Lab Associate II - Microbiology

Quest Diagnostics•San Juan Capistrano, CA

7d•$22 - $34•Onsite

About The Position

This non-licensed position provides general support for the laboratory while following applicable policies and procedures. The Lab Associate II prepares, organizes, labels, processes, transports, and stores specimens; supports laboratory testing activities and equipment maintenance; maintains reagents, supplies, inventory, records, and documentation; and assists licensed personnel or a delegated supervisor with designated pre-analytic, post-analytic, quality-control, validation, and research activities. The role also includes specimen accessioning and data entry, training other Lab Associates, supporting process improvements, handling phone communications, maintaining confidentiality, and keeping laboratory areas clean and safe. The position is in the Microbiology department in San Juan Capistrano, California. The schedule is Thursday through Monday, 8:00 PM to 4:30 AM. The pay range is $22.48–$28.94 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. Successful candidates may be eligible for annual performance bonus compensation.

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 Word, Excel, and Outlook.
Communication and interpersonal skills to deal courteously and effectively with management, coworkers, and clients.
Ability to lift and carry objects: 1–10 pounds frequently, 11–25 pounds occasionally, and 26–50 pounds seldom; objects exceeding 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

Two to three years of laboratory experience is preferred.
A bachelor’s degree in biological science or chemistry is preferred; coursework in another life-science degree will be evaluated.
Strong typing skills are desirable.
Other automation skills are helpful.

Responsibilities

Prepare and organize samples for testing, including sample racking, aliquoting, and tube preparation.
Label, handle, process, prepare, transport, and store specimens.
Identify sample problems and assist in resolving them; demonstrate problem-solving ability for 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 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 inventory of consumable items, reagents, and supplies; order, unpack, log, date, store, and rotate stock; and restock benches and equipment inventory.
Sort and accession incoming specimens into the appropriate laboratory information system and deliver them to the designated testing platform or department.
Enter or transcribe data from 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.
Identify specimen problems and resolve or escalate them to licensed personnel in California or a delegated supervisor outside California, as appropriate.
Assist a licensed person, such as a clinical laboratory scientist, with validation verifications and applicable research and development activities.
Train other Lab Associates and support training programs where applicable.
Suggest improvements to efficiency and productivity, provide consistent feedback, and serve as a resource for process improvement.
Demonstrate accountability and collaboration in daily work.
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, and use required personal protective equipment.
Perform other duties as assigned.

Benefits

Day-one medical, supplemental health, dental, and vision coverage 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.