Lab Associate I

Quest Diagnostics•Los Angeles, CA

1d•$22 - $24•Onsite

About The Position

This non-licensed position provides general support for the laboratory while following applicable policies and procedures. The role is based in West Hills, California, and is scheduled Monday through Friday from 11:00 PM to 7:30 AM, with rotational weekends. The pay range is $21.80–$23.85 per hour. Employees may be eligible for a shift differential of 10% for some or all second-shift hours and 15% for some or all third-shift hours. Candidates may also be eligible for annual performance bonus compensation. The Lab Associate I prepares, processes, organizes, and transports specimens and supports laboratory testing activities. The position also assists with equipment preparation and maintenance, reagent and supply management, records and data entry, quality control, and maintaining a clean and safe work area. It assists licensed personnel or a delegated supervisor with pre-analytic and post-analytic activities as applicable.

Requirements

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.
High school diploma or equivalent.
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.
Ability to perform repetitive tasks with the dominant hand.
Ability to sit and/or stand for long periods.
Good eye and hand coordination.

Nice To Haves

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

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; identify specimen problems and resolve or elevate them to licensed personnel or a delegated supervisor as applicable.
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, excluding trainees, in a licensed clinical laboratory.
Prepare pre-analytical reagents and controls using automated or fixed-volume measuring devices, and submit documentation to appropriate staff 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 reagents and supplies; order, unpack, log, date, and store items upon receipt; rotate stock; and restock benches and equipment inventory.
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 review by licensed personnel.
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 the confidentiality of client information.
Help keep laboratory areas neat, clean, and organized.
Comply with health and safety policies, procedures, and practices, including required use of personal protective equipment.
Perform other duties as assigned.

Benefits

Day 1 medical, supplemental health, dental, and vision benefits for full-time employees who work 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.