Clinical Lab Assistant

About the Company

Vibrant America is a leading clinical diagnostics laboratory dedicated to transforming healthcare through advanced testing, innovative technology, and data-driven insights. The company specializes in functional medicine and multi-omics testing, offering comprehensive panels that support personalized patient care.

Our Vision

At Vibrant America, our vision is to empower healthcare providers and patients with actionable insights that drive better health outcomes. By integrating cutting-edge science, automation, and analytics, we aim to redefine preventive and personalized medicine.

About the Role

The Clinical Laboratory Assistant (CLA) plays a critical role in supporting laboratory operations by ensuring accurate specimen handling, processing, and documentation. This position is essential to maintaining workflow efficiency, data integrity, and compliance in a high-complexity, CLIA- and CAP-certified laboratory.

Responsibilities

Specimen Accessioning & Receiving

• Receive, inspect, and accession incoming specimens into the Laboratory Information System (LIS)
• Verify patient identifiers, test requisitions, and specimen integrity
• Identify and document discrepancies (e.g., labeling errors, insufficient volume, improper collection)
• Apply barcodes and maintain accurate sample tracking

Specimen Processing & Preparation

• Perform centrifugation, aliquoting, labeling, and preparation of specimens
• Handle multiple specimen types (blood, urine, saliva, stool, swabs)
• Ensure proper chain-of-custody and prevent cross-contamination
• Prepare samples for downstream testing (immunology, molecular, LC-MS, etc.)

Laboratory Support Operations

• Prepare reagents, buffers, and consumables as needed
• Assist with loading/unloading instruments where applicable
• Perform routine cleaning and maintenance of lab equipment and workstations
• Monitor inventory levels and notify supervisors of shortages

Quality & Compliance

• Adhere to all SOPs and regulatory requirements (CLIA, CAP, NYSDOH where applicable)
• Maintain accurate and timely documentation of all activities
• Follow biosafety and infection control protocols
• Participate in audits, inspections, and quality improvement initiatives

Data Entry & Documentation

• Enter and verify specimen and test data in LIS systems with high accuracy
• Track sample status and support resolution of accessioning or processing issues
• Maintain documentation for traceability and compliance

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Coordinate with internal teams including:
• Clinical Laboratory Scientists (CLS)
• Quality Assurance (QA)
• Client Services / Support teams
• Assist in resolving specimen-related issues such as recollection requests and TNP cases

Shipping & Logistics

• Prepare outgoing samples for internal transfer or reference laboratories
• Ensure compliance with shipping regulations (e.g., UN3373, IATA)
• Coordinate with courier services (e.g., FedEx) for timely dispatch

General Laboratory Operations

• Maintain a clean, organized, and safe laboratory environment
• Dispose of biohazardous waste according to safety protocols
• Support daily operations to meet turnaround time (TAT) goals

Qualifications

• Education: Associate or Bachelor’s degree in Biology, Chemistry, or related field preferred
• Experience: 0–2 years of experience in a clinical laboratory or healthcare setting preferred
• Experience with LIS systems and specimen handling is a plus

Required Skills

• Strong attention to detail and accuracy
• Ability to work in a fast-paced, high-throughput environment
• Effective organizational and multitasking abilities
• Basic understanding of laboratory workflows
• Strong communication and teamwork skills
• Familiarity with safety and compliance standards

Working Conditions

• Laboratory environment with exposure to biological specimens
• Required use of PPE (gloves, lab coat, eye protection)
• Standing for extended periods
• Ability to lift and move materials up to ~25 lbs

Performance Metrics (KPIs)

• Specimen accessioning accuracy
• Sample processing turnaround time
• Error rates (labeling, processing, documentation)
• Compliance adherence
• Productivity and throughput

Why Join Vibrant America

• Work in a cutting-edge, multi-omics clinical laboratory
• Be part of a mission-driven organization transforming healthcare
• Opportunities for growth, learning, and cross-functional exposure
• Collaborative and fast-paced work environment

Equal Opportunity Statement

Vibrant America is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace and do not discriminate based on race, color, religion, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, or any other protected characteristic under applicable federal, state, or local laws.

Work Authorization

Candidates must be authorized to work in the United States without current or future sponsorship requirements.