Lab Associate I

Quest Diagnostics•San Juan Capistrano, CA

1d•$20 - $31•Onsite

About The Position

This non-licensed position supports general laboratory operations and requires following applicable policies and procedures. The Lab Associate prepares, organizes, labels, processes, transports, and stores specimens; assists with testing equipment, maintenance, reagents, controls, records, inventory, and quality control; and performs accessioning, data entry, workload reporting, and related documentation. The role also supports licensed personnel or a delegated supervisor in pre-analytic and post-analytic activities, responds to phone inquiries while protecting client confidentiality, and helps keep laboratory areas clean, organized, and safe. Personal protective equipment is required.

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 frequently weighing 1–10 pounds, occasionally weighing 11–25 pounds, and seldom weighing 26–50 pounds; 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.
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 or specimen problems and assist in resolving them or escalate 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 activities in a licensed clinical laboratory.
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 inventory of consumables, reagents, and supplies; order, unpack, log, date, store, and rotate stock; and restock benches and equipment.
Sort and accession incoming specimens into the appropriate LIS 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.
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 personal protective equipment.
Perform other duties as assigned.

Benefits

Day 1 medical, supplemental health, dental, and vision benefits for full-time employees working 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 buy-up option.
Flexible Spending Accounts.
Annual incentive plans.
Matching gifts program.
Education assistance through MyQuest for Education.
Career advancement opportunities.