Lab Associate I

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

About the role

Schedule: Monday to Friday, 5:00 AM to 1:30 PM, with rotational weekends.

Pay

Pay range: $17.20+ per hour. 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 & vision
• Best-in-class well-being programs:
  • Annual, no-cost health assessment program
  • Blueprint for Wellness®
  • 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

• Prepares and organizes samples for testing, including sample racking, aliquoting, and tube preparation.
• Labels, handles, processes, prepares, transports, and stores specimens.
• Identifies sample problems and assists in resolving appropriately.
• Prepares testing equipment and assists with preventive maintenance; notifies technical staff of equipment problems.
• Assists licensed personnel (CA only) or delegated supervisor (non-CA) in pre-analytic and post-analytic testing activities.
• 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; rotates stock.
• Performs inventory of laboratory items, including restocking benches and equipment inventory.
• Sorts and accessioning incoming specimens into appropriate LIS, then delivers to designated testing.
• Performs data entry or transcribes data from previously recorded results to computer for data reduction; 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 resolves or elevates to licensed personnel (CA only) or delegated supervisor (non-CA).
• 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.
• 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 for general Lab Associate roles.
• 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.

Skills

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Applications (Word, Excel, Outlook).
• Strong typing skills desirable.
• Communication and interpersonal skills to deal courteously and effectively with management, co-workers, and clients.
• Working knowledge of reagent stability and storage.
• Awareness of factors influencing test results.
• Other automation skills helpful.