Lab Assistant I

Quest Diagnostics

2d•Onsite

About The Position

Pre-Analytical Assistant I is responsible for general support functions within the Technical Operations Department. This is an exciting entry-level opportunity to join a world-class, state-of-the-art laboratory and build a long-term career with an industry leader. No laboratory experience? No problem. We'll provide the training and support you need to succeed while helping you develop valuable skills in specimen handling, testing requirements, quality standards, laboratory operations, analytical thinking, problem solving, and teamwork. As you grow, you'll gain experience working alongside talented technical professionals, build confidence in a fast-paced environment, and develop the foundation for future career opportunities in laboratory science and healthcare. If you're dependable, detail-oriented, eager to learn, and ready to be part of something meaningful, we'd love to help you take the first step toward a career with endless possibilities. Join our team and discover how every specimen tells a story, every role matters, and every day is an opportunity to make a difference. We are currently seeking a dedicated, highly accurate, and energetic Pre-analytical Assistant to join our operations. In this role, you will manage the critical first physical steps of the laboratory testing process. You will be the vital link between sample arrival and clinical analysis, ensuring that patient samples arriving from Patient Service Centers (PSCs) and internal processing are efficiently unpacked, accurately sorted, and swiftly delivered to our testing departments.

Requirements

High School Diploma or Equivalent (Required)
Minimal data entry skills

Nice To Haves

Previous experience in a production environment
Medical background preferred which includes medical terminology applicable to a clinical laboratory.

Responsibilities

Safely open transport bags and carefully extract specimens arriving from various Patient Service Centers (PSCs) and internal specimen processing areas.
Accurately and rapidly sort hundreds of biological samples per shift based on department destination, temperature requirements, and testing priority.
Act as the primary runner to swiftly and securely transport and deliver sorted specimens to the appropriate clinical testing departments across the laboratory while re-routing misdirected specimens.
Perform essential visual checks during the unpacking and sorting process to ensure specimen containers are secure, correctly capped, and undamaged before hand-off.
Maintain an organized and continuous flow of specimens from the receiving area to the lab floor, ensuring testing turnaround times are supported. Analyzes opportunities to optimize workflows and improve turnaround times.
Strictly follow all safety protocols for handling biohazard materials, utilizing proper Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), and adhering to all corporate compliance and PHI regulations.
Ask questions! We expect and encourage you to ask a lot of questions as you are learning our complex lab layout, routing rules, and safety protocols.

Benefits

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