Non-Sterile Production Assistant

Company Overview

At Akina Pharmacy, the shared purpose that drives us is to enrich the lives of the people in our care through compounded medications. As a people-first organization, we embrace the Entrepreneurial Operating System (EOS) to ensure our success by prioritizing the recruitment and development of exceptional talent.

Joining Akina means stepping into an environment where clear communication, pragmatic decision-making, and accountability are at the forefront. We are committed to empowering our team members and fostering a culture of growth and support. If you are driven by a passion for making a meaningful impact and seek a vibrant, compassionate workplace, we invite you to discover the opportunities awaiting you at Akina Pharmacy. Together, let's build a healthier, happier community.

You will love it here if you are motivated by Akina’s Core Identity Values:

• Excellence Always 
• Go-Getter’s Unite
• Compassion For All
• Called To Serve

Position Summary

The Non-Sterile Lab Assistant supports the efficiency, organization, and throughput of the Non-Sterile Compounding Laboratory by performing value-added, non-compounding tasks that do not require technician licensure. This role focuses on workspace preparation, equipment cleaning and reset, equipment maintenance, staging materials, and maintaining production flow .

By relieving Compounding Technicians of routine cleaning, equipment turnover, and staging activities, the Lab Assistant enables technicians to focus primarily on compounding tasks, increasing daily batch capacity, reducing production delays, and ensuring medications produced for our customers are of the highest quality and accuracy. 

Core Responsibilities

You’ll have success here if you value clear processes and get, want, and have capacity to do the following things:

1. Equipment Cleaning & Reset 

• Clean and sanitize compounding utensils, beakers, etc.
• Clean mixing jars and lids according to SOPs.
• Clean and reset HD and non-HD hoods
• Return cleaned equipment to designated storage areas.
• Maintain organization of the cleaning area and ensure efficient turnaround of equipment.

2. Workspace & Production Area Maintenance

• Set up workstations with clean equipment, supplies, beakers, molds, jars, pipettes, and accessories.
• Restock compounding components (weigh boats, lids, syringes, applicators, spatulas).
• Restock consumables such as gloves, wipes, disinfectants, masks, and auxiliary labels.
• Ensure all pharmaceutical ingredients needed are well stocked and organized.
• Ensure HD and non-HD rooms remain organized and production-ready throughout the shift.
• Perform end-of-shift cleaning and decontamination of lab space

3. Inventory Management

• Perform cycle counts per schedule and reconcile discrepancies per process. 
• Conduct routine expiration-date checks; pull and segregate expired/short-dated items per procedure. Assist with reverse distribution. 
• Maintain inventory upkeep: Labeling, bin/location accuracy, and orderly storage (FEFO/FIFO as applicable).
• Support receiving/check-in by placing chemicals and supplies into proper storage locations in correct order after check-in. 
• Ensure stock levels are maintained (restock minimums, flag low inventory, and communicate needs to the appropriate department).

4. Equipment Support: Tablet Press, Ointment Mill, Mixing Equipment

• Perform cleaning of tablet press exterior surfaces, work area, and table immediately after use.
• Stage punches, dies, tooling, and required accessories for tooling changes.
• Reset lab equipment for next use
• Reduce technician downtime by ensuring equipment is ready for immediate use.

5. Workflow & Production Support

• Transport cleaned equipment and supplies into the lab area as needed.
• Assist technicians with setup for production..
• Assist with room turnover between batches (cleaning surfaces, removing trash, refreshing supplies).
• Maintain orderly storage areas for bases, containers, and production equipment.

Required Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Strong attention to detail and cleanliness.
• Ability to follow SOPs and safety protocols precisely.
• Ability to work efficiently in a fast-paced production environment.
• Comfort working in areas where hazardous drugs are handled (PPE and training provided).
• Strong organizational and time-management skills.

Key Competencies

• Reliability & Consistency – Ensures equipment and workspaces are always ready for technician use.
• Organization & Cleanliness – Keeps production areas clean, stocked, and well-structured.
• Communication – Keeps Production Manager and technicians informed of needs, delays, or issues.
• Team Collaboration – Works closely with technicians to maintain steady production flow.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to stand for extended periods.
• Ability to lift up to 40 lbs.
• Ability to work with PPE (gowns, gloves, masks) in hazardous drug environments.
• Manual dexterity for cleaning and staging tasks.
   

Benefits & Perks

• Comprehensive Medical, Dental, and Vision Options: Choose from three medical plans tailored to your needs, plus options for dental and vision coverage for you and your family.
• Paid time off (vacation and sick time): Take advantage of generous paid time off to recharge, focus on personal priorities, and maintain a healthy work-life balance.
• Paid Holidays (8 scheduled): Enjoy eight scheduled paid holidays to celebrate and spend quality time with loved ones.
• 401K Dollar-for-Dollar Up to 4%:  Invest in your future with our 401K plan, featuring a dollar-for-dollar match up to 4%.

Rewards & Recognition Program: Be celebrated for your hard work and achievements through our dedicated rewards and recognition program