Lab Associate II

Location: West Hills, CA

Schedule

Thursday to Monday, 6:00 AM to 2:30 PM

Pay

$22.48 - $28.94 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 employment status (part-time or full-time), benefits may include:

• Day 1 Medical, supplemental health, dental & vision for full-time employees working 30+ hours
• 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

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, preparation, transportation, and storage of specimens.
• Identifies sample problems and assists in resolving appropriately.
• Demonstrates problem-solving ability on service and production issues.
• 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.
• 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 and formulas.
• Maintains inventory of consumable items including reagents and supplies; orders, unpacks, logs, dates, and stores reagents/supplies, rotating stock properly.
• 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 platform/department.
• 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 resolves or escalates to licensed personnel (CA only) or delegated supervisor (non-CA).
• Assists licensed personnel with performance of validation verifications and other Research and Development (R&D) activities.
• Trains other Lab Associates and supports Training Programs.
• Takes initiative in making suggestions to improve efficiency and productivity; provides consistent feedback and acts as a resource for process improvement.
• Demonstrates leadership through accountability and collaboration in daily activities.
• 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; required to use personal protective equipment.
• Other duties as assigned.

Requirements

• For Lab Associates in the Histopathology or Cytology department: 1 year of histopathology, cytology, or other laboratory experience.
• 1 year of experience handling Protected Health Information (PHI) and other patient information using a Laboratory Information System (LIS).

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree in Biological Science or Chemistry (other life science degree coursework will be evaluated) preferred.
• High School Diploma or equivalent required; minimum of 2-3 years of laboratory experience if no degree.

Skills

• Working knowledge of reagent stability and storage.
• Awareness of factors that influence test results.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Applications (Word, Excel, Outlook).
• Strong typing skills desirable.
• Effective communication and interpersonal skills to interact with management, co-workers, and clients.
• Other automation skills helpful.

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.