Slime Race

I honestly think those are both good ideas. Slime creatures aren't done very often, that I can think of, so either of these (or both) would be a unique addition to the world. I would say that, if you're thinking of a character, the first scenario of the slimes as a race with their own culture would have more depth. I'm already interested in reading more about them! The second scenario is basically a golem, which IS done quite often in some form or another, so the unique part is more that they're slimes and not made of rock, or metal, or clay... And in that case I'd wonder - why a slime, why not some other format that would be less messy to have as an assistant? I think you can easily answer that question if you want to, but the other idea I found a lot more intriguing.

 

You may want to think about why would it be beneficial to a protist to evolve in human form and not, let's say, flatten out due to gravity. And maybe if you want more depth how does it do that (lacking a skeleton or any rigid parts).

Also, in a lab it may be useful for holding test tube and not to break glassware.

 

I think both ideas work, honestly. It also gives you an interesting opportunity to do a story a bit like Frankenstein, where an alchemist is trying to create the ultimate slime assistant and ends up making one that's super smart but reviled because, well, it's all slimy and stuff.

Also, just had a thought: What happens when a slime with humanoid levels of intelligence becomes an alchemist and makes slimes to work as lab assistants?