Lab Associate I - Special Chemistry

Quest Diagnostics•San Juan Capistrano, CA

3d•$20 - $26•Onsite

About The Position

This non-licensed position provides general support for the Special Chemistry laboratory and follows applicable policies and procedures. The role prepares, labels, processes, transports, and stores specimens; organizes samples for testing; and supports laboratory personnel with pre-analytic and post-analytic activities. It also assists with testing equipment, preventive maintenance, reagents, controls, quality control, inventory, records, and data entry. The associate helps maintain a clean and organized laboratory, handles incoming specimens and communications, protects client confidentiality, and complies with health and safety requirements, including use of personal protective equipment. The position is located in San Juan Capistrano, California, and is scheduled Tuesday through Saturday from 2:00 PM to 10:30 PM. The pay range is $20.44–$26.32 per hour. An employee may be eligible for shift differential for some or all hours worked on second or third shift. Successful candidates may also 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 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 over 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 about equipment problems.
Assist licensed personnel in California or a delegated supervisor outside California with pre-analytic and post-analytic testing activities, excluding trainees, 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 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.
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 or escalate them appropriately to licensed personnel in California or a delegated supervisor outside California.
Answer and transfer phone 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 required use of personal protective equipment.
Perform other duties as assigned.

Benefits

Medical, supplemental health, dental, and vision coverage for full-time employees working 30 or more hours, beginning on day one.
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.