Lab Associate I

Quest Diagnostics • West Hills, CA

4d • Onsite

About The Position

The Lab Associate I is a non-licensed position that provides general support to the laboratory while following applicable policies and procedures. The role prepares and organizes samples and specimens for testing, supports laboratory equipment and inventory, assists with pre-analytic and post-analytic activities, maintains documentation and records, and helps uphold laboratory quality, confidentiality, cleanliness, and safety standards. The position is in West Hills, California, and is scheduled Monday through Friday from 11:00 PM to 7:30 AM, with rotational weekends.

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 necessary to deal courteously and effectively with management, coworkers, and clients.
• Ability to lift and carry objects weighing 1–10 pounds frequently and 11–25 pounds occasionally; objects weighing 26–50 pounds are seldom lifted or carried. Objects over 50 pounds are not to be lifted or carried without assistance.
• Ability to perform repetitive tasks with the dominant hand and to sit and/or stand for long periods.
• Good eye-hand coordination.

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 assist in resolving them or elevate them appropriately.
• Prepare testing equipment and assist with preventive maintenance; notify appropriate technical staff of equipment problems.
• Assist licensed personnel in California, or the delegated supervisor outside California, with pre-analytic and post-analytic testing activities, excluding trainees, in a licensed clinical laboratory.
• Prepare pre-analytical reagents and controls using automated or fixed-volume measuring devices, and submit documentation for appropriate staff approval.
• 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, including reagents and supplies; order, unpack, log, date, store, and rotate 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 requested reports.
• Assist with quality control procedures and prepare protocols, logs, and other appropriate documents.
• Answer and transfer phone 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

• 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 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