Lab Assistant

Centers Health Care; New Hanover Township (NJ); On-site; USD 35,000 - 48,000; Full time

Job summary

Centers Health Care in New Jersey is seeking a Lab Assistant I to support specimen procurement, labeling, organization of samples, and maintenance of non-technical lab equipment.

Responsibilities include preparing specimens for testing, organizing storage, pulling samples for pending tests, discarding or registering specimens, and daily PPE-compliant safety duties. This role requires strong organization, attention to detail, and the ability to work under pressure with a collaborative team.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent is preferred.
• 1 year of clinical laboratory experience preferred.
• Ability to comply with PPE and safety protocols.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.

Responsibilities

• Prepare specimens for testing according to 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 requests, and medical terminology.
• Performs daily temperature and humidity checks.
• Assist in disposal of specimens into biohazard containers.
• Sanitize equipment and workspace.
• Assist with filing laboratory records and inventory control.
• Performs pipetting and plating for microbiology samples.
• Support laboratory staff and leadership with additional duties as needed.
• Perform clerical and administrative duties as needed.

Skills

Leadership

Interpersonal skills

Effective communication

Critical thinking

Multitasking

Teamwork

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Clinical laboratory experience

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.