What are the responsibilities and job description for the Laboratory Assistant - I position at High Precision Laboratory?
Position Summary
The Laboratory Assistant supports daily laboratory operations with a focus on high-quality specimen handling, instrument support, and workflow efficiency. This role is ideal for a candidate with a strong science background who is interested in growing into a Laboratory Technician role over time.
The Laboratory Assistant will perform specimen accessioning, basic phlebotomy, routine instrument maintenance, inventory management, and assist with running quality control (QC) and calibrations under supervision.
Key Responsibilities
Specimen Collection & Accessioning
- Perform phlebotomy and other specimen collection procedures in accordance with established protocols and patient safety standards.
- Accession specimens into the laboratory information system (LIS), verifying patient identity, test orders, and specimen integrity.
- Label, aliquot, and prepare specimens for testing, storage, or referral testing.
- Communicate promptly with clinical staff regarding missing, compromised, or unclear specimens and orders.
Instrument Support & Maintenance
- Perform daily, weekly, and monthly instrument maintenance as assigned (start-up, shutdown, and routine cleaning).
- Document all maintenance activities in logs and electronic records per lab policy.
- Assist in troubleshooting basic instrument issues and escalate to senior staff, service engineers, or the Laboratory Manager as needed.
- Prepare reagents, calibrators, and controls according to manufacturer instructions and laboratory SOPs.
Quality Control & Calibrations
- Run daily quality control (QC) and assist with calibration procedures under the supervision of a Medical Laboratory Scientist / Laboratory Technician.
- Review QC results for acceptability and promptly report any out-of-range or unexpected results.
- Assist in documenting corrective actions and maintaining QC records in compliance with regulatory requirements.
Inventory & Supply Management
- Monitor reagent and consumable levels and maintain organized stock in designated storage areas.
- Perform regular inventory counts, rotate stock, and check expiration dates.
- Assist with ordering, receiving, and logging laboratory supplies and reagents.
- Ensure proper storage conditions (temperature, light, etc.) are maintained and documented.
General Laboratory Support
- Maintain a clean, safe, and organized work environment, including regular cleaning of benches, work surfaces, and shared equipment.
- Adhere to all safety, infection control, and waste disposal policies (PPE use, sharps disposal, biohazard handling).
- Participate in training, competency assessments, and continuing education as required.
- Support implementation of new tests, equipment, and workflows as the lab grows.
Minimum Qualifications
Education:
- Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Biology, Chemistry, Medical Laboratory Science, or a related scientific discipline preferred.
- Equivalent combination of education and laboratory experience may be considered.
- Licensure/Certification:
- Phlebotomy certification preferred .
Experience:
- Prior experience in a clinical, research, or reference laboratory setting preferred.
- Phlebotomy experience strongly preferred.
- Familiarity with basic lab equipment and biosafety practices.
Skills & Competencies:
- Strong attention to detail and excellent organizational skills.
- Comfort with computers and data entry; experience with LIS or EMR systems is a plus.
- Ability to follow written procedures, SOPs, and regulatory requirements.
- Strong communication skills and ability to work collaboratively with lab and clinical staff.
- Ability to manage multiple tasks and prioritize in a fast-paced environment.
Compensation, Schedule & Start Date
- Compensation: $20.00 – $23.00 per hour, depending on experience and qualifications.
- Schedule: Full-time Monday–Friday, day shift
- Start Date: Immediate / ASAP.
Growth & Development
This position is designed as an entry point into a technical laboratory career path. A successful Laboratory Assistant will:
- Build competency in specimen handling, QC, and instrument maintenance.
- Demonstrate understanding of test workflows and basic laboratory principles.
- Become eligible for advancement into a Laboratory Technician role as they gain experience, complete required competencies, and meet any applicable licensure or certification requirements.
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: $20.00 - $23.00 per hour
Expected hours: 35 per week
Work Location: In person
Salary : $20 - $23