Laboratory Assistant II

Job Summary:

The Laboratory Assistant II will assist a large group of dedicated lab scientists providing state-of-the-art clinical analysis of a variety of patient specimens for the detection of human pathogens. They will prepare specimens for molecular infectious disease testing daily. They will be involved in preprocessing activities such as opening packages, sorting specimens, and accessioning requisitions. They will report any issues or errors to the General Supervisor(s), Technical Supervisor(s) or Lab Director of Operations. They will put away supplies, operate the autoclave, perform maintenance on the autoclave, clean the laboratory and scan documents. They will work closely with management staff to provide a safe testing environment for all staff.

Duties/Responsibilities:

· Opening shipments of patient specimens including core and COVID-19

· Organizing, matching and placing patient specimens in racks for the Laboratory Technologists to test downstream

· Writing laboratory accession numbers that link patient specimen to order forms

· Sorting specimens into appropriate buckets by test panel ordered

· Matching specimens to requisitions and ensuring a lysate tube is properly labeled

· Getting a count of each specimen per panel type every day testing is performed

· Operating and maintaining the autoclave

· Performing daily cleaning of the laboratory environment

· Recording temperatures daily

· Any other duties as assigned by laboratory manager or other superiors/upper management

Required Skills/Abilities:

· Possess general clinical laboratory skills such as: ability to critically think and troubleshoot and proper specimen handling.

· Capable of working independently and with a group

· Excellent communication skills

· Superb teamwork and multitasking skills

· Basic computer skills including proficiency in MS Office

Education and Experience:

· Associate degree in Biological Sciences a plus; however, not required