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Lab Associate II

San Juan Capistrano, California

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At a glance

Every day as a Quest career professional, you’ll work in a dynamic, collaborative environment with the latest cutting-edge technology. As a laboratory operations team member, you will play a key role in ensuring that the highest standards of quality, safety, and integrity are upheld while meeting the needs of our patients. And, you’ll be supported by a company committed to helping you grow a rewarding career through cross training and comprehensive learning opportunities.

Success profile

What makes a successful candidate? See if you have what it takes.

  • Collaborative
  • Efficient
  • Focused
  • Results-driven
  • Quick-thinking
  • Organized

See how your career can grow

With a world of opportunities in our supportive environment, you’ll take your career to the next level. From collaborating with senior leaders on meaningful work, to on-the-job training, we are committed to fostering your growth, so you can build a successful career. Here is just one example of a career path you can take.

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  • Lab Associate Lab Associate
  • Lab Technician Lab Technician
  • Lab Technologist >Lab Technologist
  • Lab Supervisor or Trainer Lab Supervisor or Trainer
  • Additional Advancement Opportunities Additional Advancement Opportunities

Job Details

Category Laboratory Location San Juan Capistrano, California Job function Operations Job family Laboratory Operations
Shift Evening Employee type Regular Full-Time Work mode On-site

Lab Associate II - San Juan Capistrano, CA - Tuesday - Saturday 1:00pm-9:30pm

Department - Spec Chem - LCMSMS - Clin Lab

This non-licensed position is accountable for assisting with general support for the laboratory, following all applicable policies and procedures. 

Pay Range: $21.38 - $32.08 / hour


Salary offers are based on a wide range of factors including relevant skills, training, experience, education, and, where applicable, certifications obtained. Market and organizational factors are also considered. Successful candidates may be eligible to receive annual performance bonus compensation.


Benefits Information:
We are proud to offer best-in-class benefits and programs to support employees and their families in living healthy, happy lives. Our pay and benefit plans have been designed to promote employee health in all respects – physical, financial, and developmental. Depending on whether it is a part-time or full-time position, some of the benefits offered may include:

• Day 1 Medical/Dental/Vision for FT employees who work 30+ hours
• 15 PTO days first year
• Paid Holidays
• Annual Bonus Opportunity
• 401(k) with matching contributions
• Variable compensation plan (AIP) bonus
• Employee Stock Purchase Plan (ESPP)
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Blueprint for Wellness
• Tuition Reimbursement for undergraduate and graduate programs for FT employees who work 30+ hours
• Opportunities for career advancement
• Training provided!


  • Prepares and organizes samples for testing, for example, sample racking, aliquoting and tube preparation.
  • Responsible for labeling, handling, processing or preparation, and transportation and storage of specimens. 
  • Identifies sample problems and assists in resolving appropriately. Demonstrates problem solving ability on service and production issues.
  • Prepares testing equipment and assists with preventive maintenance. Notifies appropriate technical staff of equipment problems.
  • Assists licensed personnel (CA only) or delegated supervisor (non-CA) in the pre-analytic and post- analytic testing activities, other than trainees, in a licensed clinical laboratory.
  • Prepares pre-analytical reagents and controls using automated or fixed volume measuring devices. Submits documentation to appropriate staff for approval to use.
  • Prepares and maintains complete and accurate records of reagents or media using established procedures, formulas, stock solutions and fixed volume measuring devices.
  • Maintains inventory of consumable items including reagents and supplies. Orders, unpacks, logs, dates and stores reagents/supplies upon receipt and properly rotates stock for use. Performs inventory of laboratory items including restocking the benches and equipment inventory.
  • Sorting and accessioning incoming specimens into appropriate LIS, then delivering to designated testing platform/department.
  • Performs data entry or transcribes data from previously recorded results to computer for data reduction and prepares for licensed personnel's review.
  • Tallies workload data and prepares reports as requested.
  • Assists in the performance of quality control procedures.
  • Prepares protocols/logs or other appropriate documents. 
  • Identifies specimen problems and demonstrates ability to appropriately resolve or elevate to licensed personnel (CA only) or delegated supervisor (non-CA).
  • Assists a licensed person (e.g.: CLS) with performance of validation verifications and other Research and Development (R&D) activities, as applicable.
  • Trains other Lab Associates. Supports Training Programs, where applicable.
  • Takes initiative in making suggestions to improve efficiency and productivity and provides consistent feedback. Is a resource for process improvement.
  • Demonstrates leadership through accountability and collaboration in daily activities.
  • Answers phones, transfers, or takes accurate messages. Maintains the confidentiality of client information.
  • Helps to ensure the laboratory areas are neat, clean, and organized.
  • Complies with all health and safety policies, procedures, and practices. Required to use personal protective equipment.
  • Other duties as assigned. This is not an exhaustive list of all duties and responsibilities, but rather a general description of work performed by the position.

QUALIFICATIONS

Required Work Experience:  

For Lab Associates in the Histopathology or Cytology department, the following is required: 

  • 1 year of histopathology, cytology or other laboratory experience.
  • 1 year of experience handling Protected Health Information (PHI) and other patient information using a Laboratory Information System (LIS) 

Preferred Work Experience:  

  • 2 - 3 years of laboratory experience preferred. 

Physical and Mental Requirements:  

  • The normal performance of duties may require lifting and carrying objects. Objects in the weight range of 1 to 10 pounds are lifted and carried frequently; objects in the weight range of 11 to 25 pounds are lifted and carried occasionally and objects in the weight range of 26 to 50 pounds are seldom lifted and carried. Objects exceeding 50 pounds are not to be lifted or carried without assistance. 
  • Performs repetitive tasks with dominant hand. 
  • Ability to sit and/or stand for long periods. 
  • Have good eye and hand coordination.  

Knowledge:  

  • A working knowledge of reagent stability and storage. 
  • An awareness of the factors that influence test results. 

Skills:  

  • Proficiency in Microsoft Office Application (Word, Excel, Outlook) 
  • Strong typing skills desirable. 
  • Communication and interpersonal skills necessary to deal courteously and effectively with management, co-workers, and clients. 
  • Other automation skills helpful. 


EDUCATION
Bachelor’s Degree
High School Diploma or Equivalent(Required)

LICENSECERTIFICATIONS

Quest Diagnostics honors our service members and encourages veterans to apply.

While we appreciate and value our staffing partners, we do not accept unsolicited resumes from agencies. Quest will not be responsible for paying agency fees for any individual as to whom an agency has sent an unsolicited resume.

2024-76767

Qualified applicants with arrest or conviction records will be considered for Employment in accordance with the following laws if applicable, the Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance for Employers, the Los Angeles' Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance, the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, and the California Fair Chance Act. 
Quest believes that conviction records may have a direct, adverse, and negative relationship to the following job duties: accessing company property, information, assets, and products including sensitive information; accessing customer data or confidential information, and partnering and regularly working with or supervising other Quest employees and interacting with Quest customers.

Equal Opportunity Employer: Race/Color/Sex/Sexual Orientation/Gender Identity/Religion/National Origin/Disability/Vets

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Culture

We’ve built a welcoming, inclusive workplace where people are inspired to learn, develop, and progress in their careers. There’s stability, so you can explore many career paths in one field. There’s flexibility, helping you to build a fulfilling life and rewarding career. There’s training and development to align your work with your business success. No wonder there’s more to discover at Quest.

Learn more

Benefits

We’re committed to helping our people live a healthier lifestyle. One way we do this is by offering a comprehensive total rewards package, so you can take care of yourself and the ones you love. Find out how our benefits provide you with everything you need to thrive—now and in the future.

  • Medical, supplemental health, dental, and vision

    From medical, dental, and vision coverage plans designed to meet your needs, to supplemental health plans for an additional layer of financial protection, you can rest assured that your health is high on our agenda.

  • Annual incentive plans

    All eligible employees are invited to participate in our success in our annual incentive bonus plan payout.

  • 401(k)

    You’re eligible to join the Quest Diagnostics 401(k) Plan on your date of hire. The company will match up to 5% of your annual salary.

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Quest Diagnostics is an equal employment opportunity employer. Our policy is to recruit, hire and promote qualified individuals without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other status protected by state or local law. Quest Diagnostics observes minimum age requirements established by federal, state and/or local laws, and will ask an applicant for verification when deemed necessary.

Quest Diagnostics is committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodations to individuals with disabilities. If you need a reasonable accommodation because of a disability for any part of the employment process, please complete the accommodation request form.