Laboratory Technician - Level 1

Purpose

The Laboratory Technician, Level I, is focused on generating high quality data at a large capacity for POLARIS Laboratory customers using laboratory instruments while following work instructions demonstrating successful mastery of assigned tests. The Laboratory Technician, Level I, is responsible for generating accurate, high-quality laboratory data while adhering to established procedures, quality standards, and safety requirements. This position develops proficiency in assigned laboratory methods while supporting customer turnaround time expectations.

Essential Functions

Weight of associated position responsibility, duty or task to successful performance:

20%

Uses resources to achieve outcomes: Manages their use of common software such as ADP, HRN, JIRA, Reliance and Microsoft Teams. Ensures accurate data entry and documentation within laboratory information system (LIMS), print paperwork, and research sample history. 

20%

Meets production: Meets daily production while maintaining quality standards, Troubleshoots and appropriately escalates instrument issues, Works according to assigned schedule within the framework of the attendance policy. Performs instrument maintenance using given resources.

20%

Supports the Quality system: Adheres to the Work Instructions. Achieves and maintains audits for assigned tests and documents. Maintain up-to-date knowledge of training document changes. Achieves high level of quality as measured through customer satisfaction (CAPAs/Customer Complaints).

20%

Supports the Safety program: Takes appropriate actions to report and prevent safety related incidents and uses personal protective equipment appropriately, Achieves and maintains certification for safety courses.

20%

Contributes as a team member: Communicates business needs to leaders, supports team members in achieving team goals. Brings ideas and recommendations to improve process and efficiency through the Lean initiative. Maintains laboratory organization and housekeeping standards in accordance to 5S principles.

Supportive Functions

• In addition to performance of the essential functions, this position may be required to perform a combination of the following supportive functions, with the percentage of time performing each function to be solely determined by the supervisor based upon the particular requirements of the company.

• Work collaboratively with other members of Laboratory Operations, Research and Development, Data Analysis, Sample Processing and Maintenance and Calibration departments to resolve issues.

• Work collaboratively with the Quality department on audits.

• Works collaboratively with cross-functional teams to support Kaizens

Physical Requirements

• While these have been the traditional, physical demands to perform the essential functions of the job, POLARIS Laboratories LLC will explore providing reasonable accommodations to these traditional, physical demands to a qualified person with a disability. 

• Frequency Key: Never – 0 hours; Rare – up to 1 hour; Occasional – 1-3 hours; Frequent – 3-6 Hours; Constant – 6-8 hours

Physical Activity

Frequency

Physical Activity

Frequency

Sitting

Frequent

Near Vision

Frequent

Walking

Frequent

Far Vision

Occasional

Climbing stairs

Rare

Hearing

Frequent

Crouching/Bending/

Stooping

Occasional

Talking

Frequent

Reaching

Frequent

Smell

Rare

Grasping

Frequent

Lifting/Carrying(# lbs)

Frequent

Pushing/Pulling

Frequent

Travel

Rare

Shaking

Frequent

Repetitive motion (arm and shoulder)

Frequent

Specific Job Knowledge, Skill and Ability

• Have mechanical ability and fine motor skills 
• Able to do multiple tasks within the same timeframe
• Able to do repetitive tasks
• Maintain a well-organized workspace
• Ability to identify and resolve issues (trouble-shooting)
• Complete actions with high levels of attention to detail
• Able to detect color and odor
• Able to apply process steps to complete actions
• Effective communication skills
• Effective time management
• Demonstrates a high level of accuracy in sample handling, data entry, and documentation
• Ability to identify discrepancies and escalate concerns appropriately

Other Duties

• Adherence and support of the POLARIS Employee Handbook inclusive of the Standards of Conduct
• Learn and support of the quality management system
• Learn and support POLARIS Laboratories safety programs
• Supports continuous improvement initiatives programs
• their duties as assigned

Required Qualifications

• The required qualifications desired in terms of education, course concentration, work experience, technical knowledge and desired advanced certifications 
• GED or High School Diploma required
• Ability to work in a fast-paced production laboratory environment 
• Current on all mandatory POLARIS training (Core Document Training) at the end of the 90-day period
• Internal candidates have gone 12 months with no written warnings
• A satisfactory 90-day review is on file

Preferred Qualifications

• The preferred qualifications desired in terms of education, course concentration, work experience, technical knowledge and desired advanced certifications.
• Experience in a production or laboratory environment

Safety Requirements 

• OSHA laws require the use of the following Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) when performing work duties that have the potential of risk to your health or safety. At POLARIS Laboratories, when going through the Laboratory it is required that you wear eye protection.
• Team members will be trained in the proper use and care of assigned PPE. POLARIS Laboratories provides the required PPE. It is your responsibility to report defective, damaged or lost PPE, or equipment that does not fit properly, to your Manager.
• To ensure safety throughout the facility, all employees are required to maintain up to date HAZMAT, OSHA, RCRA, Methylene Chloride, and General Laboratory Safety training as defined within the POLARIS Quality System.

NOTICE: Upon employment, all employees are required to fully comply with the POLARIS Laboratories, LLC rules and regulations and will be subject to disciplinary action, up to and including termination of employment for violations of such rules and regulations.