Lab Associate I

Quest Diagnostics•Roanoke, VA

1d•Onsite

About The Position

The Lab Associate I is a non-licensed position that provides general support to the laboratory while following applicable policies and procedures. The role prepares and organizes samples and specimens for testing, supports pre-analytical and post-analytical activities, prepares reagents and controls, maintains laboratory supplies and records, assists with equipment maintenance and quality control, and performs data-entry and administrative tasks. The position is based in Roanoke, Virginia, and works Monday through Friday from 2:30 PM to 11:00 PM, with rotational weekends. Pay is $17.75 per hour. Employees may be eligible for shift differential of 10% for some or all second-shift hours and 15% for some or all third-shift hours; details are provided if an offer is extended. Successful candidates may be eligible for annual performance bonus compensation. Salary offers consider relevant skills, training, experience, education, certifications where applicable, and market and organizational factors.

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, co-workers, 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 weighing 1–10 pounds frequently, 11–25 pounds occasionally, and 26–50 pounds seldomly; objects over 50 pounds must not be lifted or carried without assistance.
Ability to use personal protective equipment.

Nice To Haves

One to two years of laboratory experience preferred.
Some college courses; two to three years of college courses preferred.
Strong typing skills desirable.
Other automation skills helpful.

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 the 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 appropriate staff approval before 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, including reagents and supplies; order, unpack, log, date, store, and rotate stock appropriately.
Inventory laboratory items, 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.
Prepare protocols, logs, and other appropriate documents.
Identify specimen problems and resolve or escalate them appropriately to licensed personnel in California or the delegated supervisor outside California.
Answer phones, transfer calls, or 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, including use of personal protective equipment.
Perform other duties as assigned.

Benefits

Day 1 medical, supplemental health, dental, and vision coverage for full-time employees working 30 or more hours.
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.