Lab Associate I

Quest Diagnostics • San Juan Capistrano, CA

3d • $20 - $26 • Onsite

About The Position

This non-licensed position provides general support to the laboratory while following applicable policies and procedures. The role is based in San Juan Capistrano, California, and is scheduled Friday through Tuesday from 8:00 PM to 4:30 AM, with hours varying based on business needs. Responsibilities include preparing, organizing, labeling, processing, storing, and transporting specimens; supporting laboratory testing and equipment maintenance; managing reagents, supplies, and inventory; entering and organizing data; assisting with quality control; maintaining records and documentation; and keeping laboratory areas clean, organized, and safe. The position requires use of personal protective equipment and compliance with health and safety procedures.

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: 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 preferred.
• Some college; 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 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 the delegated supervisor outside California, with pre-analytic and post-analytic testing activities in a licensed clinical laboratory, excluding trainees.
• 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 consumable items, including 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, transfer, or take accurate messages on phone calls and 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 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