Molecular Assistant

About the Role

Heritage Lab Services is looking for a dedicated and detail-oriented entry-level Molecular Assistant to join our on-site laboratory team at Three Rivers Diagnostics. This is an excellent opportunity to grow your career in a fast-paced clinical laboratory setting. Training required for the position will be provided.

Role and Responsibilities

• Process patient specimens and perform authorized tests while adhering to Laboratory Standard Operating Procedures and Policies
• Understand basic and relevant scientific principles associated with toxicology testing performed
• Perform preanalytical duties including labeling, accessioning, centrifuging, and pouring off
• Perform all tasks associated with running samples on manual, semi-automated, and automated platforms in molecular and other platforms and test systems
• Prepare and perform pour off or extraction and other tasks associated with sample preparation for screening and confirmation testing
• Prepare and perform tasks associated with preparation of calibrator and quality control for testing
• Perform downtime tasks as assigned when LIS or other systems are malfunctioning, nonfunctional, or temporarily unavailable
• Follow all safety protocols when handling human samples such as urine or oral fluid to ensure compliance with laboratory safety standards
• Follow the laboratory Quality Control (QC) and Quality Assurance policies and procedures
• Identify and respond to QC trends, shifts, and failures to assess test systems are within established acceptable levels of performance
• Maintain accurate records for instrument maintenance, troubleshooting, temperature checks, calibrator or QC failures, lot-to-lot checks, patient sample handling/tracking, and communication logs
• Handle and analyze proficiency testing samples with the same care and standards applied to patient specimens
• Maintain records demonstrating that proficiency testing samples are tested in the same manner as patient specimens
• Perform end of shift/day responsibilities including restocking supplies, cleaning sections, organizing, and emptying waste
• Perform all tasks in conformance to Molecular Workflow guidance and in a manner to mitigate sample or section contamination
• Perform other job-related duties as assigned
• Support ongoing changes in a professional manner and contribute to a positive work environment and team effort

Requirements

• No specific experience required, but undergraduate basic laboratory skills preferred
• Bachelor's degree in chemical, physical, or biological science or medical laboratory or equivalent education and training acceptable under CLIA and accreditation agencies to perform high complexity testing
• No minimum clinical laboratory experience required
• 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