Molecular Assistant

Heritage Lab Services LLC•Pittsburgh, PA

13h•$20 - $24•Onsite

About The Position

Heritage Lab Services is hiring an entry-level Molecular Assistant to work on-site with the laboratory team at Three Rivers Diagnostics. The role processes patient specimens and performs authorized testing while following laboratory standard operating procedures, policies, and safety standards. Training in Molecular Diagnostics will be provided. The position supports accurate, high-quality results that contribute to patient care in a fast-paced clinical laboratory setting.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in chemical, physical, or biological science, or medical laboratory, or equivalent education and training acceptable under CLIA and accreditation agencies for high-complexity testing.
Strong organizational and critical-thinking skills.
Ability to work accurately and efficiently in a fast-paced environment.
Strong communication skills and ability to work as part of a team.

Nice To Haves

Undergraduate basic laboratory skills are preferred.

Responsibilities

Process patient specimens and perform authorized tests in accordance with laboratory standard operating procedures and policies.
Understand the basic and relevant scientific principles associated with toxicology testing performed.
Perform preanalytical duties, including labeling, accessioning, centrifuging, and pouring off specimens.
Run samples on manual, semi-automated, and automated platforms, including molecular and other test systems.
Prepare samples through pour-off, extraction, or other procedures for screening and confirmation testing.
Prepare calibrators and quality-control materials for testing.
Perform assigned downtime tasks when the LIS or other systems are malfunctioning, unavailable, or nonfunctional.
Follow safety protocols when handling human samples, including urine and oral fluid.
Follow laboratory quality control and quality assurance policies and procedures.
Identify and respond to QC trends, shifts, and failures according to policy, assessing whether test systems are performing within established acceptable levels.
Maintain accurate records for instrument maintenance, troubleshooting, temperature checks, calibrator or QC failures, lot-to-lot checks, patient sample handling and tracking, and communication logs.
Handle and analyze proficiency testing samples using the same care and standards as patient specimens.
Maintain records demonstrating that proficiency testing samples are tested in the same manner as patient specimens.
Complete end-of-shift or end-of-day duties, including restocking supplies, cleaning sections, organizing, and emptying waste.
Perform tasks according to Molecular Workflow guidance and in a manner that mitigates sample or section contamination.
Perform other job-related duties as assigned.
Support ongoing changes professionally and contribute to a positive work environment and the laboratory team.