Lab Associate II

Quest Diagnostics•San Juan Capistrano, CA

3d•$22 - $29

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, handles and processes specimens, supports testing and quality-control activities, and maintains laboratory supplies, equipment, records, and work areas. The role also assists licensed personnel or delegated supervisors with pre-analytic and post-analytic activities and, where applicable, research and development work. The position is based 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. 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. Annual performance bonus compensation may also be available. The role requires laboratory experience and a high school diploma or equivalent; a bachelor's degree in biological science or chemistry is preferred. It involves specimen handling, repetitive tasks, periods of sitting or standing, and occasional lifting and carrying. Employees are required to follow health and safety policies and use personal protective equipment.

Requirements

High school diploma or equivalent, with a minimum of 2–3 years of laboratory experience required.
For Lab Associates in Histopathology or Cytology: 1 year of histopathology, cytology, or other laboratory experience is required.
For Lab Associates in Histopathology or Cytology: 1 year of experience handling protected health information 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 with 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: 1–10 pounds frequently, 11–25 pounds occasionally, and 26–50 pounds seldom; 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.
Must use personal protective equipment and comply with health and safety procedures.

Nice To Haves

2–3 years of laboratory experience preferred.
Bachelor's degree in biological science or chemistry preferred; coursework in another life science degree will be evaluated.
Strong typing skills desirable.
Other automation skills 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 on service and production issues.
Prepare testing equipment, assist with preventive maintenance, and notify appropriate technical staff about 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 consumable inventory, including 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 (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.
Prepare protocols, logs, and other appropriate documents.
Identify specimen problems and resolve or elevate them to licensed personnel in California or a delegated supervisor outside California, as appropriate.
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 improvements to efficiency and productivity, provide consistent feedback, and serve as a process-improvement resource.
Demonstrate leadership through accountability and collaboration in daily activities.
Answer and transfer phone calls or take accurate messages, while maintaining the confidentiality of client information.
Keep laboratory areas neat, clean, and organized.
Comply with health and safety policies, procedures, and practices, including use of 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 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.
Potential annual performance bonus compensation.
Potential shift differential of 10% for some or all second-shift hours and 15% for some or all third-shift hours.