Lab Associate I

Quest Diagnostics • Chantilly, VA

4d • 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 pay range is $18.39 - $27.58 / hour, with potential for shift differentials. Salary offers are based on relevant skills, training, experience, education, certifications, and market/organizational factors. Successful candidates may be eligible for annual performance bonus compensation.

Requirements

• High School Graduate or equivalent required.
• Minimum 2 years of laboratory experience preferred.
• Lifting and carrying objects in the weight range of 1 to 10 pounds frequently.
• Lifting and carrying objects in the weight range of 11 to 25 pounds occasionally.
• Lifting and carrying objects in the weight range of 26 to 50 pounds seldom.
• Objects exceeding 50 pounds are not to be lifted or carried without assistance.
• Performs repetitive tasks with dominant hand.
• Ability to sit and/or stand for long periods.
• Good eye and hand coordination.
• Knowledge of medical terminology helpful.
• Ability to work independently, employing research skills and flexibility.
• Ability to deal with client information in a confidential manner.
• Broad knowledge of laboratory operations and procedures.
• Ability to establish work priorities and to handle several tasks for maximum department efficiency.
• Good customer service skills important.
• A working knowledge of reagent stability and storage.
• An awareness of the factors that influence test results.
• 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.
• Other automation skills helpful.

Nice To Haves

• 2-3 years of college courses preferred.

Responsibilities

• Investigates and resolves missing samples in the department.
• Responds to “code purple” and documents findings.
• Acts as a trainer for the department Lab Assistants and completes training/competency checklists.
• Resolves pending list in coordination with Lab Assistants and Medical Lab Scientists.
• Serves as a liaison for the department and technical support.
• Creates manual testing worksheets in the department.
• Maintains files for department records.
• Reports problems/potential problems to the supervisor.
• Assists with special projects and other duties as assigned by supervisor.
• Assists with the department Improvement Program.
• Coordinates obtaining samples for Instrument Comparisons, reagent lot testing method comparisons, etc.
• Performs routine instrument maintenance on some equipment, under direct and constant supervision (activity must be signed-off by license-qualified personnel).
• Assists in preparation of chemicals, reagents and solutions that do not require quantitative measurement.
• Prepares and organizes samples for testing, including 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 them appropriately.
• Assists license-qualified personnel or delegated supervisor (non-CA) in pre-analytic and post-analytic testing activities (other than trainees) in a licensed clinical laboratory.
• 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.
• Sorts and accession incoming specimens into appropriate LIS, then delivers to designated testing.
• 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 license-qualified personnel or delegated supervisor (non-CA).
• Answers phones, transfers calls, 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.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

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