Lab Assistant II

Quest Diagnostics•Chantilly, VA

20d•$17 - $24•Onsite

About The Position

The Lab Assistant II performs routine laboratory functions accurately and precisely to support laboratory professionals and facilitate production in the Spec Chem - LCMSMS clinical laboratory. The position is based in Chantilly, Virginia, and is scheduled Wednesday through Sunday, 10:00 PM to 6:30 AM. The pay range is $17.20–$24.36 per hour. Employees may be eligible for a 10% shift differential for some or all second-shift hours and a 15% differential for some or all third-shift hours. Eligible candidates may also receive annual performance bonus compensation. The role handles specimen receiving, labeling, preparation, and related pre-analytical work; maintains laboratory areas and equipment; supports quality and safety procedures; and performs administrative and other departmental tasks. Work may involve lifting and carrying objects, extended periods standing or working at a bench, frequent walking, and using manual and automated pipettes and laboratory apparatus requiring dexterity. High school graduation or equivalent and one year of full-time experience in a technical or clinical laboratory department are required. Quest Diagnostics offers benefits and programs that may vary by employment status. Listed offerings include medical and supplemental health coverage, dental and vision coverage for eligible full-time employees working 30 or more hours, well-being and mental health programs, vacation and health/flex time, holidays and a MyDay off, financial coaching, a 401(k) with company match after 12 months, an employee stock purchase plan, life and disability insurance, flexible spending accounts, annual incentive plans, matching gifts, education assistance, and career advancement opportunities.

Requirements

High school graduate or equivalent required.
One year of full-time experience in a technical or clinical laboratory department required.
Competent in addressing department pending lists and finding missing specimens.
Ability to follow a series of steps without confusion or error on an ongoing basis and retain learned information.
Ability to establish work priorities and handle several tasks simultaneously for efficient workstation and department operations.
Ability to interact courteously and respectfully with coworkers and internal and external customers.
Communication and interpersonal skills to deal courteously and effectively with supervisors, coworkers, and clients.
Ability to handle client information confidentially.
Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, and Outlook) and Laboratory Information Systems.
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 to walk and/or stand frequently.
Manual dexterity to use a variety of manual and automated pipettes, laboratory instruments, and apparatuses.

Responsibilities

Perform routine instrument maintenance on some equipment under direct and constant supervision, with activity signed off by license-qualified personnel.
Find missing samples.
Decontaminate work areas.
Perform weekly radioactive wipe tests, if applicable.
Change gas cylinders.
Use the laboratory computer system and operate PCs.
Provide input regarding training and checklists.
Assist with the department quality improvement program.
Inform supervisory personnel of suspected problems.
Perform special projects and other duties assigned by the supervisor.
Receive, label, handle, and prepare specimens.
Assist with pre-analytical specimen preparation, including printing labels, uncapping and capping specimen tubes, aliquoting specimens, preparing racks and worklists, and entering or scanning specimens.
Record digital temperatures and notify licensed personnel if a temperature is out of range.
Assist in preparing chemicals, reagents, and solutions that do not require quantitative measurement.
Clean, organize, and maintain work areas, glassware, and laboratory equipment, including refrigerators, freezers, and supply cabinets as needed.
Assist with monitoring department pending and overdue lists by searching, locating, following up, and filing appropriate documentation.
Perform departmental tasks such as filing, archiving and retrieving slides or blocks, reports, requisitions and other paperwork, and answering the telephone.
Dispose of biohazardous material.
Perform assigned QA/QC duties.
Complete training and competency checklists as appropriate.
Comply with health and safety policies, procedures, and practices, including required use of personal protective equipment.
Perform other duties as assigned.

Benefits

Day 1 medical and supplemental health benefits for full-time employees working 30 or more hours.
Dental and vision coverage for full-time employees working 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.
Potential annual performance bonus compensation.
Potential shift differential of 10% for some or all second-shift hours and 15% for some or all third-shift hours.