Lab Assistant

Lab AssistantSHIFT TIMES: Tuesday - Saturday 3:00 am – 11:30 amThe 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. The position maintains clean, organized work areas and completes required logs and documentation to support compliance and traceability. The role also supports inventory activities, secondary equipment operation, and other lab operations tasks as assigned, executing responsibilities with minimal to no oversight.Job DutiesSpecimen receiving & accessioningVerify patient/specimen identifiers, labeling, and test ordersLog/accession specimens in the LIS; route specimens appropriatelyAssess specimen acceptability and document issues per policySpecimen processing & preparationAliquot, concentrate, and preserve specimens per SOP (as applicable)Prepare slides (wet mounts, stained smears as trained/authorized)Set up kits/reagents and prepare materials for technologistsTesting support (within scope)Assist with non-waived testing steps only as permitted by training/licensurePerform waived/CLIA-waived tasks if authorized and competency-documentedCommunicate urgent workflow needs to the technologist/supervisorQuality & documentationComplete temperature logs (refrigerators/freezers/incubators as assigned)Maintain lot-to-lot, expiration checks, reagent labeling, and QC records as assignedFollow Good Documentation Practices and correct recordkeepingEquipment & area maintenanceClean/disinfected benches and shared equipment per schedulePerform basic maintenance checks (centrifuges, microscopes, hoods—per SOP)Report malfunctions; coordinate service requests as directedInventory & suppliesStock and rotate supplies (FIFO), track par levels, and submit reordersMaintain collection kits/transport media and ensure proper storage conditionsSafety, compliance, and wasteFollow PPE and biosafety practices; manage biohazard/sharps disposalSupport CAP/CLIA/OSHA readiness: organization, labeling, and audit supportParticipate in incident reporting (spills, exposures, nonconformances)Communication & customer supportCoordinate with couriers/phlebotomy/clinics for specimen issuesAnswer basic status questions and route clinical questions appropriatelySupport training of new staff on workflow and safety basicsCommon Qualifications (often expected)High school diploma/GED (associate degree preferred)Lab experience or medical lab assistant/phlebotomy background preferredComfortable with PPE, biohazard handling, and detailed documentationEducation/Experience:Minimum Education Requirement: High School Diploma or equivalent1+ years in a clinical laboratory setting preferred1–2 years of data entry experience preferredMedical background or experience with laboratory testing terminology (or strong aptitude to learn terminology) preferredTechnical Skills Required:Strong attention to detail; high accuracy in labeling and data entryExcellent data entry and typing skillsStrong computer skills; ability to work within a Windows environmentProficiency in Microsoft platforms (Teams, Outlook, Word, etc.)Team-oriented with strong collaboration skillsOrganizational and time management skills; ability to handle multiple tasks/systemsEffective verbal and written communication, including listening skillsAbility to work productively and independently in a fast-paced environment with target productivity ratesAbility to complete tasks with minimal supervisionFluency in EnglishPhysical Position Requirements:Ability to lift up to 50 poundsAbility to bend, kneel, stoop, and crouchAbility to walk, sit, or stand for extended periodsAbility to use tools such as boxcuttersAbility to wear PPE for extended periods of timeFlexible hours and overtime may be required