A Microbiology Laboratory Assistant works in laboratories or hospitals, examining microscopic organisms like bacteria for scientific and medical purposes. Practices safety and sterilization procedures to minimize the risk of any hazardous accidents when working with infectious specimens.
Under the direct and constant supervision of a licensed person as authorized under California B&PC 1269, Laboratory Assistants II performs more complex procedures defined for laboratory assistants in the RRL, such as loading samples and assisting in the operation of laboratory instruments, monitoring overdue reports and resolving problem specimens.
Essential Responsibilities:
Performs all the duties and responsibilities of an RRL Lab Assistant I Prepares specimen for testing and/or send outs, including batching, creating wordlists/worksheet, pipetting, separating (serum/plasma/fluids) samples, removing fibrins/clots, centrifuging, aliquotting and preparing dilutions with the use of a calibrated pre-set pipettor Takes inventory, orders, receives, unpacks, distributes, and stocks supplies as needed Loads/unloads samples onto instruments, assists in the operation and monitoring of automated or semi-automated instruments, and notifies a CLS for any instrument alerts Assists in the performance of quality control procedures and may transcribe QC results that have been previously recorded automatically by a testing instrument Performs/assists in preventive maintenance and basic troubleshooting function, pre-analytical, analytical, and post-analytical laboratory equipment/instruments, and alerts a CLS for any suspicious outlier Reads and transcribes digital temperature, humidity, weights, etc. and alerts a CLS for any suspicious outlier Monitors overdue/pending/incomplete test reports, researches, resolves and follows through on problem specimens or patient data problems per policies and procedures Completes and maintains laboratory worksheets, preventive maintenance logs, specimen logs, labels, and other records, as required Performs specimen preservation, fixation, harvesting, plating, and staining Performs numerical matching or arrangement of pre-labeled metaphases, as applicable Prepares cyto prep slides and/or cell blocks from specimens, as applicable Trains and orients new employees as necessary Performs other related duties (limited to non-licensed duties only) as necessary Detailed/specific position description of job tasks/functions may be developed by each of the laboratory departments The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and the level of work being performed by the individuals assigned to this position and as such are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of responsibilities, duties and skills required of personnel so classified.
Qualifications:
Basic Qualifications:
Experience One year experience within the last 3 years as a Laboratory Assistant in a high volume laboratory required. Education High School graduate/GED required.
Working days and hours may vary within the specified shift This is a temporary position for approximately three (3) months. May be required to work in other Microbiology departments based on operational needs.
