Lab Associate I

Quest Diagnostics•West Hills, CA

3d•Onsite

About The Position

The Lab Associate I is a non-licensed position that provides general support for the laboratory while following applicable policies and procedures. The role assists with laboratory workflows, including preparing, organizing, processing, storing, and transporting specimens; maintaining supplies and records; preparing equipment, reagents, and controls; supporting quality control; and assisting licensed personnel or a delegated supervisor with pre-analytic and post-analytic activities. The position is based in West Hills, California, and is scheduled Wednesday through Sunday from 4:00 AM to 12:30 PM.

Requirements

High school diploma or equivalent.
For Lab Associates in Histopathology or Cytology departments, basic knowledge of operating non-complex equipment is required.
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, 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 seldom; objects over 50 pounds must not be lifted or carried without assistance.

Nice To Haves

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

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 help resolve them or elevate them to licensed personnel or a delegated supervisor as appropriate.
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 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 consumable inventory, including ordering, unpacking, logging, dating, storing, and rotating reagents and supplies.
Conduct inventory of laboratory items, including restocking benches and equipment inventory.
Sort and accession incoming specimens into the appropriate LIS and deliver them to the designated testing area.
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.
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, and use required 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.
Successful candidates may be eligible for annual performance bonus compensation.