Lab Associate II

Quest Diagnostics

3d•Onsite

About The Position

This non-licensed position provides general laboratory support while following applicable policies and procedures. The Lab Associate II prepares and organizes samples and specimens for testing, supports equipment preparation and maintenance, maintains laboratory supplies and records, and assists licensed personnel or delegated supervisors with pre- and post-analytic activities. The role also supports quality control, training, process improvement, and the day-to-day organization and safety of the laboratory. The position is located in San Juan Capistrano, California, and is scheduled Thursday through Monday from 8:00 PM to 4:30 AM. The pay range is $22.48–$28.94 per hour. The employee 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.

Requirements

High school diploma or equivalent.
A high school diploma with a minimum of 2–3 years of laboratory experience is required.
For Lab Associates in the Histopathology or Cytology department: 1 year of histopathology, cytology, or other laboratory experience is required.
For Lab Associates in the Histopathology or Cytology department: 1 year of experience handling Protected Health Information (PHI) and other patient information using a Laboratory Information System (LIS) is required.
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, co-workers, and clients.
Ability to perform repetitive tasks with the dominant hand, sit and/or stand for long periods, and demonstrate good eye-hand coordination.
The role involves frequently lifting and carrying objects weighing 1–10 pounds, occasionally lifting and carrying 11–25 pounds, and seldom lifting and carrying 26–50 pounds. Objects exceeding 50 pounds are not to be lifted or carried without assistance.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor’s degree in Biological Science or Chemistry; coursework in another life science degree will be evaluated.
2–3 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 or specimen problems and assist in resolving them or elevate 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 in California, or a delegated supervisor outside California, with pre-analytic and post-analytic testing activities in a licensed clinical laboratory, excluding trainees.
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, including reagents and supplies; order, unpack, log, date, store, and rotate stock appropriately.
Inventory laboratory items, including restocking benches and equipment inventory.
Sort and accession incoming specimens into the appropriate Laboratory Information System (LIS), then deliver them to the designated testing platform or department.
Enter data or transcribe 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 and 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 improvements to efficiency and productivity, provide consistent feedback, and serve as a resource for process improvement.
Demonstrate leadership through accountability and collaboration in daily activities.
Answer and transfer phone calls or take accurate messages.
Maintain 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 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, with a buy-up option.
Flexible Spending Accounts.
Annual incentive plans.
Matching gifts program.
Education assistance through MyQuest for Education.
Career advancement opportunities.