Laboratory Assistant

Eurofins•Lenexa, KS

About The Position

The Laboratory Assistant performs accessioning, specimen management, problem resolution, data entry, and specimen storage. The position has three levels: Level I handles core laboratory assistant duties; Level II additionally manages projects and escalated issues and demonstrates advanced understanding of laboratory operations; Level III additionally provides leadership, coaching, and mentoring, helps oversee workflow, and supports staff scheduling and training. The role requires adherence to quality, safety, regulatory, and laboratory policies and procedures, and may involve exposure to infectious disease, biohazardous and hazardous materials, and regulated medical waste.

Requirements

High school diploma or equivalent.
At least 2 years of clinical laboratory experience.
Comfort handling raw specimens.
Ability to read, interpret, and comply with internal SOPs, operating and maintenance instructions, and company policies.
Intermediate proficiency with PC-based software programs and database skills.
Authorization to work indefinitely in the United States without restriction or sponsorship.
At Level II, demonstrated leadership abilities and advanced problem-solving skills.
At Level III, ability to manage and direct associates, manage daily workload, support workflow direction, ensure appropriate use of SOPs, help schedule staff, train staff, communicate effectively with supervisors and other departments, and support workflow improvements.
Physical dexterity to repetitively use hands, arms, and shoulders to operate a keyboard and other office equipment, use a telephone, and access file cabinets and items at various heights.
Ability to speak and hear well enough to communicate clearly in person, by telephone, and in group settings.
Ability to stand in the laboratory for extended periods, including 4 or more hours as necessary.
Ability to lift and move items weighing up to 15 pounds.
Physical dexterity to move frequently around laboratory equipment and instrumentation.
Ability to continuously operate a personal computer for extended periods, including 4 or more hours.
Mental acuity to collect and interpret data, evaluate and reason, define problems, establish facts, draw conclusions, and make judgments and decisions.

Nice To Haves

At least 1 year of data entry experience.

Responsibilities

Receive incoming shipments and document them appropriately.
Examine samples for accuracy and requirements, including sample type and volume.
Contact clients to resolve sample or testing issues and discrepancies.
Complete correction requests as needed.
Operate front-end processing automation equipment as assigned.
Enter data into the Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS).
Label samples and deliver them to the appropriate areas.
Retrieve and re-file samples for testing.
Store specimens properly for short-term and long-term storage.
Prepare specimens for shipment and follow applicable shipping requirements.
Assist laboratory personnel with cleaning duties.
Maintain quality control and quality assurance records as required.
Follow quality and safety standards, applicable regulatory requirements, and laboratory policies and protocols.
Communicate and work with other laboratory associates to complete daily activities efficiently.
At Level II, manage issues and projects and resolve escalated issues as appropriate.
At Level III, supervise, coach, and mentor others as required and ensure the department follows policies and procedures.
At Level III, help manage daily workload and workflow, contribute to staff scheduling, and serve as a primary trainer for new or existing Laboratory Assistants.
At Level III, answer questions when the Supervisor is unavailable, coordinate with other departments and laboratory leadership, communicate concerns to the Supervisor, and assist with workflow and organization improvements.
Perform other duties assigned by management.