Clinical Laboratory Associate

About the role

The Clinical Laboratory Associate (CLA) supports the daily operations of the Reagent Quality Control Clinical Laboratory and assists the Clinical Laboratory Scientist (CLS) during testing. This is an ONSITE Full-Time position at our Redwood City/ Palo Alto, CA location.

Responsibilities

• Sample collection or receipt, sample preparation, labeling, handling, preservation or fixation, assay processing or preparation, and/or transportation and storage of samples
• Assist the CLSs in a licensed clinical laboratory in performing sample processing
• Assist the CLSs during automated methods of patient testing
• Perform routine equipment maintenance according to the laboratory’s standard operating procedures
• Create sample batches, print labels and label tubes and plates
• Assist licensed testing personnel in troubleshooting activities
• Prepare and store reagents for sample processing and sample archiving
• Order and stock laboratory supplies
• Print and file of laboratory records
• In the case of qualitative and semi-quantitative tests, the unlicensed personnel may add the test reagent to the specimen or vice versa, but the results must be read by the laboratory director or appropriately licensed personnel
• Check, monitor and resolve routine cold storage temperature and laboratory temperature and initiate a service request as necessary
• Perform general laboratory tasks include cleaning of racks, laboratory equipment and benches
• Document all corrective actions taken when test systems deviate from the laboratory’s established performance specifications
• Absorb and apply feedback in a professional manner
• Perform other duties as assigned
• Report all concerns of test quality and/or safety to the Laboratory Supervisor, Laboratory Director or Safety Officer

Qualifications

• Minimum of Associate degree or equivalent required; Bachelor’s degree or equivalent in Biomedical Laboratory Science, Clinical Science or related field preferred; Guardant Health Clinical Laboratory experience or equivalent high complexity and volume laboratory experience preferred
• Previous laboratory work experience preferred, with skills including (but not limited to) proper specimen collection or retrieval, patient preparation, labeling, handling, assay assist or assay preparation, preventive maintenance and troubleshooting, and/or transportation and storage of specimens
• Ability in giving and receiving constructive feedback, fostering open communication and continuous improvement
• Demonstrates strong practical reasoning and sound judgment
• Skilled in making informed and effective decisions
• Exhibits attention to detail and a strong commitment to precision in all tasks
• Strong computing skills
• Knowledge of Good documentation practices
• Working knowledge of reagent stability and storage, quality control policies, and factors that influence test results
• Strong communicator with ability to maintain open communication with internal employees, managers
• Able to integrate and apply feedback in a professional manner
• Able to work as part of a team

Work Environment

• Hours and days may vary depending on operational needs
• Standing or sitting for long periods of time may be necessary
• May be exposed to hazardous materials, blood specimens and instruments with moving parts, heating or freezing elements, and high-speed centrifugation
• Repetitive manual pipetting may be necessary
• Some lifting (up to 25 pounds) may be necessary