Lab Associate I - Special Chemistry

Quest Diagnostics

About The Position

This non-licensed position provides general support for the laboratory while following applicable policies and procedures. The role is in the Special Chemistry department in San Juan Capistrano, California, with a Tuesday-to-Saturday schedule from 2:00 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. The stated pay range is $20.44–$26.32 per hour. Employees may be eligible for shift differential for some or all hours worked on second or third shift, and successful candidates may be eligible for annual performance bonus compensation. The Lab Associate I prepares and organizes specimens and supplies, supports laboratory testing activities, maintains inventory and records, assists with equipment preparation and preventive maintenance, and helps with quality control and reporting. The position also involves data entry, specimen accessioning and delivery, answering phones, maintaining confidentiality, and keeping laboratory areas clean and safe. Duties may vary and may include other tasks as assigned. The role requires a high school diploma or equivalent. Some college coursework is preferred, as are two to three years of college courses and one to two years of laboratory experience. The posting lists basic knowledge of operating non-complex equipment as a required qualification specifically for Lab Associates in Histopathology or Cytology departments. The position requires Microsoft Office proficiency, relevant laboratory knowledge, communication skills, and the ability to perform physical tasks including frequent lifting and carrying of lighter objects and occasional lifting and carrying of objects weighing 11 to 25 pounds.

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 perform repetitive tasks with the dominant hand.
Ability to sit and/or stand for long periods and good eye-hand coordination.
Ability to lift and carry objects weighing 1 to 10 pounds frequently and 11 to 25 pounds occasionally; objects weighing 26 to 50 pounds are seldom lifted and carried. Objects exceeding 50 pounds are not to be lifted or carried without assistance.
Ability to use personal protective equipment and comply with health and safety practices.

Nice To Haves

One to two years of laboratory experience.
Some college courses; two to three years of college courses are preferred.
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 and assist with preventive maintenance; 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 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, reagents, and supplies; order, unpack, log, date, store, and rotate stock.
Perform inventory of laboratory items, including restocking 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 and prepare protocols, logs, or other appropriate documents.
Identify specimen problems and resolve or elevate them appropriately to licensed personnel in California or a delegated supervisor outside California.
Answer phones, transfer 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

Medical, supplemental health, dental, and vision benefits for full-time employees working 30 or more hours, with coverage available from Day 1.
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.
Potential annual performance bonus compensation.
Potential shift differential of 10% for some or all second-shift hours and 15% for some or all third-shift hours.