Public Health Laboratory Assistant (Public Health Laboratory Technician)

Fairfax County • Fairfax (Fj15), VA

12h • Onsite

About The Position

Under general supervision, this position performs a variety of paraprofessional laboratory work in support of laboratory programs. This includes performing procedures for accessioning, receipt, assessment of sample appropriateness, and labeling of client samples. The role involves operating, monitoring, and maintaining basic laboratory equipment such as autoclaves, glassware washers, centrifuges, and balances. Responsibilities also include providing clean and sterilized glassware, weighing and preparing accurate chemical buffers, media, and solutions, and preparing diagnostic test kits. The position assists in maintaining laboratory inventory, organizing lab supplies and equipment for a safe environment, and sterilizing medical waste in accordance with regulations. Additionally, the role performs related clerical duties and serves as a back-up courier when needed.

Requirements

• High school graduation education plus three years of related experience within a clinical or environmental laboratory setting.
• Valid driver's license.
• Knowledge of basic principles of biology, chemistry, mathematics and techniques in a clinical or environmental laboratory.
• Knowledge of quality control, documentation, quality assurance, and professional and regulatory standards of laboratory practice in a certified laboratory.
• Knowledge of laboratory hazards and procedures.
• Skill in the maintenance and use of laboratory equipment.
• Ability to apply problem-solving skills to resolve issues.
• Ability to read, interpret, and follow direction of safety procedures.
• Ability to pay close attention to detail.
• Ability to work independently and part of a team.
• Ability to think critically and to utilize problem-solving techniques.
• Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing.
• Ability to follow verbal and written instructions.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships.
• Ability to operate, maintain and properly read various laboratory instruments.
• Ability to interpret and follow standard technical instructions.

Nice To Haves

• Self-motivated, results-oriented individual with recent experience working in a medical/healthcare environment.
• Possessing knowledge of medical/laboratory terminology, and processing of samples submitted for clinical laboratory testing.
• Possess ability to communicate clearly and concisely orally and in writing.
• Ability to multi-task and prioritize work.
• Must be detail oriented, accurate in data entry, organized, possess excellent customer service skills/experience, and able to work in a fast-paced team environment.
• Possess strong decision-making and organizational skills.
• Ability to troubleshoot issues and problems with limited supervision.
• Associate degree in a related science field.
• Two or more years of recent experience performing data entry in laboratory information systems (LIS).
• Experience performing phlebotomy.
• Bilingual in English and another language.

Responsibilities

• Performs procedures for accessioning, receipt, assessment of sample appropriateness, and labeling of client samples.
• Operates, monitors, and maintains basic laboratory equipment, such as autoclaves, glassware washers, centrifuges, and balances.
• Provides clean and sterilized glassware for use in the public health laboratory.
• Weighs and prepares accurate chemical buffers, media, and solutions.
• Prepares standard microbiological media and other laboratory reagents; maintains equipment, including incubator, small refrigerator, autoclaves, and water baths.
• Prepares diagnostic test kits and reviews, packages, and labels customers supply orders for delivery to clients.
• Assists in maintaining laboratory inventory, to include receiving and conducting physical inventory of materials and supplies.
• Assists in organizing lab supplies and equipment to ensure safe and hazard-free environment.
• Sterilizes medical waste and documents correct disposal in accordance with Virginia Department of Environmental Quality.
• Performs related clerical duties (i.e. answering telephones, photocopying, filing, backup courier duties, and data entry) and serves as back-up courier when needed.

Benefits

• Opportunity to make a difference by serving those most in need
• Work collaboratively with community partners to address public health priorities.
• A learning culture
• Work life balance
• Supportive team environment
• Amazing benefits

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: High school or GED