Lab Assistant

Summary

The Lab Assistant (Core Lab) supports Reference Lab operations by receiving, accessioning, labeling, and preparing biological specimens for testing while ensuring adherence to standard operating procedures, quality requirements, and safety protocols. This role is responsible for timely unpacking, verification, and routing of specimens to appropriate laboratory departments, accurate data entry into the Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS), and appropriate handling, storage, and/or shipment of specimens.

Job Duties

• Verify patient/specimen identifiers, labeling, and test orders
• Log/accession specimens in the LIS; route specimens appropriately
• Assess specimen acceptability and document issues per policy
• Aliquot, concentrate, and preserve specimens per SOP
• Prepare slides (wet mounts, stained smears as trained/authorized)
• Set up kits/reagents and prepare materials for technologists
• Assist with non-waived testing steps only as permitted by training/licensure
• Perform waived/CLIA-waived tasks if authorized and competency-documented
• Complete temperature logs (refrigerators/freezers/incubators as assigned)
• Maintain lot-to-lot, expiration checks, reagent labeling, and QC records
• Follow Good Documentation Practices and correct recordkeeping
• Clean/disinfected benches and shared equipment per schedule
• Perform basic maintenance checks (centrifuges, microscopes, hoods)
• Stock and rotate supplies (FIFO), track par levels, and submit reorders
• Follow PPE and biosafety practices; manage biohazard/sharps disposal
• Support CAP/CLIA/OSHA readiness: organization, labeling, and audit support
• Coordinate with couriers/phlebotomy/clinics for specimen issues
• Support training of new staff on workflow and safety basics

Education/Experience

• Minimum Education Requirement: High School Diploma or equivalent
• 1+ years in a clinical laboratory setting preferred
• 1–2 years of data entry experience preferred
• Medical background or experience with laboratory testing terminology preferred

Technical Skills Required

• Strong attention to detail; high accuracy in labeling and data entry
• Excellent data entry and typing skills
• Strong computer skills; ability to work within a Windows environment
• Proficiency in Microsoft platforms (Teams, Outlook, Word, etc.)
• Team-oriented with strong collaboration skills
• Organizational and time management skills
• Effective verbal and written communication
• Ability to work productively and independently in a fast-paced environment
• Ability to complete tasks with minimal supervision
• Fluency in English

Physical Position Requirements

• Ability to lift up to 50 pounds
• Ability to bend, kneel, stoop, and crouch
• Ability to walk, sit, or stand for extended periods
• Ability to use tools such as boxcutters
• Ability to wear PPE for extended periods of time
• Flexible hours and overtime may be required