Clinical Laboratory Assistant

Clinical Laboratory Assistant

Octave Bioscience

About the Company - Octave Bioscience is developing a suite of novel measurement tools that feed into structured analytical data models aimed at improving care management decisions to create better patient outcomes at lower costs. We are focusing our efforts on neurodegenerative disease, starting with multiple sclerosis (MS), to bring direct, positive impact to people’s lives. We have a CAP Accredited Laboratory and have developed a hybrid immunoassay-qPCR test for deployment as a Laboratory Developed Test.

About the Role - The Clinical Laboratory Assistant (CLA) will be responsible for supporting Clinical Laboratory Scientists and Lab Management in the daily operations of Octave’s Clinical Lab. Primary duties will consist of sample receipt and accessioning into LIMS, data entry, customer service activities, prepping blood samples for analysis, performing maintenance on equipment, general laboratory and administrative tasks and complying with all applicable local, state, and federal laboratory requirements. The work requires keeping meticulous and organized records, excellent attention to detail, effective written and verbal communication skills, the ability to multitask and be flexible with schedules, and working both independently and in a team environment to deliver high quality results in the most efficient manner.

Schedule: This position will follows a Tuesday–Saturday work week to align with laboratory operations.

Responsibilities

• Receiving and accessioning samples.
• Data entry and quality check of patient and sample information in the laboratory information management system (LIMS).
• Prepare and aliquot samples for testing.
• Archiving and retrieving samples.
• Maintain sufficient inventory of material, supplies and equipment in the laboratory for performance of duties.
• Document all corrective actions taken when test systems deviate from the laboratory’s established performance specifications.
• Post-accessioning quality checks of data entry and received documents.
• Performing a variety of laboratory and administrative tasks to support the clinical laboratory staff in the CAP Accredited Octave Bioscience laboratory.
• Performing laboratory duties under direct and constant supervision of a licensed CLS or the General Supervisor and/or designee, who provides specific instruction regarding how tasks are to be completed and defines the steps to be performed.
• Perform routine laboratory maintenance tasks and setting up consumables in preparation for laboratory testing.
• Create sample batches, print labels and label tubes and plates.
• Participate in materials management activities including inventory tracking, ordering, receiving, unpacking, documentation and labeling of consumables and reagents, and stocking work areas.
• Following established protocols and identifying issues that may affect assigned duties, correcting problems or escalating them as needed to a Clinical Laboratory Scientist, Clinical Laboratory Supervisors, or the Lab Director.
• Comply with all local, state, and federal laws and regulations governing clinical laboratory operations including maintaining confidentiality of personal health information (PHI).
• Write and revise standard operating procedures, as needed.
• Work closely with the CLS’s and Accessioning Teams and Reagent Manufacturing team to provide consistent and ongoing support to the entire service department.
• Identify process improvement opportunities and report to laboratory management.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications - Bachelor of Arts or Science in Biomedical Laboratory Science, Clinical Science, or related field preferred. Laboratory Experience: 2 years (Preferred) including but not limited to customer service, specimen processing, and laboratory assisting in a hospital or reference laboratory setting. Experience with accurate data entry of sensitive information in a mid to high throughput setting. Dedicated to making a difference. Great communicator with great written and verbal fluency in English. Detailed oriented with an appetite to drive tasks to completion. Ability to work well in a rapid-pace startup environment. Ability to work well in a group. Ability to work independently, with minimal supervision.

Required Skills

• Demonstrated proficiency in computer skills, such as word processing, data analysis and laboratory information systems (LIMS).
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Strong understanding of and adherence to good laboratory practices and regulatory compliance.
• Ability to provide timely feedback to laboratory management on process improvements to ensure accuracy and efficiency.

Preferred Skills

• Experience with laboratory information management systems (LIMS).
• Knowledge of regulatory compliance in laboratory settings.

Salary range $70,000 to $85,000 annually Bonus Equity Benefits. The successful candidate’s starting base salary will be determined based on experience, qualifications, work location and market conditions.