Lab Associate I

Quest Diagnostics • Lenexa, KS

5d • Onsite

About The Position

The Lab Associate I provides general support for the laboratory and follows applicable policies and procedures. The role prepares, organizes, handles, processes, transports, and stores specimens; assists with laboratory equipment, reagents, inventory, quality control, documentation, and data entry; and supports licensed personnel or a delegated supervisor in pre-analytic and post-analytic activities. The associate also helps maintain an organized work area, responds to phone calls, protects client confidentiality, and complies with health and safety requirements, including use of personal protective equipment.

This position is based in Lenexa, Kansas, with a Monday-to-Friday schedule from 7:00 AM to 4:00 PM and rotational weekend work. The listed pay range starts at $17.20 per hour. Salary offers may reflect relevant skills, training, experience, education, certifications, market factors, and organizational factors. Successful candidates may be eligible for annual performance bonus compensation.

Requirements

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• For Lab Associates in Histopathology or Cytology departments, basic knowledge of operating non-complex equipment is required.
• Working knowledge of reagent stability and storage.
• Awareness of factors that influence test results.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications, including Word, Excel, and Outlook.
• Communication and interpersonal skills to deal courteously and effectively with management, coworkers, and clients.
• Ability to perform repetitive tasks with the dominant hand, sit and/or stand for long periods, and demonstrate good eye-hand coordination.
• Ability to lift and carry objects: 1–10 pounds frequently, 11–25 pounds occasionally, and 26–50 pounds seldom; objects exceeding 50 pounds are not to be lifted or carried without assistance.

Nice To Haves

• One to two years of laboratory experience.
• Some college courses; two to three years of college courses preferred.
• Strong typing skills.
• Other automation skills.

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 help resolve them appropriately or elevate them to licensed personnel or a delegated supervisor as applicable.
• Prepare testing equipment and assist with preventive maintenance; notify appropriate technical staff of equipment problems.
• Assist licensed personnel or a 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 inventory of consumables, reagents, and supplies; order, unpack, log, date, store, and rotate received stock.
• Inventory laboratory items, including restocking benches and equipment inventory.
• Sort and accession incoming specimens into the appropriate laboratory information system and deliver them to designated testing areas.
• Enter data or transcribe previously recorded results into a computer for data reduction and preparation for 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 confidentiality of client information.
• Help keep laboratory areas neat, clean, and organized.
• Comply with health 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 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 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