Lab Associate I - Microbiology

Quest Diagnostics • Lenexa, KS

4d • Onsite

About The Position

The Lab Associate I supports the Microbiology laboratory by performing general laboratory support work in accordance with applicable policies and procedures. This non-licensed position prepares and organizes specimens and supplies, supports testing and quality-control activities, maintains laboratory records and inventory, and helps keep laboratory areas clean, organized, and safe. The role is part-time and is located in Lenexa, Kansas, with a Tuesday-to-Saturday schedule from 5:00 PM to 9:30 PM.

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 interact 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 to 10 pounds and occasionally weighing 11 to 25 pounds; objects weighing 26 to 50 pounds are seldom lifted or carried, and objects over 50 pounds must not be lifted or carried without assistance.

Nice To Haves

• One to two years of laboratory experience.
• Strong typing skills.
• Other automation skills.
• Some college coursework; two to three years of college courses preferred.
• 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, prepare, transport, and store specimens.
• Identify sample or specimen problems and resolve them appropriately or escalate them to licensed personnel or a delegated supervisor, as applicable.
• Prepare testing equipment, assist with preventive maintenance, and notify appropriate technical staff about equipment problems.
• Assist licensed personnel or a delegated supervisor with pre-analytic and post-analytic testing activities, as applicable.
• 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 consumable inventory, including ordering, unpacking, logging, dating, storing, and rotating reagents and supplies.
• Perform laboratory inventory, 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, or other appropriate documents.
• Answer phones, transfer calls, and 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, and use required personal protective equipment.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Benefits

• Part-time employees scheduled to work at least 20 hours per week are eligible for vacation and health/flex time.
• Six holidays plus one MyDay off for employees regularly scheduled to work 20 or more hours per week.
• 401(k) pre-tax and/or Roth IRA with company match up to 5% after 12 months of service.
• Annual incentive plans.
• Employee stock purchase plan.
• Education assistance through MyQuest for Education.
• Annual no-cost health assessment program, Blueprint for Wellness.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Part-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: High school or GED