Lab Associate I

Quest Diagnostics•Roanoke, VA

About The Position

This non-licensed position provides general support for the laboratory while following applicable policies and procedures. The role is based in Roanoke, Virginia, and is scheduled Monday through Friday from 2:30 PM to 11:00 PM, with rotational weekends. Pay is $17.75 per hour. The employee may be eligible for shift differentials of 10% for some or all second-shift hours and 15% for some or all third-shift hours; further details are provided if an offer is extended. Successful candidates may also be eligible for annual performance bonus compensation. The Lab Associate I prepares, organizes, labels, processes, transports, and stores samples and specimens; supports testing workflows and equipment maintenance; prepares reagents, controls, records, and documentation; and maintains laboratory inventory and organization. The position also handles specimen accessioning, data entry, workload reporting, quality-control support, phone coverage, confidentiality, and compliance with health and safety practices, including use of required personal protective equipment. A high school diploma or equivalent is required. For Lab Associates in Histopathology or Cytology departments, basic knowledge of operating non-complex equipment is required. One to two years of laboratory experience and two to three years of college courses are preferred. The role requires physical tasks such as lifting and carrying items, repetitive dominant-hand tasks, prolonged sitting and/or standing, and good eye-hand coordination.

Requirements

High school diploma or equivalent.
For Lab Associates in Histopathology or Cytology departments: basic knowledge of operating non-complex equipment.
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, co-workers, and clients.
Ability to lift and carry objects frequently weighing 1–10 pounds, occasionally weighing 11–25 pounds, and seldom weighing 26–50 pounds; objects over 50 pounds are not to be lifted or carried without 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.
Two to three years of college courses.
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 problems and assist in resolving them appropriately.
Prepare testing equipment, assist with preventive maintenance, and notify appropriate technical staff of equipment problems.
Assist licensed personnel (in California) or a delegated supervisor (outside California) with pre-analytic and post-analytic testing activities in a licensed clinical laboratory, excluding trainees.
Prepare pre-analytical reagents and controls using automated or fixed-volume measuring devices, and submit documentation to appropriate staff 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 consumable items, reagents, and supplies; order, unpack, log, date, store, and rotate stock; and restock benches and equipment inventory.
Sort and accession incoming specimens into the appropriate LIS and deliver them to designated testing.
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.
Prepare protocols, logs, and other appropriate documents.
Identify specimen problems and resolve them appropriately or elevate them to licensed personnel (in California) or a delegated supervisor (outside California).
Answer and transfer phone calls or take accurate messages while maintaining 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

Day 1 medical, supplemental health, dental, and vision coverage for full-time employees working 30 or more hours.
Well-being programs.
Annual no-cost Blueprint for Wellness health assessment program.
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.