Lab Associate II - Molecular Genetics

Quest Diagnostics

4d•Onsite

About The Position

The Lab Associate II provides general support for the Molecular Genetics laboratory, following applicable policies and procedures. The position prepares, organizes, labels, handles, processes, transports, and stores specimens; assists with laboratory equipment preparation and preventive maintenance; supports pre-analytic and post-analytic activities; maintains reagents, supplies, inventory, records, and quality-control documentation; and assists licensed personnel or a delegated supervisor as applicable. The role also includes data entry, accessioning specimens, workload reporting, support for validation and research and development activities, training other Lab Associates, process-improvement contributions, phone coverage, and maintaining a clean, safe, and confidential laboratory environment. The position is based in San Juan Capistrano, California, and is scheduled Sunday through Thursday from 10:00 p.m. to 6:30 a.m. The stated pay range is $22.48 to $28.94 per hour. The employee may be eligible for shift differential and annual performance bonus compensation, subject to the conditions described in the posting.

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 Office applications, including Word, Excel, and Outlook.
Communication and interpersonal skills to interact courteously and effectively with management, coworkers, and clients.
Ability to lift and carry objects weighing 1–10 pounds frequently and 11–25 pounds occasionally; objects weighing 26–50 pounds are seldom lifted or carried. 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-hand coordination.
Ability to use required personal protective equipment and comply with laboratory health and safety procedures.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor’s degree in Biological Science or Chemistry; coursework in another life science degree will be evaluated.
Two to three years of laboratory experience preferred.
Strong typing skills.
Other automation skills are helpful.

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, 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 received stock.
Inventory laboratory items, restock benches, and maintain equipment inventory.
Sort and accession incoming specimens into the appropriate laboratory information system and deliver them to the designated testing platform or department.
Perform data entry or transcribe previously recorded results for computer 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.
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 resource for process improvement.
Demonstrate accountability and collaboration in daily activities.
Answer phones, transfer 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 working 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 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, with details provided if an offer is extended.