Laboratory Technician

Laboratory Technician

The Laboratory Technician will assist with specimen processing and test performance while complying with all regulatory agency guidelines. This role requires knowledge of laboratory procedures, strong attention to detail, and the ability to work effectively both independently and as part of a team. The successful candidate must also adhere to all laboratory health and safety regulations.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Comply with all policies and regulations put in place by Pangea Laboratory, State, Federal, CAP, CLIA, and HIPAA.
• Complete routine handling, accessioning, and storage of laboratory specimens in accordance with standard operating procedure.
• Document laboratory information using appropriate information management systems and verify information and discrepancies.
• Identify and troubleshoot problems in a timely manner and adhere to laboratory procedures when resolving problems.
• Direct handling of potential hazardous specimens and reagents under safe environment while wearing appropriate PPE.
• Be familiar with laboratory protocols and procedures for specimen processing, operating equipment and instruments, maintenance of designated laboratory environment and instruments, and data entry.
• Label and store working reagents and solutions in accordance with standard operating procedure and safety guidelines.
• Adequately communicate information with team members and management relating to laboratory procedures, equipment, information, issues, etc.
• Handle light logistical duties, including coordinating the shipping of materials and samples to ensure timely delivery.
• Ensure testing turnaround time by closely monitoring specimens received and pending processing.
• Document records in real time using good documentation practices that include but is not limited to department forms, files, and worksheets.
• Meet or exceed all performance expectations and demonstrate professional working behavior when performing tasks and interacting with team members.
• Adapt to changes in processes, accepting approved changes and learning new tasks.
• Follow Pangea Laboratory health and safety policies and procedures and responsible for reporting violations.
• When available and as applicable, this position requires employees to work weekends, split shifts, overtime, and holidays as needed by Pangea Laboratory.
• Perform other related duties as required or assigned.

Education and Experience:

• A Bachelor's or Associate degree in a relevant scientific field (e.g., Biology, Chemistry, or a related discipline).
• Minimum of 1 year of experience in research in the biotech/life science industry, or an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience.

General Skills:

• Have background or basic knowledge in laboratory procedures and guidelines.
• Have the ability to read, write (legibly), and speak the English language.
• Strong attention to detail, excellent organizational and time-management skills.
• Have the ability to quickly understand procedures and be flexible to changes and updates in procedures.
• Have the ability to troubleshoot and recognize abnormalities then demonstrate proactiveness to address issues in the workflow.
• Demonstrate autonomy and possess time management skills.
• Demonstrate ability to prioritize tasks and engage in multi-tasking without sacrificing quality.

Computer Skills:

• Knowledge of basic computer skills such as Microsoft Office Suite to include Excel and Word.
• Previous experience with Laboratory Information Systems, preferred.

Language Skills:

• Ability to effectively communicate with management and team members.
• Have bilingual/multilingual capabilities, preferred

Osha Risk Category:

Category I: Job Tasks which involve exposure to blood, body fluids, tissues, hepatitis viruses or human immunodeficiency viruses.

Safety:

• Responsible for performing assigned tasks in accordance with applicable safety regulations and instructions, as well as correcting unsafe work habits and practices and/or bringing to the attention of the Laboratory Supervisor and/or Laboratory Director and/or Chief Executive Officer any practice or condition that may be detrimental to the safety and health of employees.
• Responsible for compliance to all safety policies of the Pangea safety program.
• Follows procedures for biohazardous/hazardous waste disposal.
• Utilizes appropriate infection control practices such as handwashing, proper glove disposal, use proper personal protective equipment and work practice controls.
• Maintains proper body mechanics and utilizes safe work practices.

Regulatory and Compliance:

• Maintain compliance for all applicable statutory and regulatory requirements for international, federal, and state requirements, including, but not limited to, California Labor Laws, OSHA, Clinical Laboratory Improvements Amendments (CMS), Americans Disabilities Act, Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA/Omnibus), College of American Pathologists, California State Department of Public Health.
• Always exhibits ethical and professional behavior.
• Always maintains patient confidentiality (HIPAA).

About Us:

Pangea Laboratory is a California-based diagnostics company founded in 2014. We focus on the precise, early detection of emerging diseases. Our mission is to have a positive impact on human life, by providing biomedical communities with reliable and high-quality testing services, delivering the data they need to diagnose and treat diseases in an effective and timely manner. Named a Top Workplace by the OC Register, Pangea Laboratory continues to be a place where employees feel engaged, connected, and energized about their work. If you are passionate about helping people in advancing science and working with awesome teams in a fast-growing company, we want to speak with you!

How We Work:

Our Values:

• Focus – Relentless Prioritization. When we decide the business priorities and initiatives to support those priorities, we execute with disciplined focus.
• Agility – Flexible and Proactive. In a start-up type of environment, "not in by job description" doesn't ever come to mind. Although we are focused, we realize adaptability to unplanned environmental changes is required.

• Reliability – We are accountable to what we say we will do. We are reliable to our customers and to our teammates.

Decision Drivers:

What we always consider when making decisions

• Culture – How will it impact teammates and our work environment. Team first.
• Customer – How will it impact Physicians, Patients, Payors, and Partners
• Compliance – How will it impact quality, regulatory, and legal requirements

CORE Operating Behaviors

• Creative, resourceful problem solving. We embrace problems and look forward to creative problem solving.
• Clear, transparent, and effective communication. Willing to discuss, debate, and then execute on decision with no looking back.
• Leadership through influence and trust, not hierarchy.

Compensation, Benefits, and Perks:

The estimated base compensation range for this position is $21 - $25 per hour at the time of posting. Actual compensation details will be provided in writing at the time of offer, if applicable, and is based on several factors we believe fairly and accurately impact compensation, including geographic location, experience, knowledge, skills, abilities, and other job permitted factors.

Pangea Laboratory also offers competitive benefits and perks including:

• Medical, Dental, Vision, and Life Insurance Coverages
• EAP Sessions
• Vacation Time plus Company Holidays
• Paid Sick Leave
• Generous 401(K) with matching
• Employee Referral Bonus
• Complimentary fruit, snacks, and beverages
• Complimentary catered lunches on Thursdays

Equal Employment Opportunity Employer:

Pangea Laboratory welcomes candidates of all backgrounds. These include sex, age, color, race, religion, marital status, national origin, ancestry, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, physical & mental disability, medical condition, genetic information, military and veteran status, or any other