Research Associate I - Clinical Development

Research Associate I - Clinical Development - San Juan Capistrano, CA - Monday - Friday 8:00 AM-5:00 PM

Processes human specimens for lab testing in research studies. Primary duties include unpacking specimen shipments, tube labeling and pipetting, delivery of specimens to labs, maintaining specimens in a long-term biobank, and use of lab information systems.

Pay Range: $19.80 - $29.71 / 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!

The job accountabilities for this position involve research and development and biobanking work. No clinical testing analysis, reagent preparation, patient result data reduction, maintenance of equipment used in clinical testing, or assay troubleshooting are to be done. In exceptional cases where the Research Associate is asked to assist the department with duties related to clinical testing, full training and competency documentation is required and the individual must be under direct and constant CLS supervision as appropriate.

• Specimen Processing for Research Analysis
  • Under guidance, prepares study-specific processing instructions.
  • Organizes specimens and prepares them for testing.
  • Prepares processing equipment (pipettes, tubes, racks, labels, printers, centrifuge, workspace).
  • May use automated devices for pipetting and tube labeling.
  • May separate blood components by centrifugation.
  • Maintains specimen integrity (temperature control) throughout processing.
  • Communicates with testing lab and study coordinator about specimen numbers, volumes and tests to be performed.
  • Creates entries in Laboratory Information System for each test.
  • Delivers specimens to appropriate testing lab.
• Specimen Inventory Control
  • Follows a quality control procedure to document specimen quality for each incoming shipment.
  • Retrieves remnants from testing labs after analysis; logs all deliveries to/pickups from labs.
  • Weighs tubes to assess volume.
  • Prints barcode labels and labels tubes, both manually and using a lab robot.
  • Uses inventory database to:
    • Import and export bulk data using Microsoft Excel.
    • Check in and check out specimens and keep location information current.
    • Record freeze/thaw cycles.
    • Enter comments regarding specimen quality/integrity.
    • Locates, pulls and packages specimens for shipments to other facilities.
• Research Equipment Maintenance and Calibration
  • Performs routine equipment maintenance activities, calibration and troubleshooting according to procedure.
  • Documents instrument checks, problems and solutions and notifies the appropriate staff member in the event of instrument failure.
  • Works with vendors to solve issues and schedule service calls.
• Department and clerical duties
  • Works closely with study coordinators, data managers, testing lab staff and other departments to plan and carry out study logistics.
  • Participates in regular staff meetings for project prioritization.
  • Clearly communicates any problems encountered or expected to team and manager.
  • Monitors levels of supplies and places orders as needed.
  • Unpacks, logs and stores supplies upon arrival.
  • Submits work orders for facility work as needed.
  • May occasionally be asked to present work on a current project in a department meeting.
  • Tallies and records workload data in a database.
  • Collates and files records of activities and equipment maintenance/monitoring.
• Safety, Housekeeping and Compliance
  • Uses protective clothing and equipment as instructed.
  • Completes all assigned safety training modules and attends periodic safety meetings.
  • Follows laboratory safety procedures.
  • Reports all incidents to manager.
  • Helps keep the lab area neat and clean.

The Research Associate I works with:

• Blood and other potentially infectious materials
• Ultralow freezers
• Dry ice and gel packs
• Centrifuges
• Incubators
• Pipettes
• A lab robot (following a guide for scripted tasks)

QUALIFICATIONS

Required Work Experience: 

• One year of medical specimen handling or research lab experience, including use of pipettors, is required.

Preferred Work Experience: 

• Previous experience with lab automation equipment preferred.

Physical and Mental Requirements: 

• Willing and able to walk uphill to from our lab to other buildings and back once or twice a day.

Knowledge: 

• N/A

Skills: 

• Proficiency in the use of office computers, including word processing and spreadsheet software.

EDUCATION
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.

2024-77271

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