Lab Associate II - Molecular Genetics
About The Position
The Lab Associate II is a non-licensed position that provides general support for the laboratory and follows applicable policies and procedures. The role supports specimen preparation and handling, laboratory operations, records and inventory, quality control, and licensed personnel. The position is in the Molecular Genetics department in San Juan Capistrano, California, with a Sunday-to-Thursday schedule from 7:00 AM to 3:30 PM. The listed pay range is $22.48–$28.94 per hour; eligible candidates may also receive annual performance bonus compensation. The position requires a high school diploma or equivalent and 2–3 years of laboratory experience. A bachelor’s degree in biological science or chemistry is preferred; other life-science degree coursework will be evaluated. The posting lists specific experience requirements for Lab Associates in Histopathology or Cytology, but does not state that those requirements apply to this Molecular Genetics position. Physical duties may include repetitive tasks, frequent lifting and carrying of 1–10 pounds, occasional lifting and carrying of 11–25 pounds, and seldom lifting and carrying of 26–50 pounds. Items over 50 pounds must not be lifted or carried without assistance. The role may require extended sitting or standing and good eye-hand coordination.
Requirements
- High school diploma or equivalent.
- A minimum of 2–3 years of laboratory experience is required with a high school diploma or equivalent.
- 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 lift and carry objects as described in the physical and mental requirements; 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-hand coordination.
Nice To Haves
- Bachelor’s degree in biological science or chemistry; other life-science degree coursework will be evaluated.
- Two to three years of laboratory experience preferred.
- Strong typing skills.
- Other automation skills.
- For Lab Associates in Histopathology or Cytology only: one year of histopathology, cytology, or other laboratory experience.
- For Lab Associates in Histopathology or Cytology only: one year of experience handling Protected Health Information and other patient information using a Laboratory Information System.
Responsibilities
- Prepare and organize samples for testing, including sample racking, aliquoting, and tube preparation.
- Label, handle, process, prepare, transport, and store specimens.
- Identify sample or specimen problems, resolve them appropriately, or escalate them to licensed personnel or a delegated supervisor as applicable.
- 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 or a delegated supervisor in pre-analytic and post-analytic testing activities in a licensed clinical laboratory, as applicable.
- Prepare pre-analytical reagents and controls using automated or fixed-volume measuring devices, and submit documentation for approval to use.
- Prepare and maintain 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 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 prepare it for licensed personnel review.
- Tally workload data and prepare reports as requested.
- Assist with quality-control procedures.
- Prepare protocols, logs, and other appropriate documents.
- Assist licensed personnel with validation verifications and other Research and Development activities, as applicable.
- Train other Lab Associates and support training programs, where applicable.
- Suggest ways to improve efficiency and productivity, provide consistent feedback, and contribute to process improvement.
- Demonstrate accountability and collaboration in daily activities.
- Answer and transfer phone calls or take accurate messages while maintaining 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 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 a buy-up option.
- Flexible Spending Accounts.
- Annual incentive plans.
- Matching gifts program.
- Education assistance through MyQuest for Education.
- Career advancement opportunities.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Entry Level
Education Level
High school or GED
