Overview:
The Lab Assistant 2 is responsible for accessioning specimens, preparing slide trays, filing of blocks and slides, and assisting with all aspects of lab organization and maintenance. Lab Assistant 2 employees have the educational requirements to pursue the Histotech HT/L certification program. This position offers potential for immediate and longer term career ladder opportunities supported by on-the-job training with corresponding increases in compensation.
Here are just a few things we offer:
- Access to health, dental, and vision insurance
- Health Savings Account $500 matching contribution
- Eligible for PTO and Holiday pay
- Company paid life insurance and long term disability (full-time only)
- Access to voluntary short term disability insurance (full-time only)
- Access to additional life insurance
- Eligible for Accident and Critical Illness Insurance, Hospital Indemnity and Cancer Guardian
- 401K with employer contribution
- Profit sharing
- Employee discounts
- And much more!
Responsibilities:
On-the-job training (OJT) will be provided for the following job duties you will perform:
Lab Order and Materials Management
- Receive specimens and release orders using the lab information system (LIS).
- Track orders on worklists and retrieve specimen materials for technicians.
- File slides and tissue blocks.
Solution & Reagent Handling
- Prepare alcohol solutions for tissue processing.
- Change instrument staining solutions per schedule.
- Recycle, neutralize and dispose of chemicals and solutions safely.
Specimen Preperation & Slide Production
- Prepare specimens and materials for tissue grossing.
- Once trained, embed tissue samples.
- Clean, organize and prepare paraffin blocks for microtome cutting.
- Assist with slide preparation, such as load/unloading staining and cover slipping equipment.
- Assemble slide trays for delivery to pathologists.
Lab Maintenance & Quality Control (QC)
- Clean equipment and tools according to schedule.
- Record daily temperatures of lab and equipment.
- Receive, stock, and inventory lab supplies.
Additional Responsibilities
- Complete required compliance training and follow all procedures.
- Perform other related tasks as assigned.
Potential for career advancement opportunities with corresponding pay increases
- Become a Lab Technician with on-the-job training in grossing of tissue specimens.
- Become a Lab Technician with on-the-job training in cutting/ microtomy for slide preparation.
- Become a Histotechnician in approximately one year with on-the-job training coupled with completing a NAACLS certified Histology program and ASCP certification exam.
Qualifications:
Education
- Associate’s or Bachelor’s Degree in a science related field required.
- Previous experience in a lab environment is preferred.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
- Must be flexible with hours to meet work flow demands.
- Knowledge of general medical terminology is preferred.
- Ability to type a minimum of 45 wpm with minimal errors is preferred.
- Must possess attention to detail.
- Must possess excellent customer service, communication and organizational skills.
- Must display a friendly, cheerful, tactful and polite demeanor and must be compassionate and caring in dealing with others.
- Ability to multi-task, prioritize appropriately, and work well both individually and as part of a team.
- Ability to use time productively and contribute to high levels of company operational efficiency and effectiveness.
- Ability to understand physician’s instructions/handwriting and know when to seek additional information or clarification.
- Ability to respond positively to constructive criticism and direction from supervisors.
- Must demonstrate professional appearance and manner at all times.
- Must remain compliant with HIPAA, OSHA, and CLIA requirements.
- Ability to maintain confidentiality of information.
Physical Demands
- Ability to communicate in an active multi-office environment.
- Ability to efficiently operate all job related office equipment (telephone, computer, calculator, fax, copier).
- Ability to communicate via telephone.
- Ability to sit for large portions of a workday.