Lab Associate I
About The Position
This non-licensed position provides general support for the laboratory and follows applicable policies and procedures. The role is based in West Hills, California, and is scheduled Wednesday through Sunday from 4:00 AM to 12:30 PM. The Lab Associate I prepares, labels, handles, processes, transports, and stores specimens; supports pre-analytic and post-analytic testing activities; prepares equipment, reagents, controls, records, and documentation; and helps maintain laboratory inventory and work areas. The associate also supports quality control, data entry, workload reporting, specimen accessioning, and communication with laboratory personnel and clients while maintaining confidentiality and complying with health and safety requirements. The position requires a high school diploma or equivalent. For Lab Associates in Histopathology or Cytology departments, basic knowledge of operating non-complex equipment is required. One to two years of laboratory experience is preferred. Some college courses, including two to three years of college coursework, are also preferred. The role may involve lifting and carrying items, repetitive tasks, prolonged sitting or standing, and requires 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, coworkers, and clients.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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 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; trainees are excluded.
- Prepare pre-analytical reagents and controls using automated or fixed-volume measuring devices, and submit documentation to appropriate staff for approval before 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 stock; and restock benches and equipment inventory.
- Sort and accession incoming specimens into the appropriate LIS 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.
- 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 phones, transfer calls, or take accurate messages while maintaining client confidentiality.
- Help keep laboratory areas neat, clean, and organized.
- Comply with health and safety policies, procedures, and practices, including using 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 a buy-up option.
- Flexible Spending Accounts.
- Annual incentive plans.
- Matching gifts program.
- Education assistance through MyQuest for Education.
- Career advancement opportunities.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Entry Level
Education Level
High school or GED
