Job Details

Education: Two year Associate Degree in an Applied Science or biological science

Type: Full Time

Experience: Experience in evaluating data and interpreting lab test results preferred

LABORATORY ASSISTANT

FUNCTION

Under the supervision of the Laboratory Director, performs various analytical procedures, primarily in media preparation, and glassware preparation according to standard operating procedures in bench manuals and CLIA Regulations.

Works collaboratively with the Laboratory Support Team and Laboratory Department Director to ensure that work is performed accurately and expeditiously while maintaining high standards of quality.

MAJOR TASKS AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Prepares culture media and reagent solutions for milk bacteriology, clinical bacteriology and water bacteriology.
• Performs and documents quality control on culture media and reagents.
• Calibrates pH meter and determines pH of media and documents results.
• Prepares dilution water blanks for milk bacteriology and determines suitability for testing according to standard methods.
• Operates autoclave for sterilization of media, dilution blanks, clinical instruments and contaminated material using standard operating procedures.
• Documents all sterilization records accurately.
• Operates drying oven for drying and sterilization of laboratory glassware.
• Documents all glassware sterilization according to TCEQ or NELAC and Standard Methods.
• Cleans laboratory glassware by manual or automatic methods. Performs detergent residue test and documents results according to Standard Methods.
• Assist other sections of the lab as needed, such as:
• Assist in water sample check‑in process.
• Assist water sample submitters and collects payment for sample and coupons.
• Answers telephones and helps direct correct information to customers.
• Enter water results electronically, as needed.
• Assist clerks and secretaries and assumes their duties in their absence if needed.
• Performs tests to check the efficacy of sterilization procedures if needed.
• Assist in maintaining inventory of media, reagents and supplies.
• Utilizes working knowledge of all procedures to participate in maintaining analytic accuracy.
• Provides accurate and current information concerning laboratory services.
• Assures confidentiality and accuracy of all laboratory reports.
• Actively participates in quality control review, equipment performance documentation, specimen workload tallies and supply inventory to ensure consistently acceptable quality assurance and test performance.
• Ability to prioritize and organize detailed tasks to maintain required section timeframes.
• Must have considerable knowledge of laboratory activities and proper protocol.
• Must be able to use automatic pipetting equipment.
• Must be able to use aseptic technique.
• Must be able to use incubators, autoclave, drying oven, pH meters, balances, etc.
• Maintains a sufficient inventory of supplies needed for workload. Includes anticipating supply needs and ordering supplies in a timely manner.
• Participates in continuing education.
• Must be able to write accurately and precisely.
• Must be able to stand, walk, and sit 8 hours daily.
• Must be able to lift, carry, push and pull equipment weighing up to 35 lbs.
• Must be able to balance, stoop, bend, crouch, reach and handle performing lab tests.
• Must be able to communicate effectively with management and employees, in person or using a telephone.
• Work environment will include possible exposure to select agents, infectious agents, blood, bodily fluids, corrosive chemicals, organic solvents, needles, open flames and steam.

EDUCATION

Two year Associate Degree in an Applied Science with a minimum of twenty (20) hours of biological science preferred. Or graduate from high school with knowledge of laboratory quality assessment, quality control and CLIA regulations helpful.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES REQUIRED TO PERFORM IN THE POSITION

Experience in evaluating data and interpreting lab test results preferred. Must be able to communicate effectively with work teams and follow verbal and written instructions including Standard Operating Procedures.

WORKING CONDITIONS

Demonstrates the following positive performance attributes:

• Observes work hours of 8:00 -12:00 a.m. and 1:00 – 5:00 p.m., unless other arrangements are made with supervisor. Is punctual. Notifies supervisor in a timely manner (in advance, if possible) if must be late or absent. Arranges annual leave in advance with Team and Supervisor.
• Is adaptable and flexible. Is willing to occasionally work different hours (including weekends and holidays) as workload requires. Is able to re-prioritize work as needed. Adapts to handle new other phases of work when needed. Is receptive to new ideas and methods.
• Performs work without needing to be reminded and without close supervision. Accepts responsibility for own actions. Completes work assignments in a timely fashion. Requests instruction when unsure how to proceed. Accepts direction offered by Team and Supervisor. Complies with supervisor's decisions.
• Functions as a Team member. Does his/her fair share of the Team's workload. Willing and helps other staff members when requested to get the work performed. Shows willingness and ability to work in harmony with others and does not let personal differences interfere with getting the job done.
• Maintains open communication with supervisor and other staff members. Contributes positively to staff morale.
• Takes advantage of opportunities to learn at work and on own time. Identifies own learning needs and makes these known to supervisor. Is receptive to and follows through on recommendations made by supervisor for professional development.
• Offers suggestions to supervisor for increasing efficiency and for better meeting needs of clients and staff. Demonstrates willingness and ability to cooperatively solve problems with supervisor and team members.
• Treats clients and staff with courtesy and without discrimination. Maintains client confidentiality.
• Keeps work area clean and tidy and contributes to the same in the rest of the Health District.
• Utilizes supplies in an efficient and cost-effective manner. Promptly notifies supervisor of problems or concerns regarding supplies and equipment.
• Keeps corrected lab reports to a minimum. Understands that an excessive number of corrected lab reports will be justification for disciplinary action.

Observes General Safety Policy at all times. Notifies supervisor of safety problems.

May be exposed to pathogenic organisms.

Must be able to spend up to eight (8) hours walking, standing, and/or sitting.

Must be able to lift up to 35 pounds.