Laboratory Technician - Level 2

POLARIS Laboratories•Indianapolis, IN

19d

About The Position

The Level 2 Laboratory Technician generates high-quality data at large capacity for POLARIS Laboratories customers using laboratory instruments and following work instructions. The role demonstrates mastery of assigned tests and extends beyond initial testing assignments to participate in Kaizen events and improve processes and laboratory efficiency. The technician is also accountable for mentoring and training new staff as assigned by management, and is expected to develop cross-departmental knowledge and training. The position uses common software and the laboratory information management system (LIMS), meets daily production goals, performs instrument maintenance, troubleshoots and escalates instrument issues, and supports laboratory quality and safety programs. It also contributes to team goals and process improvement initiatives, while collaborating with Laboratory Operations, Research and Development, Sample Processing, Maintenance and Calibration, Quality, and cross-functional teams.

Requirements

GED or high school diploma, or five total years of service at POLARIS Laboratories in Laboratory Assistant and Level 1 – Laboratory Technician positions.
Current on all mandatory POLARIS training (Core Document Training).
Internal candidates must have gone 12 months with no written warnings.
12 months of service at POLARIS Laboratories in the Laboratory Operations Department.
Participation in a Kaizen event.
At least six process improvement ideas submitted and approved for implementation.
Nine consecutive months of satisfactory scorecards.
Presented information to laboratory operations personnel.
Completed 40 hours of training in other POLARIS Laboratories departments, in segments of at least two hours.
Completed 80 hours of work, in segments of at least two hours, on another shift within Laboratory Operations, or 40 hours at another location.
Involved in training at least one lab technician on a test, with that technician passing the test audit within the past six months.
Written recommendation from an Assistant Lab Manager or Lab Manager.
Completed a self-assessment letter.
Mechanical ability and fine motor skills.
Ability to perform multiple tasks within the same timeframe and repetitive tasks.
Ability to maintain an organized workspace, identify and resolve issues, and complete actions with high attention to detail.
Ability to detect color and odor and apply process steps to complete actions.
Effective communication and time-management skills.
Ability to perform essential job functions with or without reasonable accommodation.

Responsibilities

Use common software including ECI, ADI, HRN, JIRA, Verse, and Yammer, and navigate LIMS to access menus and screens, print paperwork, and research sample history.
Achieve daily production goals, troubleshoot and appropriately escalate instrument issues, follow the assigned schedule and attendance policy, and perform instrument maintenance using available resources.
Follow work instructions; maintain audits for assigned tests and documents; stay current on training document changes; and support customer satisfaction and quality outcomes.
Take appropriate actions to prevent safety incidents, use personal protective equipment appropriately, and maintain safety-course certifications.
Communicate business needs to leaders and support team members in achieving team goals.
Bring ideas and recommendations for process and efficiency improvements through the Lean initiative.
Collaborate with Laboratory Operations, Research and Development, Sample Processing, and Maintenance and Calibration to resolve issues.
Collaborate with the Quality department on audits and with cross-functional teams on Kaizen improvement projects.
Mentor and train new staff as assigned by management.
Adhere to and support the POLARIS Employee Handbook and Standards of Conduct, the quality management system, and POLARIS Laboratories safety programs.
Perform other duties as assigned.