Lab Associate I - Microbiology

Lab Associate I - Lenexa, KS, Tuesday to Saturday, 5:00 PM to 9:30 PM Part-time

Department: Microbiology

Pay range: $17.20+ per hour; employee may be eligible to receive shift differential of 10% for some or all hours worked on second shift and 15% for some or all hours worked on third shift. Additional details on shift differential will be provided if an offer is extended.

Salary offers are based on a wide range of factors including relevant skills, training, experience, education, and, where applicable, certifications obtained. Market and organizational factors are also considered. Successful candidates may be eligible to receive annual performance bonus compensation.

Benefits information:
We are proud to offer best-in-class benefits and programs to support employees and their families in living healthy, happy lives. Our pay and benefit plans have been designed to promote employee health in all respects – physical, financial, and developmental. Depending on whether it is a part-time or full-time position, some of the benefits offered may include:

Part-time employees (29 hours or less per week) are eligible for:

• Vacation and Health/Flex Time (part-time employees scheduled to work at least 20 hours per week)  
• 6 Holidays plus 1 “MyDay” off (if regularly scheduled to work 20+ hours per week)
• 401(k) pre-tax and/or ROTH IRA with company match up to 5% after 12 months of service
• Annual incentive plans
• Employee stock purchase plan
• Education assistance through MyQuest for Education
• Annual, no-cost health assessment program Blueprint for Wellness®
• and so much more!

This non-licensed position is accountable for assisting with general support for the laboratory, following all applicable policies and procedures. 

• Prepares and organizes samples for testing, for example, sample racking, aliquoting and tube preparation.
• Responsible for labeling, handling, processing or preparation, and transportation and storage of specimens. 
• Identifies sample problems and assists in resolving appropriately. 
• Prepares testing equipment and assists with preventive maintenance. Notifies appropriate technical staff of equipment problems.
• Assists licensed personnel (CA only) or delegated supervisor (non-CA) in the pre-analytic and post- analytic testing activities, other than trainees, in a licensed clinical laboratory.
• Prepares pre-analytical reagents and controls using automated or fixed volume measuring devices. Submits documentation to appropriate staff for approval to use.
• Prepares and maintains complete and accurate records of reagents or media using established procedures, formulas, stock solutions and fixed volume measuring devices. 
• Maintains inventory of consumable items including reagents and supplies. Orders, unpacks, logs, dates and stores reagents/supplies upon receipt and properly rotates stock for use. Performs inventory of laboratory items including restocking the benches and equipment inventory.
• Sorting and accessioning incoming specimens into appropriate LIS, then delivering to designated testing.
• Performs data entry or transcribes data from previously recorded results to computer for data reduction and prepares for licensed personnel's review. 
• Tallies workload data and prepares reports as requested. 
• Assists in the performance of quality control procedures.
• Prepares protocols/logs or other appropriate documents. 
• Identifies specimen problems and demonstrates ability to appropriately resolve or elevate to licensed personnel (CA only) or delegated supervisor (non-CA).
• Answers phones, transfers, or takes accurate messages. Maintains the confidentiality of client information.
• Helps to ensure the laboratory areas are neat, clean, and organized.
• Complies with all health and safety policies, procedures, and practices. Required to use personal protective equipment.
• Other duties as assigned. This is not an exhaustive list of all duties and responsibilities, but rather a general description of work performed by the position.

Required Work Experience:  

For Lab Associates in Histopathology or Cytology departments the following qualifications are required: 

• Basic knowledge of operating non-complex equipment 

Preferred Work Experience:  

• 1 – 2 years of laboratory experience preferred.

Physical and Mental Requirements:  

• The normal performance of duties may require lifting and carrying objects. Objects in the weight range of 1 to 10 pounds are lifted and carried frequently; objects in the weight range of 11 to 25 pounds are lifted and carried occasionally and objects in the weight range of 26 to 50 pounds are seldom lifted and carried. Objects exceeding 50 pounds are not to be lifted or carried without assistance. 
• Performs repetitive tasks with dominant hand. 
• Ability to sit and/or stand for long periods. 
• Have good eye and hand coordination.  

Knowledge:  

• A working knowledge of reagent stability and storage. 
• An awareness of the factors that influence test results. 

Skills:  

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Application (Word, Excel, Outlook) 
• Strong typing skills desirable. 
• Communication and interpersonal skills necessary to deal courteously and effectively with management, co-workers, and clients. 
• Other automation skills helpful. 

Education

• High School Diploma or Equivalent (Required)
• Some College Courses Two to three years of college courses preferred. (Preferred)