Lab Associate I

Quest Diagnostics•West Hills, CA

6d•Onsite

About The Position

The Lab Associate I is a non-licensed position that provides general support for the laboratory while following applicable policies and procedures. The role prepares and organizes specimens and supplies, supports pre-analytical and post-analytical testing activities, assists with equipment preparation and preventive maintenance, and helps maintain accurate records, inventory, quality control documentation, and an orderly, safe laboratory environment. The position is based in West Hills, California, and is scheduled Tuesday through Saturday from 7:00 AM to 3:30 PM. The pay range is $21.80–$23.85 per hour. Salary offers consider relevant skills, training, experience, education, certifications where applicable, and market and organizational factors. Successful candidates may be eligible for annual performance bonus compensation.

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 perform repetitive tasks with the dominant hand, sit and/or stand for long periods, and demonstrate good eye-hand coordination.
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.
Comply with required personal protective equipment practices.

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 or escalating them appropriately.
Prepare testing equipment and assist with preventive maintenance; 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.
Prepare pre-analytical reagents and controls using automated or fixed-volume measuring devices and submit documentation 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 consumable items, including reagents and supplies; order, unpack, log, date, store, and rotate stock appropriately.
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, and other appropriate documents.
Answer phones, transfer 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 who work 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.