Lab Associate II - Microbiology

Location: San Juan Capistrano, CA

Schedule

Thursday to Monday, 8:00 PM to 4:30 AM

Pay

$22.48 - $28.94 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 consider relevant skills, training, experience, education, certifications, market, and organizational factors. Successful candidates may also 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® 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.
• 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 the 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 for use.
• Performs inventory of laboratory items including restocking benches and equipment inventory.
• Sorts and accessions incoming specimens into appropriate 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 demonstrates ability to appropriately resolve or elevate to licensed personnel (CA only) or delegated supervisor (non-CA).
• Assists a licensed person (e.g., CLS) with performance of validation verifications and other Research and Development (R&D) activities, as applicable.
• Trains other Lab Associates and supports Training Programs, where applicable.
• Takes initiative in making suggestions to improve efficiency and productivity and provides consistent feedback; serves as a resource for process improvement.
• Demonstrates leadership through accountability and collaboration in daily activities.
• Answers phones, transfers, or takes accurate messages; maintains 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

• 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

• Required:
  • High School Diploma or Equivalent with a minimum of 2-3 years of laboratory experience.
• Preferred:
  • Bachelor’s Degree in Biological Science, Chemistry, or other life science degree coursework (will be evaluated).
  • 2-3 years of laboratory experience.

Physical and Mental Requirements

• Lifting and carrying objects: 1 to 10 pounds frequently, 11 to 25 pounds occasionally, 26 to 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 necessary to deal courteously and effectively with management, co-workers, and clients.
• Working knowledge of reagent stability and storage.
• Awareness of factors that influence test results.
• Other automation skills helpful.