work approach
Why Thermo Fisher
At Thermo Fisher Scientific, you’ll be part of a global team of more than 100,000 colleagues dedicated to making the world healthier, cleaner, and safer. With over $40 billion in revenue and industry-leading R&D investment, we provide the tools, training, and opportunities you need to grow your career.We offer a comprehensive Total Rewards package, including:
- Medical, dental, and vision insurance with health incentive programs
- Employee assistance and family support programs
- Tuition reimbursement and commuter benefits
- At least 120 hours of paid time off and 10 paid holidays annually
- Paid parental leave (3 weeks bonding, 8 weeks caregiver leave)
- Life insurance, accident insurance, and short- and long-term disability coverage
- 401(k) retirement savings plan
- Employee Stock Purchase Plan (ESPP)
- Eligibility for a variable annual bonus based on company, team, and individual performance
Our culture is built on Integrity, Intensity, Innovation, and Involvement—empowering you to make meaningful contributions while advancing your career.
EEO & Accessibility
Thermo Fisher Scientific is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. We do not discriminate based on race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status, disability, or any legally protected status.
Accessibility accommodations are available for job seekers with disabilities. Individuals requiring assistance due to hearing, vision, mobility, or cognitive impairments may request support during the application process via the company’s designated accommodation line. This service is exclusively for accessibility-related assistance.
Apply today to join Thermo Fisher Scientific and start your story in a meaningful, safety-focused laboratory operations career.
Pay: $16.86 – $25.29 per hour
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- Dental insurance
- Disability insurance
- Health insurance
- Life insurance
- Paid time off
- Parental leave
- Safety equipment provided
- Tuition reimbursement
- Vision insurance
Work Location: In person
Title: Laboratory Waste Technician
Company: Thermo Fisher Scientific
Location: North Chicago, IL
