Molecular Assistant

Heritage Lab Services; Pittsburgh (Allegheny County); On-site; USD 28,000 - 33,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

On-site training

Career growth opportunities

Job summary

Heritage Lab Services is seeking an entry-level Molecular Assistant to join our on-site laboratory team at Three Rivers Diagnostics. This full-time role offers a Tuesday–Saturday 10:30 am–7:00 pm schedule and a pay range of $20.00–$24.00 per hour depending on experience.

The position includes hands-on processing of patient specimens, basic molecular workflows, and training provided on molecular diagnostics.

Qualifications

• No specific experience required; basic undergraduate lab skills preferred; training in Molecular Diagnostics provided.
• Bachelor's degree in chemical, physical, or biological science or medical laboratory training.
• 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.

Responsibilities

• Process patient specimens, perform authorized tests, following SOPs.
• Understand basic scientific principles related to toxicology testing.
• Handle preanalytical duties: labeling, accessioning, centrifuging, pouring off.
• Run samples on manual, semi-automated, and automated platforms in Molecular and other systems.
• Prepare calibrators and quality controls for testing.
• Perform downtime tasks when LIS or systems are unavailable.
• Follow safety protocols handling human samples.
• Maintain records for instrument maintenance, temp checks, QC failures.
• Handle proficiency testing samples according to regulatory requirements.
• End of shift duties: restock, clean, organize, waste disposal.

Skills

Organizational skills

Critical thinking

Communication skills

Team collaboration

Education

Bachelor's degree in chemical, physical, or biological science

Job description

Job Title: Laboratory Assistant- Molecular Assistant

Job Type: Full Time

Schedule: Tuesday through Saturday 10:30 am to 7:00 pm

Pay Range: $20.00-24.00 per hour depending on experience

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.

Heritage Lab Services will provide the training required for the position.

If you are passionate about delivering accurate, high-quality results that support patient care, we would love to meet you.

Why Join Us:

• Supportive and collaborative team


• Opportunities for professional growth

Role and Responsibilities:

Process patient specimens, perform authorized tests, while adhering to Laboratory Standard Operating Procedures and Policies.

Responsible to understand basic and all relevant scientific principles associated with toxicology testing performed

Responsible for any preanalytical duties including but not limited to:

• Labeling


• Accessioning


• Centrifuging


• Pouring off

Perform all tasks associated with running samples on manual, semi-automated, and automated platforms in:

• Molecular


• 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, quality control for testing

Perform downtime tasks as assigned when LIS and or other systems are malfunctioning, nonfunctional, or temporarily not available (LIS connection issues, power outage, etc)

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 set policies and procedures

Identify and respond as set in policies and procedures to QC trends, shifts, and failures to assess test systems are within the laboratory's established acceptable levels of performance.

Perform and 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 to ensure compliance with regulatory requirements.

Perform and Maintain records demonstrating that proficiency testing samples are tested in the same manner as patient specimens.

Perform end of shift/day responsibilities to include:

• Restock supplies as deemed appropriate.


• Clean sections.


• Organize, empty waste.

Perform all tasks assigned in conformance to Molecular Workflow guidance and in a manner to mitigate sample or section contamination.

Performs other job-related duties as assigned.

Supports ongoing changes in a professional manner, contribute to a positive work environment and to the team effort of the laboratory.

Requirements

Background and Experience:

• - No specific experience is required, but we prefer individuals with undergraduate basic laboratory skills. Training in Molecular Diagnostics will be provided.


• - 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.

Heritage Lab Services provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.

This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leave of absence, compensation, and training.