Lab Assistant

SCOPE

The Laboratory Aide performs various routine laboratory functions in precise and accurate fashion. The Laboratory Aide will perform aspects of the daily operation of the histology laboratory including but not limited to, accessioning, labeling, H&E staining (if approved), sign-out, equipment maintenance, supply and reagent inventory, file room, and record retention.

RESPONSIBLITIES AND DUTIES

These duties are performed regularly to accomplish the purpose of the job. This is not an exhaustive list of all duties and responsibilities, but rather a general description of the work performed by this position.

• Represents the policies, ethics, and culture of the company.
• Communicates effectively with all company and associated companies/departmental clerical, Histology, technical, and grossing staff.
• Ensure all corporate safety, quality control and quality assurance standards are met.
• Ensure all correct clinical data/information is received for accessioning and labeling.
• Ensures proper accessioning and labeling of all tissue samples.
• Maintains the slide order for the Histology Technicians to sign-off their cases.
• Cleans and arranges blocks after embedding.
• Perform routine H&E staining either manually or automated, under direct supervision of technical staff.
• Perform cover slipping of stained slides either manually, under direct supervision of technical staff, or automated.
• Helps with sign-out, under direct supervision by Technical staff.
• Helps maintain appropriate reagent and supply inventory needed for the staining procedures.
• Prepare reagents for tissue processing and routine slide staining, under direct supervision.
• Empty reagents and cleans H&E stainer dishes weekly, checking the reagent levels daily.
• Perform routine maintenance and cleaning of equipment.
• Prepare specimens for shipment to reference laboratory.
• Routine handling of biohazardous and/or chemically hazardous material.
• Prepare medical waste for pick-up and disposal.
• Helps maintain laboratory logs so that current information is complete, i.e. QA/QC logs
• Maintain a clean, well-organized, and well stocked work area.
• Performs various maintenance and/or housekeeping tasks to keep the laboratory clean.
• Completing all assigned file room duties daily and in a timely manner.
• Responsible for all assigned clerical duties associated with the Histology laboratory and file room.
• Filling slides and blocks and keep a record of what has been filed and missing, keep track of outside consult cases.
• Comply with all safety policies.
• Special projects and other duties as assigned by the Lead Histology Technician, Laboratory Operations manager, General Supervisor, or Medical Director/Laboratory Director.

SUPERVISION

Routine work is performed without direct supervision, all special projects are performed under direct supervision of the Lead Histology Technician and Lab Operations Manager. The Laboratory Aide is answerable to the Medical Director/Laboratory Director, General Supervisor, Laboratory Operations Manager, and Lead Histology Technician. This position is also required to be in constant contact with supervisory staff for daily function and issues that may arise in the laboratory.

EDUCATION AND KNOWLEDGE

High school diploma or equivalent.

CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS

N/A

OTHER SKILLS AND ABILITIES

Computer literate (MS Office), equipment related software, email etc.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of the hazards an employee may encounter while performing the essential functions of this job, these hazards include; flammable, chemical, bloodborne pathogen, electrical, moving mechanical parts, non-ionizing radiation, and fall hazards. While this is not an exhaustive list, all laboratory staff are required to use Universal Precautions and follow the OSHA Laboratory Safety Guidance guidelines while in the laboratory environment.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit; use hands to handle and feel objects, tools, or controls, and to talk and hear. The employee must sometimes lift and/or move up to 30 pounds. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

REFERENCES

OSHA Laboratory Safety Guidance guidelines - https://www.osha.gov/Publications/laboratory/OSHA3404laboratory-safety-guidance.pdf

Job Type: Full-time

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Flexible spending account
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Retirement plan
• Vision insurance

Schedule:

• 8 hour shift
• Monday to Friday

Work Location: In person