Lab Associate I - Microbiology

Quest Diagnostics • Lewisville, TX

1d • Onsite

About The Position

The Lab Associate I provides general support for the microbiology laboratory and follows applicable policies and procedures. The role prepares, organizes, labels, processes, transports, and stores specimens; supports laboratory equipment preparation and preventive maintenance; maintains reagent, media, and supply records and inventory; and assists with pre-analytical and post-analytical activities, quality control, and documentation. The associate also sorts and accession incoming specimens, enters or transcribes data for licensed personnel review, prepares workload reports as requested, responds to phone calls, maintains client confidentiality, and helps keep laboratory areas clean, organized, and safe. Personal protective equipment is required, and other duties may be assigned.

Requirements

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Working knowledge of reagent stability and storage.
• Awareness of factors that influence test results.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications, including Word, Excel, and Outlook.
• Communication and interpersonal skills to deal courteously and effectively with management, coworkers, and clients.
• Ability to lift and carry objects: 1–10 pounds frequently, 11–25 pounds occasionally, and 26–50 pounds seldom; objects over 50 pounds require assistance.
• Ability to perform repetitive tasks with the dominant hand.
• Ability to sit and/or stand for long periods.
• Good eye-hand coordination.

Nice To Haves

• One to two years of laboratory experience.
• Strong typing skills.
• Other automation skills.
• Some college courses; two to three years of college courses preferred.
• For Lab Associates in Histopathology or Cytology departments: basic knowledge of operating non-complex equipment.

Responsibilities

• Prepare and organize samples for testing, including sample racking, aliquoting, and tube preparation.
• Label, handle, process or prepare, transport, and store specimens.
• Identify sample or specimen problems and resolve them appropriately or elevate them to licensed personnel or the delegated supervisor.
• Prepare testing equipment, assist with preventive maintenance, and notify appropriate technical staff of equipment problems.
• Assist licensed personnel or the delegated supervisor with pre-analytic and post-analytic testing activities, as applicable.
• Prepare pre-analytical reagents and controls using automated or fixed-volume measuring devices, and submit documentation for approval to use.
• Prepare and maintain complete and accurate reagent or media records using established procedures, formulas, stock solutions, and fixed-volume measuring devices.
• Maintain consumable inventory, including ordering, unpacking, logging, dating, storing, and rotating reagents and supplies.
• Inventory laboratory items and restock benches and equipment.
• Sort and accession incoming specimens into the appropriate laboratory information system and deliver them to designated testing.
• Enter data or transcribe previously recorded results into a computer for data reduction and licensed personnel review.
• Tally workload data and prepare reports as requested.
• Assist with quality control procedures and prepare protocols, logs, or other appropriate documents.
• Answer phones, transfer calls, or take accurate messages.
• Maintain the confidentiality of client information.
• Help keep laboratory areas neat, clean, and organized.
• Comply with health and safety policies, procedures, and practices, including required use of personal protective equipment.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Benefits

• Medical and supplemental health benefits, dental, and vision 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.

What This Job Offers

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