Lab Associate II - Microbiology

Quest Diagnostics

7d•Onsite

About The Position

The Lab Associate II provides general support for the laboratory and follows applicable policies and procedures. The role prepares, organizes, processes, labels, transports, and stores specimens; maintains laboratory supplies, reagents, media, equipment, and records; and assists with testing support, quality control, data entry, and reporting. The associate identifies sample or equipment problems and resolves or escalates them appropriately, supports licensed personnel or delegated supervisors with laboratory activities, and may assist with validation and Research and Development work. The position also supports training, process improvement, laboratory organization, confidentiality, and compliance with health and safety requirements, including use of personal protective equipment. Location: San Juan Capistrano, California. Work schedule: Thursday to Monday, 8:00 p.m. to 4:30 a.m. 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. Successful candidates may be eligible for annual performance bonus compensation. Salary offers depend on factors including relevant skills, training, experience, education, certifications, and market and organizational factors.

Requirements

High school diploma or equivalent.
High school diploma plus a minimum of 2–3 years of laboratory experience 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 lift and carry objects weighing 1–10 pounds frequently, 11–25 pounds occasionally, and 26–50 pounds seldom; objects over 50 pounds are not to be lifted or carried without assistance.
Ability to perform repetitive tasks with the dominant hand, sit and/or stand for long periods, and coordinate eye and hand movements.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor’s degree in Biological Science or Chemistry; coursework toward other life science degrees 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 problems and assist in resolving 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 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.
Inventory laboratory items, including restocking 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 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, or other appropriate documents.
Identify specimen problems and resolve or escalate them appropriately to licensed personnel in California or a delegated supervisor outside California.
Assist a licensed person 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 serve as a resource for 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 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.
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.