Laboratory Technician - Level 2

POLARIS Laboratories•Indianapolis, IN

12h•$18 - $20

About The Position

The Level 2 Laboratory Technician generates high-quality data at high capacity for POLARIS Laboratory customers by using laboratory instruments and following work instructions. The role requires demonstrated mastery of assigned tests and extends beyond initial testing assignments to include participation in Kaizen events to improve processes and laboratory efficiency. The technician is accountable for mentoring and training new staff as assigned by management, and cross-departmental knowledge and training are expected. The technician uses common software and the laboratory information management system (LIMS), meets daily production goals, troubleshoots and escalates instrument issues, performs instrument maintenance, and works according to the assigned schedule and attendance policy. The role supports the quality system by following work instructions, maintaining test and document audit performance, staying current on training document changes, and meeting quality expectations reflected in customer satisfaction. It also supports laboratory safety through incident prevention, appropriate use of personal protective equipment, and completion of safety certifications. The technician contributes to team goals, communicates business needs to leaders, and recommends process and efficiency improvements. The position also collaborates with Laboratory Operations, Research and Development, Sample Processing, Maintenance and Calibration, Quality, and cross-functional teams on issue resolution, audits, and Kaizen improvement projects. Other duties include supporting the employee handbook, quality management system, and safety programs. The stated schedule is 7:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Requirements

GED or high school diploma, or five total years of service at POLARIS Laboratories in the Laboratory Assistant and Level 1 Laboratory Technician positions.
Current on all mandatory POLARIS training (Core Document Training).
For internal candidates, 12 months with no written warnings.
12 months of service at POLARIS Laboratories in the Laboratory Operations Department.
Participation in a Kaizen event.
Submission of at least six process improvement ideas approved for implementation.
Nine consecutive months of satisfactory scorecards.
Presentation of information to laboratory operations personnel.
Completion of 40 hours of training in other POLARIS Laboratories departments, in minimum two-hour segments.
Completion of 80 hours of work in another shift within the Laboratory Operations Department, in minimum two-hour segments, or 40 hours at another location.
Involvement 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.
Completion of a self-assessment letter.
Mechanical ability and fine motor skills.
Ability to perform multiple tasks within the same timeframe and complete repetitive tasks.
Ability to maintain a well-organized workspace, identify and resolve issues, and complete actions with close attention to detail.
Ability to detect color and odor and apply process steps to complete actions.
Effective communication skills and time management.

Responsibilities

Use common software including ECI, ADI, HRN, JIRA, Verse, and Yammer, and use LIMS to navigate 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 provided resources.
Follow work instructions; achieve and maintain audits for assigned tests and documents; stay current on training document changes; and maintain high quality as measured through customer satisfaction, CARs, and customer complaints.
Take appropriate actions to prevent safety incidents, use personal protective equipment appropriately, and achieve and maintain safety-course certification.
Communicate business needs to leaders, support team members in achieving team goals, and contribute ideas and recommendations for process and efficiency improvements through the Lean initiative.
Mentor and train new staff as assigned by management.
Collaborate with Laboratory Operations, Research and Development, Sample Processing, and Maintenance and Calibration departments to resolve issues.
Collaborate with the Quality department on audits and with cross-functional teams on Kaizen improvement projects.
Adhere to and support the POLARIS Employee Handbook and Standards of Conduct, and learn and support the quality management system and POLARIS Laboratories safety programs.
Perform other duties as assigned.