Lab Associate I

Department: Spec Chem - LCMSMS - Clinical Laboratory

Schedule

Tuesday to Saturday, 6:00 PM to 2:30 AM (variable based on business needs)

Pay

Pay range: $20.44 - $26.32 per hour. Employees may be eligible to receive a shift differential of 10% for some or all hours worked on second shift and 15% for some or all hours worked on third shift. Additional details on shift differential will be provided if an offer is extended. Salary offers consider relevant skills, training, experience, education, certifications, market, and organizational factors. Successful candidates may be eligible for annual performance bonus compensation.

Benefits

• Day 1 Medical, supplemental health, dental, and vision for full-time employees working 30+ hours
• Best-in-class well-being programs
• Annual, no-cost health assessment program
• Blueprint for Wellness® and healthyMINDS mental health program
• Vacation and Health/Flex Time
• 6 Holidays plus 1 "MyDay" off
• FinFit financial coaching and services
• 401(k) pre-tax and/or Roth IRA with company match up to 5% after 12 months of service
• Employee stock purchase plan
• Life and disability insurance, plus buy-up option
• Flexible Spending Accounts
• Annual incentive plans
• Matching gifts program
• Education assistance through MyQuest for Education
• Career advancement opportunities

About the role

This non-licensed position is accountable for assisting with general support for the laboratory, following all applicable policies and procedures.

Responsibilities

• Prepares and organizes samples for testing, including sample racking, aliquoting, and tube preparation.
• Responsible for labeling, handling, processing or preparation, and transportation and storage of specimens.
• Identifies sample problems and assists in resolving appropriately.
• Prepares testing equipment and assists with preventive maintenance; notifies appropriate technical staff of equipment problems.
• Assists licensed personnel (CA only) or delegated supervisor (non-CA) in pre-analytic and post-analytic testing activities, excluding trainees, in a licensed clinical laboratory.
• Prepares pre-analytical reagents and controls using automated or fixed volume measuring devices; submits documentation for approval.
• Prepares and maintains complete and accurate records of reagents or media using established procedures, formulas, stock solutions, and fixed volume measuring devices.
• Maintains inventory of consumable items including reagents and supplies; orders, unpacks, logs, dates, and stores reagents/supplies, and properly rotates stock.
• Performs inventory of laboratory items, including restocking benches and equipment inventory.
• Sorts and accessions incoming specimens into the appropriate Laboratory Information System (LIS), then delivers to designated testing.
• Performs data entry or transcribes data from previously recorded results to computer for data reduction and prepares for licensed personnel's review.
• Tallies workload data and prepares reports as requested.
• Assists in the performance of quality control procedures.
• Prepares protocols/logs or other appropriate documents.
• Identifies specimen problems and demonstrates ability to appropriately resolve or elevate to licensed personnel (CA only) or delegated supervisor (non-CA).
• Answers phones, transfers calls, or takes accurate messages.
• Maintains the confidentiality of client information.
• Helps ensure laboratory areas are neat, clean, and organized.
• Complies with all health and safety policies, procedures, and practices; required to use personal protective equipment.
• Other duties as assigned.

Requirements

• High School Diploma or Equivalent (required)
• Some college courses (preferred); two to three years of college courses preferred
• For Lab Associates in Histopathology or Cytology departments: basic knowledge of operating non-complex equipment

Qualifications

• Required Work Experience: None specified (except for Histopathology/Cytology roles as noted above)
• Preferred Work Experience: 1–2 years of laboratory experience

Physical and Mental Requirements

• Lifting and carrying objects: 1–10 pounds frequently, 11–25 pounds occasionally, 26–50 pounds seldom; objects exceeding 50 pounds require assistance
• Performs repetitive tasks with dominant hand
• Ability to sit and/or stand for long periods
• Good eye and hand coordination

Knowledge

• Working knowledge of reagent stability and storage
• Awareness of factors that influence test results

Skills

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Applications (Word, Excel, Outlook)
• Strong typing skills (desirable)
• Communication and interpersonal skills necessary to deal courteously and effectively with management, co-workers, and clients
• Other automation skills (helpful)