Lab Associate I - Microbiology

Quest Diagnostics • Lenexa, KS

5d • $17 - $26 • Onsite

About The Position

This non-licensed position provides general support for the microbiology laboratory and follows applicable policies and procedures. The role prepares and organizes specimens for testing; handles, processes, transports, and stores specimens; prepares equipment, reagents, controls, and records; maintains inventory; supports pre-analytic and post-analytic activities; and assists with quality control. It also involves specimen accessioning and data entry, answering phones, maintaining confidentiality, and keeping laboratory areas clean, organized, and safe. The position is part-time in Lenexa, Kansas, scheduled Tuesday through Saturday 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 with Microsoft Office applications, including Word, Excel, and Outlook.
• Communication and interpersonal skills to deal courteously and effectively with management, coworkers, and clients.
• For Lab Associates in Histopathology or Cytology departments: basic knowledge of operating non-complex equipment.
• Ability to lift and carry objects: 1–10 pounds frequently, 11–25 pounds occasionally, and 26–50 pounds seldom; objects over 50 pounds require 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.
• Some college coursework; two to three years of college courses 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, assist with preventive maintenance, and notify 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 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 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 elevate them to licensed personnel in California or a delegated supervisor outside California.
• Answer phones, transfer 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 personal protective equipment.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Benefits

• Vacation and Health/Flex Time for part-time employees scheduled to work at least 20 hours per week.
• 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®.
• Potential shift differential of 10% for some or all second-shift hours and 15% for some or all third-shift hours.
• Potential annual performance bonus compensation.

What This Job Offers

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