Lab Assistant

Centers Laboratory; Cedar Knolls (NJ); On-site; USD 32,000 - 46,000; Full time

Job summary

Centers Lab in Cedar Knolls, NJ seeks a Lab Assistant I to support specimen procurement, labeling and organization while maintaining non-technical equipment and supplies for the laboratory.

The role involves preparing specimens, organizing storage, pulling samples, performing basic pipetting and microbiology plating, and assisting staff with clerical duties in a fast-paced setting with PPE guidance and safety procedures.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent preferred.
• 1 year of clinical laboratory experience preferred.

Responsibilities

• Prepare specimens for testing and ensure they meet criteria.
• Organize and maintain lab storage, samples and specimens.
• Pull samples for pending tests and retrieve stored specimens.
• Register, retrieve and discard specimens as appropriate.
• Be familiar with tube types, test requests and medical terminology.
• Conduct daily temperature and humidity checks.
• Assist in discarding specimens into biohazard containers and sanitize workspace.
• Assist with filing of laboratory records and inventory control.
• Perform pipetting and sample organization for departments; plate microbiology samples.
• Support staff and leadership with additional duties and administrative tasks.
• Demonstrate flexibility, organization, and ability to work under pressure.

Skills

Leadership

Interpersonal skills

Communication

Critical thinking

Time management

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Job description

Position Title: Lab Assistant I

Reports to: Lab Assistant Supervisor

Position Summary:

Laboratory Assistant I is responsible for specimen procurement, which includes labeling, organizing and maintaining samples. In addition, he/she performs the maintenance of non-technical equipment and the processing and organizing of all supplies for the laboratory.

Position Responsibilities:

• Preparation of specimens for testing which meet the laboratory's criteria.
• Organize and maintain lab storage, samples, and specimens
• Request and pull samples for pending tests.
• Registers, retrieves, discards specimens as appropriate.
• Familiar with tube types, test request and medical terminology.
• Performs for daily temperature and humidity checks
• Assists in the discarding of specimens into biohazard containers.
• Sanitize equipment and workspace
• Assists with the filing of laboratory records
• Processes supplies and inventory control
• Performs pipetting, organizing of samples for the individual departments.
• Plating for all microbiology samples.
• Assists all laboratory staff and leadership with additional duties as needed
• Perform clerical and administrative duties as needed
• Demonstrate the ability to be flexible, organized and function under stressful situations.
• Perform all responsibilities independently with no direct supervision required
• Perform all other duties as assigned

Competencies:

• Demonstrated leadership ability, strength and diplomacy
• Strong interpersonal skills and professional demeanor
• Ability to communicate effectively verbally and in writing
• Critical thinking with efficient and effective problem-solving skills.
• Ability to manage and execute multiple projects, prioritize, and meet deadlines.
• Ability to work well in a team environment that promotes inclusiveness and communication among team members.

Education and Experience:

• High school diploma or equivalent preferred. Additional education a plus
• 1 year of clinical laboratory experience preferred

Work Environment:

• Environmentally controlled laboratory environment
• Fast paced environment with occasional high pressure or emergent situations
• Frequent exposure to body fluids
• Possible exposure to infectious specimens, communicable diseases, toxic substances, and other conditions common to a laboratory environment
• Required to wear Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) as appropriate such as lab coats, face shields, gloves and masks
• Frequent interaction with a diverse population including team members and other customers

Physical Demands:

• Frequent standing, walking, grasping, carrying and speaking
• Occasional sitting, reaching, bending and stooping
• Lifting, carrying, pushing and pulling up to 50 pounds, with assistance if needed
• Frequent use of computer, keyboard, phone, and copy and fax machine as needed

This job description is intended to provide guidelines for job expectations and the team member's ability to perform the position described. It is not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all functions, responsibilities, skills and abilities. Additional responsibilities may be assigned as deemed appropriate. This document does not represent a contract of employment, and Centers Lab reserves the right to change this job description and/or assign tasks for the team member to perform, as Centers Lab may deem appropriate.