Lab Associate I

Quest Diagnostics•Chantilly, VA

61d•Onsite

About The Position

This non-licensed position is accountable for assisting with general support for the laboratory, following all applicable policies and procedures. The Lab Associate I role is part of the Special Chemistry - LCMSMS - Clinical Laboratory team and operates on the NIGHT SHIFT: Wednesday to Sunday, 10:00 PM to 6:30 AM. The pay range is $18.39+ per hour, with potential shift differentials for second and third shifts. Salary offers are determined by various factors including skills, training, experience, education, certifications, and market conditions. Successful candidates may also be eligible for annual performance bonuses.

Requirements

Minimum 2 years of laboratory experience required.
High School Graduate or equivalent required.
Lifting and carrying objects in the weight range of 1 to 10 pounds frequently.
Lifting and carrying objects in the weight range of 11 to 25 pounds occasionally.
Lifting and carrying objects in the weight range of 26 to 50 pounds seldom.
Ability to perform repetitive tasks with the dominant hand.
Ability to sit and/or stand for long periods.
Good eye and hand coordination.
Knowledge of medical terminology helpful.
Ability to work independently, employing research skills and flexibility.
Ability to deal with client information in a confidential manner.
Broad knowledge of laboratory operations and procedures.
Ability to establish work priorities and to handle several tasks for maximum department efficiency.
Good customer service skills important.
A working knowledge of reagent stability and storage.
An awareness of the factors that influence test results.
Proficiency in Microsoft Office Application (Word, Excel, Outlook).
Communication and interpersonal skills necessary to deal courteously and effectively with management, co-workers, and clients.

Nice To Haves

2-3 years of college courses preferred.
Strong typing skills desirable.
Other automation skills helpful.

Responsibilities

Investigates and resolves missing samples in the department.
Responds to “code purple” and documents findings.
Acts as a trainer for the department Lab Assistants and completes training/competency checklists.
Resolves pending lists in coordination with Lab Assistants and Medical Lab Scientists.
Serves as a liaison for the department and technical support.
Creates manual testing worksheets in the department.
Maintains files for department records.
Reports problems/potential problems to the supervisor.
Assists with special projects and other duties as assigned by the supervisor.
Assists with the department Improvement Program.
Coordinates obtaining samples for Instrument Comparisons, reagent lot testing, and method comparisons.
Performs routine instrument maintenance on some equipment under direct and constant supervision (activity must be signed-off by license-qualified personnel).
Assists in the preparation of chemicals, reagents, and solutions that do not require quantitative measurement.
Prepares and organizes samples for testing, including sample racking, aliquoting, and tube preparation.
Responsible for labeling, handling, processing, preparation, transportation, and storage of specimens.
Identifies sample problems and assists in resolving them appropriately.
Assists license-qualified personnel or delegated supervisor (non-CA) in pre-analytic and post-analytic testing activities (other than trainees) in a licensed clinical laboratory.
Prepares and maintains complete and accurate records of reagents or media using established procedures, formulas, stock solutions, and fixed volume measuring devices.
Maintains inventory of consumable items including reagents and supplies.
Orders, unpacks, logs, dates, and stores reagents/supplies upon receipt and properly rotates stock for use.
Performs inventory of laboratory items, including restocking benches and equipment inventory.
Sorts and accesses incoming specimens into the appropriate LIS, then delivers them to designated testing areas.
Tallies workload data and prepares reports as requested.
Assists in the performance of quality control procedures.
Prepares protocols/logs or other appropriate documents.
Identifies specimen problems and demonstrates the ability to appropriately resolve or elevate them to license-qualified personnel or delegated supervisor (non-CA).
Answers phones, transfers calls, or takes accurate messages.
Maintains the confidentiality of client information.
Helps to ensure the laboratory areas are neat, clean, and organized.
Complies with all health and safety policies, procedures, and practices.
Required to use personal protective equipment.
Other duties as assigned.

Benefits

Day 1 Medical
Supplemental health
Dental & vision for FT employees who work 30+ hours
Best-in-class well-being programs
Annual, no-cost health assessment program
Blueprint for Wellness® healthyMINDS mental health program
Vacation and Health/Flex Time
6 Holidays plus 1 "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, plus buy-up option
Flexible Spending Accounts
Annual incentive plans
Matching gifts program
Education assistance through MyQuest for Education
Career advancement opportunities