Lab Associate I

About the role

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

Schedule

Tuesday to Saturday, 6:30 PM to 3:00 AM

Pay

Pay range: $18.39 - $27.58 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. Salary offers are based on relevant skills, training, experience, education, certifications, market, and organizational factors. Successful candidates may be eligible for annual performance bonus compensation.

Benefits

Depending on full-time (30+ hours) or part-time status, benefits may include:

• Day 1 Medical, supplemental health, dental, and vision insurance
• 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

Responsibilities

• Investigates and resolves missing samples in the department
• Responds to “code purple” and documents findings
• Trains department Lab Assistants and completes training/competency checklists
• Resolves pending list in coordination with Lab Assistants and Medical Lab Scientists
• Acts as liaison for the department and provides technical support
• Creates manual testing worksheets in the department
• Maintains files for department records
• Reports problems or potential problems to the supervisor
• Assists with the department Improvement Program
• Coordinates obtaining samples for Instrument Comparisons, reagent lot testing, method comparisons, etc.
• Performs routine instrument maintenance on some equipment under direct and constant supervision (activity must be signed-off by license-qualified personnel)
• Assists in preparation of chemicals, reagents, and solutions that do not require quantitative measurement
• Prepares and organizes samples for testing (e.g., sample racking, aliquoting, tube preparation)
• Responsible for labeling, handling, processing, preparation, transportation, and storage of specimens
• Identifies sample problems and assists in resolving appropriately
• Assists license-qualified personnel or delegated supervisor in pre-analytic and post-analytic testing activities
• Prepares and maintains complete and accurate records of reagents or media using established procedures
• Maintains inventory of consumable items including reagents and supplies
• Orders, unpacks, logs, dates, and stores reagents/supplies upon receipt and properly rotates stock
• Performs inventory of laboratory items including restocking benches and equipment
• Sorts and accessions incoming specimens into appropriate LIS, then delivers to designated testing
• 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 license-qualified personnel
• Answers phones, transfers calls, or takes accurate messages
• Maintains confidentiality of client information
• Ensures laboratory areas are neat, clean, and organized
• Complies with all health and safety policies, procedures, and practices
• Uses personal protective equipment as required
• Performs other duties as assigned

Qualifications

Education: High School Graduate or equivalent required. 2-3 years of college courses preferred.

Work Experience: Minimum 2 years of laboratory experience preferred.

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

Skills

• Knowledge of medical terminology helpful
• Ability to work independently, employing research skills and flexibility
• Ability to handle client information confidentially
• Broad knowledge of laboratory operations and procedures
• Ability to establish work priorities and handle several tasks for maximum department efficiency
• Good customer service skills for client interactions
• Working knowledge of reagent stability and storage
• Awareness of factors influencing test results
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook)
• Strong typing skills desirable
• Communication and interpersonal skills for effective interaction with management, co-workers, and clients
• Other automation skills helpful