Lab Associate I

Quest Diagnostics•Wood Dale, IL

6d•$18 - $28•Onsite

About The Position

This non-licensed position provides general support for the laboratory while following applicable policies and procedures. The role is based in Wood Dale, Illinois, and is scheduled Tuesday through Saturday from 4:00 PM to 12:30 AM. The posting lists a 10% evening shift differential and a 10% weekend shift differential. Pay is $18.39–$27.58 per hour. Depending on the hours worked, employees may be eligible for shift differentials; successful candidates may also be eligible for annual performance bonus compensation. The Lab Associate prepares, labels, handles, processes, transports, and stores samples and specimens; supports testing activities and equipment maintenance; manages supplies and records; and assists with quality control and laboratory organization. The role also involves data entry, workload reporting, answering phones, protecting client confidentiality, and complying with health and safety procedures, including use of personal protective equipment. A high school diploma or equivalent is required. For Lab Associates in Histopathology or Cytology departments, basic knowledge of operating non-complex equipment is required. One to two years of laboratory experience and two to three years of college courses are preferred. The work may involve lifting and carrying objects, repetitive tasks, prolonged sitting or standing, and coordination of hand and eye movements.

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 lift and carry objects: 1–10 pounds frequently, 11–25 pounds occasionally, and 26–50 pounds seldom; objects over 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-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 of equipment problems.
Assist licensed personnel in California or a delegated supervisor outside California with pre-analytic and post-analytic testing activities, other than trainees, in a licensed clinical laboratory.
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, accurate records of reagents or media 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 laboratory information system (LIS), then 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 to licensed personnel in California or a delegated supervisor outside California, as appropriate.
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 use of required 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 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.
Potential annual performance bonus compensation.