Lab Assistant

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About the role

The Lab Assistant prepares and organizes specimens and reagents that support testing performed by laboratory technologists. This role focuses heavily on sample preparation and buffer and reagent preparation for liquid chromatography-based testing. You work in a fast-paced, fluid environment where priorities can shift throughout the day based on business needs, and you contribute directly to accurate, high-quality patient care.

Responsibilities

• Locate and retrieve specimens such as urine, blood, serum, plasma, and oral fluid for testing, ensuring proper aliquoting as needed.
• Evaluate specimens and test orders to determine work priorities and batch organization to maintain acceptable turnaround times.
• Recognize unacceptable or unusual specimens and follow established procedures to handle them appropriately.
• Adhere strictly to standard operating procedures (SOPs) when preparing materials and specimens for both pre- and post-extraction processes.
• Apply Good Documentation Practices (GDP) in all records, logs, and documentation related to laboratory work.
• Maintain a clean, well-stocked, and organized work area to support efficient and safe laboratory operations.
• Clean and maintain glassware and extraction materials to ensure readiness for ongoing testing.
• Maintain accurate records and documentation for all laboratory tests and equipment, including maintenance logs, temperature logs, disinfection logs, and assay SOPs.
• Prepare laboratory reagents according to established department SOPs and within specified time frames to support liquid chromatography and other testing workflows.
• Deliver accurate, high-quality patient care by supporting reliable test results while maintaining efficiency in daily tasks.
• Participate in the instruction and training of others by demonstrating or explaining testing processes or observing testing performed by colleagues.
• Adapt to changing tasks and priorities throughout the day in response to operational and business needs.

Requirements

• Strong attention to detail when handling specimens, reagents, and documentation.
• Ability to perform laboratory tasks related to chemistry and specimen processing.
• Comfort working with liquid chromatography-related workflows and reagent preparation.
• Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced environment with shifting priorities.
• At least 6 months of laboratory experience, which may include academic or school laboratory work.
• Effective multitasking skills, supported by prior experience and references.
• High school diploma.
• Clear, accurate documentation skills consistent with Good Documentation Practices (GDP).

Qualifications

• Ideally working toward or having completed a bachelor’s degree in a science discipline, particularly chemistry or a related field.
• Interest in building a career in a laboratory setting without requiring an advanced degree.
• Ability to collaborate with a large, diverse laboratory team while also working independently when needed.
• Strong organizational skills to manage specimens, reagents, and laboratory materials.
• Willingness to learn and follow detailed SOPs and quality standards.

Work Environment

This role is based in a fast-paced laboratory environment that supports high-volume testing and liquid chromatography workflows. The position follows a first-shift schedule, Tuesday through Saturday, from 6:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Work is spread across two laboratory spaces with over 100 team members in total, providing a collaborative atmosphere with varying staffing levels but ensuring you are not isolated from support. At times you may work alone in a specific area, but colleagues are always nearby for questions and assistance. The environment emphasizes organization, cleanliness, and adherence to SOPs and documentation standards, offering a structured setting to develop laboratory skills and grow professionally.

Schedule

• First shift: Tuesday through Saturday, 6:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.

Pay

The pay range for this position is $17.75 - $20.00/hr. Individual compensation offered within this range will depend on qualifications, skills, relevant experience, job knowledge, geographic location, and internal equity.

Benefits

Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may include:

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital coverage
• 401(k) Retirement Plan – Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available
• Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents)
• Short- and long-term disability
• Health Spending Account (HSA)
• Transportation benefits
• Employee Assistance Program
• Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation, or Sick Leave)