Lab Associate I - Serology

Quest Diagnostics

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 is in the Serology department in San Juan Capistrano, California, with a rotating schedule from 7:30 AM to 4:00 PM. The pay range is $20.44–$26.32 per hour. Salary offers consider relevant skills, training, experience, education, certifications, and market and organizational factors; successful candidates may be eligible for annual performance bonus compensation. The Lab Associate prepares, handles, processes, labels, stores, and transports specimens; supports testing and quality-control activities; maintains reagent and supply inventories and records; and assists with laboratory equipment preparation and preventive maintenance. The position also performs specimen accessioning, data entry, workload reporting, and related administrative tasks. The role requires confidentiality, compliance with health and safety procedures, and use of personal protective equipment. Duties listed are a general description and are not exhaustive. Quest offers benefits and programs that may vary by position status. Listed offerings include medical and supplemental health, dental and vision coverage for eligible full-time employees working 30 or more hours, well-being and mental health programs, vacation and health/flex time, holidays, a 401(k) plan with company match, an employee stock purchase plan, life and disability insurance, flexible spending accounts, annual incentive plans, matching gifts, education assistance, and career advancement opportunities.

Requirements

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 perform duties that may involve frequently lifting and carrying 1–10 pounds, occasionally lifting and carrying 11–25 pounds, and seldom lifting and carrying 26–50 pounds; 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 and 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.
For Lab Associates in Histopathology or Cytology departments, basic knowledge of operating non-complex equipment is required.

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, excluding work performed by trainees.
Prepare pre-analytical reagents and controls using automated or fixed-volume measuring devices, and submit documentation for approval to use.
Prepare and maintain complete, accurate reagent or media records using established procedures, formulas, stock solutions, and fixed-volume measuring devices.
Maintain consumable inventory, including reagents and supplies; order, unpack, log, date, store, and rotate stock.
Inventory laboratory items, including restocking benches and maintaining 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 and prepare protocols, logs, or 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 and transfer phone 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 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.
Best-in-class 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.