Lab Technician

The purpose of this role is to prepare clinical specimens for laboratory testing. This includes receiving, accessioning, aliquoting, and processing specimens. Additionally, the position involves setting up, maintaining, troubleshooting, and assisting in the validation of laboratory instruments, as well as taking quality control measurements including environmental, equipment/software, and product quality controls.

• Prepare clinical samples and products for testing, including accessioning and processing, following laboratory protocols.
• Set up instruments for automated laboratory tasks, including programming instructions, specimen and reagent placement, and labware.
• Maintain instruments through reagent replenishment, cleaning, and other required actions.
• Prepare reagents for the lab and change equipment supplies when needed.
• Document and transcribe quality control measures, including environmental readings for the lab, equipment function checks, and isolation quality control.
• Train back-up staff as necessary and recommend changes for better workflow, coordinating implementation with the supervisor.
• Perform additional tasks as assigned by the Laboratory Director.
• Respond to emergency staffing situations as requested.
• Assist or substitute for other lab members as assigned.
• Order, receive, and stock supplies and maintain laboratory maintenance.
• Maintain sample inventories, including receipt, processing, storage, and disposal of samples when necessary.
• Update computer databases for sample storage and fix errors in data entry.

• Hands-on experience with sample handling, quantitative chemical analysis, assays, or procedures with equivalent complexity.
• Basic procedures such as weight and volume measurements of chemicals, reagent preparation, pipetting, and centrifugation.
• Experience operating laboratory instruments such as automated measurement instruments.
• Critical thinking and ability to implement corrective actions when needed.
• Understanding and application of laboratory policies and procedures with strict adherence to established protocols.
• Attention to detail and ability to handle a large number of samples accurately.
• Effective communication in spoken and written English with individuals of diverse backgrounds.

• Minimum of 2 years of college education or 4 years of college education in Chemistry, Biology, Life Science preferred.
• If holding an associate degree, 2 years of work experience is required.
• If holding a Bachelor's degree, a minimum of 6 months of lab-based experience in a hospital, clinical, or research setting is required.
• Knowledge of computer use, including moderately advanced Microsoft Excel skills.
• Ability to use office equipment such as computers, photocopiers, and fax machines.

The position is based in a fast-paced blood center within the Quality Control department, working closely with Clinical Laboratory Scientists (CLS). Candidates will have a flexible schedule and must be comfortable working weekends. The preferred shift is evenings from 2pm to 10:30pm, but shifts can change based on demand in the blood center. The center promotes from within, offering growth opportunities and potential advancement to a CLS role.