Lab Assistant II - Microbiology

Position Overview

Performs various routine laboratory functions in a precise and accurate fashion to assist the laboratory professional staff and to facilitate production.

Responsibilities

• Perform specimen receiving, labeling, handling and preparation.
• Assist with pre-analytical preparation of specimens (e.g., printing labels, uncap/cap specimen tubes, aliquot specimens, prepare racks, worklists, enter/scan specimens and load automated instruments).
• Record digital temperature; notify licensed personnel if temperature is out of range.
• Perform routine instrument maintenance on some equipment.
• Assist in preparation of chemicals, reagents and solutions.
• Clean, organize and maintain work area, glassware and laboratory equipment (e.g., refrigerators, freezers and supply cabinets, as needed).
• Assist with monitoring the department pending and overdue lists, which includes searching, locating, following up and filing appropriate documentation.
• Perform other departmental tasks such as filing, archiving and retrieving slides/blocks, reports, requisitions/other paperwork and answering the telephone.
• Dispose of biohazardous material.
• Enter data in laboratory information systems (LIS).
• Perform QA/QC duties as assigned.
• Complete training and competency checklists as appropriate.
• Comply with all health and safety policies, procedures and practices. Required to use personal protective equipment.
• Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Required Work Experience: One (1) year full-time experience in a technical or clinical laboratory department.

Physical and Mental Requirements

• The normal performance of duties may require lifting and carrying objects: Objects 1 to 10 pounds are lifted and carried frequently; objects 11 to 25 pounds are lifted and carried occasionally; objects 36 to 50 pounds are seldom lifted or carried and objects over 50 pounds are not to be lifted or carried without assistance.
• Ability to stand and work at the bench for long periods of time.
• Frequent walking and/or standing.
• May be required to use a wide variety of manual and automated pipettes and laboratory instruments and apparatuses all of which demand significant manual dexterity.

Knowledge

Basic knowledge of organizational/departmental policies and procedures.

Skills

• Must demonstrate the ability to follow a series of steps without confusion or errors on an on-going basis and retain the information once learned.
• Must be detail-oriented, have the ability to work independently, establish work priorities and to handle several tasks simultaneously for maximum department efficiency.
• Communication and interpersonal skills necessary to deal courteously and effectively with supervisors, co-workers and clients.
• Ability to deal with client information in a confidential manner.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel and Outlook) and Laboratory Information Systems.

Education

High School Diploma or Equivalent (Required).