Lab Associate I

Quest Diagnostics•Lenexa, KS

3d•$17

About The Position

This non-licensed position provides general support to the laboratory and follows applicable policies and procedures. The Lab Associate prepares and handles specimens and laboratory materials, supports testing activities, maintains equipment and inventory, enters and organizes data, and helps keep laboratory areas safe, clean, and organized. The role is based in Lenexa, Kansas, and is scheduled Monday through Friday from 7:00 AM to 4:00 PM, with rotational weekend work. Pay starts at $17.20 per hour. Successful candidates may be eligible for annual performance bonus compensation.

Requirements

For Lab Associates in Histopathology or Cytology departments: basic knowledge of operating non-complex equipment.
High school diploma or equivalent.
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 must not 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; trainees are excluded.
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 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 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 review by licensed personnel.
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 or escalate them to licensed personnel in California or a delegated supervisor outside California, as appropriate.
Answer and transfer phone calls or take accurate messages while maintaining the confidentiality of client information.
Help ensure laboratory areas are 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 a buy-up option.
Flexible Spending Accounts.
Annual incentive plans.
Matching gifts program.
Education assistance through MyQuest for Education.
Career advancement opportunities.
Potential eligibility for annual performance bonus compensation.