Lab Associate I

Quest Diagnostics

13h • Onsite

About The Position

The Lab Associate I is a non-licensed position that provides general support to the laboratory and follows applicable policies and procedures. The role prepares and organizes samples and specimens for testing; supports laboratory equipment preparation and preventive maintenance; assists with pre-analytic and post-analytic activities; prepares reagents, controls, and records; maintains supplies and inventory; and supports data entry, quality control, and documentation. The associate also answers phones, protects client confidentiality, helps keep laboratory areas organized, and follows health and safety procedures, including use of personal protective equipment. Other duties may be assigned.

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 lift and carry objects frequently weighing 1–10 pounds and occasionally weighing 11–25 pounds; objects weighing 26–50 pounds are seldom lifted or carried. Objects exceeding 50 pounds are not to be lifted or carried without assistance.
• Ability to perform repetitive tasks with the dominant hand, sit and/or stand for long periods, and demonstrate good eye-hand coordination.

Nice To Haves

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

Responsibilities

• Prepare and organize samples for testing, including sample racking, aliquoting, and tube preparation.
• Label, handle, process, prepare, transport, and store specimens.
• Identify sample or specimen problems and assist in resolving them or elevate them to licensed personnel or the delegated supervisor as appropriate.
• Prepare testing equipment, assist with preventive maintenance, and 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 in a licensed clinical laboratory.
• Prepare pre-analytical reagents and controls using automated or fixed-volume measuring devices and submit documentation for approval to use.
• Prepare and maintain 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.
• Perform inventory of 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 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, 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 who work 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.

What This Job Offers

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