Lab Associate I - Lab Support

Quest Diagnostics • West Hills, CA

2d • Onsite

About The Position

This non-licensed position is accountable for assisting with general support for the laboratory, following all applicable policies and procedures. The Lab Associate I is responsible for preparing and organizing samples for testing, labeling, handling, processing, transportation, and storage of specimens. They also identify and assist in resolving sample problems, prepare testing equipment, and assist with preventive maintenance. This role involves preparing pre-analytical reagents and controls, maintaining inventory of consumables, sorting and accessioning incoming specimens, performing data entry, and assisting with quality control procedures. The position also includes answering phones, maintaining confidentiality, ensuring laboratory cleanliness, and complying with health and safety policies. Other duties as assigned.

Requirements

• Basic knowledge of operating non-complex equipment (for Lab Associates in Histopathology or Cytology departments).
• High School Diploma or Equivalent (Required)
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Application (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 the factors that influence test results.

Nice To Haves

• 1 – 2 years of laboratory experience preferred.
• Some College Courses
• Two to three years of college courses preferred.
• Other automation skills helpful.

Responsibilities

• Prepares and organizes samples for testing, for example, 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.
• 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, other than trainees, in a licensed clinical laboratory.
• Prepares pre-analytical reagents and controls using automated or fixed volume measuring devices.
• Submits documentation to appropriate staff for approval to use.
• 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 upon receipt and properly rotates stock for use.
• Performs inventory of laboratory items including restocking the benches and equipment inventory.
• Sorting and accessioning incoming specimens into appropriate LIS, then delivering to designated testing.
• 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).
• Answers phones, transfers, or takes accurate messages.
• Maintains the confidentiality of client information.
• Helps to ensure the laboratory areas are neat, clean, and organized.
• Complies with all health and safety policies, procedures, and practices.
• Required to use personal protective equipment.

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

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: High school or GED