Lab Associate II - Molecular Genetics

Quest Diagnostics

3d•Onsite

About The Position

The Lab Associate II is a non-licensed position that provides general laboratory support in the Molecular Genetics department in San Juan Capistrano, California. The role follows applicable policies and procedures and supports sample preparation and handling, inventory, equipment readiness, documentation, data entry, quality control, and laboratory organization. The work schedule is Sunday to Thursday, 7:00 AM to 3:30 PM.

Requirements

High school diploma or equivalent with a minimum of 2–3 years of laboratory experience.
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 frequently weighing 1–10 pounds, occasionally weighing 11–25 pounds, and seldom weighing 26–50 pounds; objects over 50 pounds must not be lifted or carried without assistance.
Use personal protective equipment and comply with laboratory health and safety requirements.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor’s degree in Biological Science or Chemistry; coursework in other life sciences will be evaluated.
Two to three years of laboratory experience preferred.
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 and specimen problems and help resolve them or escalate them appropriately.
Demonstrate problem-solving ability on service and production issues.
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, accurate reagent or media records using established procedures, formulas, stock solutions, and fixed-volume measuring devices.
Maintain laboratory consumables inventory, including ordering, unpacking, logging, dating, storing, and rotating reagents and supplies.
Inventory laboratory items and restock benches and equipment.
Sort and accession incoming specimens into the appropriate LIS and deliver them to the designated testing platform or department.
Enter data or transcribe previously recorded results into a computer for data reduction and licensed personnel review.
Tally workload data and prepare reports as requested.
Assist with quality control procedures and prepare protocols, logs, and other appropriate documents.
Assist licensed personnel with validation verifications and applicable Research and Development activities.
Train other Lab Associates and support training programs where applicable.
Suggest ways to improve efficiency and productivity, provide feedback, and contribute to process improvement.
Demonstrate accountability and collaboration in daily activities.
Answer phones, transfer calls, or take accurate messages.
Maintain confidentiality of client information.
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.
Potential annual performance bonus compensation.