Lab Associate II - Microbiology

About the role

This is a non-licensed position accountable for supporting the laboratory operations.

Responsibilities

• Prepares and organizes samples for testing, such as sample racking, aliquoting, and tube preparation.
• Labels, handles, processes, or prepares, and transports and stores specimens.
• Identifies sample problems and assists in resolving them appropriately.
• Demonstrates problem-solving ability on service and production issues.
• Prepares testing equipment and assists with preventive maintenance.
• Aids licensed personnel (CA only) or delegated supervisors (non-CA) in pre-analytic and post-analytic testing activities, excluding trainees.
• Prepares pre-analytical reagents and controls using automated or fixed volume measuring devices.
• Sends documentation to appropriate staff for approval to use.
• 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.
• Sorts and accesses incoming specimens into appropriate LIS, then delivers to designated testing platforms/departments.
• Performs data entry or transcribes data from previously recorded results to computer for data reduction and prepares for licensed personnel's review.
• Tallys workload data and prepares reports as requested.
• Assists in the performance of quality control procedures.
• Identifies specimen problems and demonstrates ability to appropriately resolve or escalate to licensed personnel (CA only) or delegated supervisor (non-CA).
• Aids 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.
• Supports Training Programs, where applicable.
• Takes initiative in improving efficiency and productivity and provides consistent feedback.
• Demonstrates leadership through accountability and collaboration in daily activities.
• Answers phones, transfers, or takes accurate messages.
• Maintains the confidentiality of client information.
• Ensures the laboratory areas are neat, clean, and organized.
• Complies with all health and safety policies, procedures, and practices.

Requirements

• Work Experience: 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).
• Preferred Work Experience: 2-3 years of laboratory experience preferred.

Qualifications

• Education: Bachelor’s Degree in Biological Science or Chemistry (or other life science degree coursework will be evaluated). High School Diploma or Equivalent with a minimum of 2-3 years of laboratory experience.
• Skills: Proficiency in Microsoft Office Applications (Word, Excel, Outlook), strong typing skills, communication and interpersonal skills necessary to deal courteously and effectively with management, co-workers, and clients, automation skills helpful.
• Physical and Mental Requirements: Normal performance of duties may require lifting and carrying objects weighing 1 to 10 pounds frequently, 11 to 25 pounds occasionally, and 26 to 50 pounds seldom. Objects exceeding 50 pounds are not to be lifted or carried without assistance. Performs repetitive tasks with dominant hand. Ability to sit and/or stand for long periods. Have good eye and hand coordination.
• Knowledge: Working knowledge of reagent stability and storage, awareness of factors influencing test results.

Benefits

We offer best-in-class benefits and programs to support employees and their families in living healthy, happy lives. Our pay and benefit plans have been designed to promote employee health in all respects – physical, financial, and developmental. Depending on whether it is a part-time or full-time position, some of the benefits offered may include: Day 1 Medical, supplemental health, dental & vision for FT employees who work 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, and so much more!