Laboratory Assistant

Description

Role: Laboratory Assistant 

Department: Laboratory Operations   

Levels: I, II, III

Status: Non-Exempt, Full-Time, Part-Time, PRN

Location: On-site, Overland Park, KS

Manages Others: No

Basic Function and Scope of Responsibility:

The Laboratory Assistant supports daily laboratory operations by performing a variety of non-technical duties that ensure a clean, organized, and efficient work environment. This role is essential to maintaining smooth workflow by assisting with sample handling, supply management, basic equipment upkeep, and general operational tasks. 

Essential Job Duties:

Level I - Minimum

• Perform routine non-technical maintenance tasks such as cleaning benches, fume hoods, wiping down surfaces and organizing workstations
• Assist with inventory management of consumables (tubes, labels, pipette tips, etc.) and restock supplies as needed
• Aliquot specimens into appropriately labeled and identified containers, per SOP
• Accurately label tubes, vials, and containers to support sample processing and testing workflows
• Assist in preparing, organizing, and staging samples for testing, storage, or transport
• Bank and file samples in designated storage areas
• Print log sheets
• Wash laboratory glassware and dishes, ensuring proper cleaning, drying and storage
• Perform simple upkeep of non-technical equipment (dishwasher, label printer, etc.)
• Monitor general laboratory cleanliness and assist with waste disposal and recycling procedures
• Follow all laboratory safety procedures, including PPE requirements and proper waste handling 
• Ensure work is performed in accordance with SOPs, quality standards and regulatory requirements
• Maintain accurate records of completed tasks and communicate any issues or discrepancies to supervisor 
• Attention to detail in all duties and activities. 
• Manage time according to meeting Department Turnaround times
• Able to comply with all applicable Health Regulations including Federal, State and Local Safety and HIPAA regulations
• Collaborate effectively with lab staff and contribute to an efficient and well-organized work environment
• Other duties as assigned by management

Level II – Fully meets the responsibilities of Level I plus the following:

• Conduct training of new team members
• Ability to assist Manager in providing direction of workflow for the Department
• Interaction with other Departments as needed and build a relationship with other Leaders and Management
• Communication within the Department with Manager to focus on needs

Level III- Fully meets the responsibilities of Level II plus the following:

• Able to always demonstrate MDX Core values
• Oversees daily readiness of lab support areas (glassware, label stations, aliquoting areas, consumable inventory)
• Creates or updates basic operational documentation (e.g., checklists, supply lists, workflow guides).
• Updates SOPs
• Identifies process inefficiencies and recommends improvement to supervisor

Requirements

Essential Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

Level I – Minimum

• High School Diploma or associate degree in biology, or an equivalent combination of education and relevant work experience
• Medical terminology is preferred, but not required
• Prior experience in a laboratory, or healthcare preferred but not required
• Strong attention to detail, organization, and accuracy 
• Comfortable working in a fast-paced environment with repetitive tasks 
• Excellent Basic Communication Skill 
• Professionalism? 
• Ability to be at work on time and have flexibility? 
• Computer data entry experience is highly recommended
• Team Oriented? 

Level II – Fully meets the qualifications of Level I plus the following:

• Minimum of two years as a Laboratory Assistant I or equivalent experience
• Training new team members
• Troubleshoot simple operational issues 
• Accelerated knowledge of the laboratory 
• Manages sample banking and retrieval with accurate logging and inventory updates.
• Advanced knowledge of laboratory protocols  

Level III – Fully meets the qualifications of Level II plus the following:

• Minimum of 4 years as a Laboratory Assistant or equivalent experience  
• Expanded knowledge of laboratory testing equipment
• Working understanding of Medical Terminology
• Training others and supporting workflow coordination with a weekly schedule 
• Familiar with LIMS, sample management systems and basic quality practices 
• Physical Requirements: 
• Physical dexterity sufficient to use hands, arms, and shoulders repetitively to operate a keyboard and other office equipment, use a telephone, access file cabinets and other items stored at various levels, including overhead
• Ability to speak and hear well enough to communicate clearly and understandably with sufficient volume to ensure an accurate exchange of information in normal conversational distance, over the telephone, and in a group setting
• Ability to stand for extended periods of time as necessary 
• Ability to lift and move items weighing up to 20 pounds
• Physical dexterity sufficient to move body frequently around laboratory equipment and instrumentation
• Ability to continuously operate a personal computer for extended periods of time (4 or more hours)
• Mental acuity sufficient to collect and interpret data, evaluate, reason, define problems, establish facts, draw valid conclusions, make valid judgments and decisions

The essential physical and mental requirements described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of the job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.