Laboratory Assistant

Job Description

The Laboratory Assistant is primarily responsible for performing duties related to accessioning, specimen management, problem resolution, data entry, and specimen storage with a high degree of proficiency.

• Level I - Minimum:
• Receive incoming shipments and document appropriately
• Examine samples for accuracy and other requirements (sample type, volume, etc.)
• Contact client to resolve sample and/or testing related issues or discrepancies
• Complete correction requests as needed
• Operation of the front end processing automation equipment as assigned by management
• Perform data entry into the Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS)
• Label samples and deliver them to proper area(s)
• Retrieve and re-file samples for testing
• Properly store specimens for short term and long term storage
• Prepare specimens to be shipped and adhere to all applicable shipping requirements
• Aid laboratory personnel in cleaning duties
• Maintain quality control and quality assurance records as required
• Adhere to all quality and safety standards, as well as ensuring compliance with all applicable regulatory agencies
• Adhere to policies and protocols in the lab
• Work closely and communicate with other lab associates to complete daily activities efficiently
• Other duties as assigned by management
• Level II – Fully meets the qualifications of Level I plus the following:
• Manage issues and projects; resolve escalated issues as appropriate
• Demonstrate superior understanding of Laboratory operations
• Level III – Fully meets the qualifications of Level I and II plus the following:
• Demonstrate leadership skills through the supervision, coaching and mentoring of others as required
• Ensure department adheres to policies and procedures
• Lead – Fully meets the qualifications of Level I and II plus the following:
• Demonstrate leadership skills through the supervision, coaching and mentoring of others as required
• Ensure department adheres to policies and procedures, and applicable SOPs are being utilized appropriately
• Ensure Training and competency tasks are completed and documented in timely fashion
• Work closely and communicate with other lab associates to complete daily activities
• Communicate goals and project deadlines to team member
• Create a productive and positive team environment
• Suggest potential improvements to existing systems and processes to immediate supervisor
• Trains new and existing associates
• Aid supervisors with areas of improvement in workflow or organization (scheduling)

• Essential
  
  Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:
  
  
• Level I - Minimum:
• High School diploma or equivalent required
• Minimum 2 years of clinical laboratory experience preferred
• Must be comfortable with raw specimen handling
• Ability to read, interpret, and comply with documents such as internal SOPs, operating and maintenance instructions, and company policies
• Position may require evening and weekend hours
• Intermediate level of proficiency with PC based software programs, with database skills and 1 year data entry experience preferred
• Level II – Fully meets the qualifications of Level I plus the following:
• Demonstrated leadership abilities
• Advanced problem solving skills
• Level III – Fully meets the qualifications of Level I and II plus the following:
• Ability to manage direct other Associates as required
• Ability to manage daily workload as required
• Ability to assist Management in providing overall direction of workflow for Lab Assistants and Support Services as needed
• Ability to ensure applicable SOPs are being utilized and followed appropriately
• Help with weekly scheduling of staff
• Serve as the primary trainer for new Lab Assistants or re‑training of existing Lab Assistants
• Ability to accurately answer questions when Supervisor is unavailable
• Ability to interact with other departments as necessary and develop relationships with other Lab Leadership and Management as it relates to work processes and workflow
• Ability to communicate concerns/needs as necessary to Supervisor
• Aid Supervisor with areas of improvement in workflow or organization, etc.
• Lead – Fully meets the qualifications of Level I and II plus the following:
• Demonstrated leadership abilities and agility to direct associates…