Lab Assistant I - Histology

Quest Diagnostics•Pittsburgh, PA

9d•$17

About The Position

The Lab Assistant I performs very basic functions to assist in preparing histopathology samples. This role performs routine slide-preparation activities under general supervision and in accordance with applicable policies and procedures. The position is based in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, and is scheduled Monday through Friday, 5:00 AM to 1:30 PM. The pay range starts at $17.20 per hour. Salary offers consider relevant skills, training, experience, education, certifications, and market and organizational factors. Successful candidates may be eligible for annual performance bonus compensation. The role involves receiving, collecting, labeling, and preparing tissue specimens for gross dissection; completing accessioning and reporting paperwork; maintaining inventory and laboratory supplies; and cleaning, sterilizing, organizing, and maintaining the work area and laboratory equipment. The Lab Assistant performs manual and automated coverslipping of stained slides, completes assigned clerical duties, and follows health, quality, and safety procedures, including use of required personal protective equipment. Other duties may be assigned. Candidates must have a high school diploma or equivalent. One year of histopathology or other laboratory experience and/or training is preferred. Some college coursework, preferably in science, is also preferred. The role requires basic knowledge of operating non-complex instrumentation; attention to detail; the ability to follow and retain a sequence of instructions, work independently, prioritize and handle multiple tasks, communicate courteously and effectively, protect confidential client information, and use Microsoft Office and Laboratory Information Systems. Ability to enter 6,000 alphanumeric keystrokes per hour is required. Physical requirements include frequent walking and standing, extended periods standing and working at a bench, manual dexterity with laboratory instruments and apparatus, and lifting and carrying objects of varying weights, with assistance required for objects over 50 pounds.

Requirements

High school diploma or equivalent.
Basic knowledge of operating non-complex instrumentation.
Ability to follow a series of steps without confusion or errors on an ongoing basis and retain information once learned.
Detail-oriented, able to work independently, establish work priorities, and handle several tasks simultaneously.
Communication and interpersonal skills to deal courteously and effectively with supervisors, coworkers, and clients.
Ability to handle client information confidentially.
Proficiency in Microsoft Office, including Word, Excel, and Outlook, and Laboratory Information Systems.
Ability to enter 6,000 alphanumeric keystrokes per hour.
Ability to lift and carry objects weighing 1–10 pounds frequently and 11–25 pounds occasionally; objects weighing 36–50 pounds are seldom lifted or carried, and objects over 50 pounds must not be lifted or carried without assistance.
Ability to stand and work at a bench for long periods and walk and/or stand frequently.
Manual dexterity to use a wide variety of laboratory instruments and apparatus.

Nice To Haves

One year of previous histopathology or other laboratory experience and/or training.
Some college coursework, preferably science courses.

Responsibilities

Perform routine activities involved in preparing histopathology slides under general supervision and according to policies and procedures.
Receive and collect, label, and prepare tissue specimens for gross dissection.
Process paperwork associated with accessioning and reporting.
Monitor inventory, requisition supplies before depletion, and stock and maintain laboratory supplies.
Clean, sterilize, organize, and maintain the work area, glassware, and laboratory equipment, including refrigerators, freezers, and supply cabinets as needed.
Perform coverslipping of stained slides manually and using automated equipment.
Perform all assigned clerical duties.
Comply with health, quality, and safety policies, procedures, and practices, and use required personal protective equipment.
Perform other duties as assigned.

Benefits

Day 1 medical, supplemental health, dental, and vision coverage for full-time employees who work 30 or more hours.
Well-being programs.
Annual no-cost health assessment program, Blueprint for Wellness®.
healthyMINDS mental health program.
Vacation and Health/Flex Time.
Six holidays plus one “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, with a buy-up option.
Flexible Spending Accounts.
Annual incentive plans.
Matching gifts program.
Education assistance through MyQuest for Education.
Career advancement opportunities.