Micro Lab Assistant

Micro Lab Assistant
Schedule: Shift: Tues- Sat 6am-230pm

The Microbiology Lab Assistant plays a crucial supporting role in the ZRL Microbiology laboratory's daily operations. The Lab Assistant operates autonomously once trained handling inventory management, general lab equipment maintenance and quality control tasks. They assist in resolving customer complaints and add-on requests via Salesforce. The Lab Assistant supports laboratory operations and is expected to communicate with team leads and supervisors to ensure seamless processing of the high volume of specimens received for daily testing. This role may also support Parasitology testing depending on lab location.

Responsibilities
* Use aseptic technique with strict adherence to all microbiology & ZRL safety procedures and protocols.
* Perform laboratory procedures for specimen handling, processing, and maintaining records of patient results.
* Daily media plating and set-ups of microbiology cultures.
* Operate autonomously within the scope of responsibility once trained.
* Communicate with Customer Service, Medical, and Management teams as needed within the scope of responsibility.
* Monitor laboratory inventory and maintain media and supplies inventory and storage.
* Record daily/weekly quality control results, including temperature logs.
* Utilize laboratory equipment and perform general maintenance.
* Accession and order tests, receive samples, and perform batch functions.
* Handle Salesforce requests, Microsoft Teams communications, and emails.
* Document requisition notes and notes from set-up processing.
* Maintain sample storage.
* Participate in training sessions and stay updated on laboratory best practices.
* Collaborate with team members to ensure smooth workflow and efficient lab operations.

Required Education and Experience:
* High school diploma or equivalent; additional laboratory training or coursework is a plus.
* Previous experience with aseptic technique in a microbiology or lab setting is strongly encouraged and preferred.
* Proficiency in Microsoft Platforms (Teams, Outlook, Word etc.)
* Strong attention to detail and organizational skills.
* Verbal and written communication skills.
* Ability to work in a team environment and collaborate with colleagues.
* Ability to work independently and follow instructions accurately.

Preferred Knowledge or Skills
* Knowledge of general aseptic techniques.
* Experience in sample receiving and batch function; able to log in and out samples.
* Capable of media plating and performing set-ups of microbiology cultures.
* Proficient in the use of centrifuges and pipettes.
* Understanding sample rack management for daily plating and long-term storage.
* Knowledge of sample requirement criteria for accepting and rejecting samples.
* Familiarity with various micro culture types and the media required for each test.
* Proficient in culture plate inoculation, Gram stain, and acid-fast stain preparation of slides.
* Inventory management
* Quality control tasks including laboratory startup and shutdown, media and reagents lot QC and QC strain maintenance.

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