Laboratory Operations Specialist L

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Position Summary

The Laboratory Operations Specialist I is responsible for facilitating the movement of patient samples through the overall laboratory testing process. They support the laboratory with all clerical and ancillary duties, including activating cases and printing slides for microtomy, labeling and triaging slides to the Molecular and Immunohistochemistry (IHC) departments for testing, compiling and preparing complete cases for distribution to the Pathology department, and filing stained and unstained slides for long-term storage. Additionally, the Laboratory Operations Specialist is responsible for operating, maintaining, and troubleshooting laboratory equipment including automated H&E and NFR stainers, Whole Slide Scanners, slide printers, label printers, and basic office equipment. This position works under the direction of the Laboratory Operations Supervisor and follows standard laboratory procedures and policies.

Job Responsibilities

• Perform Video Receipt of incoming specimens – opening packages and organizing specimens and associated documents for clinical processing.
• Activate cases, print slides for microtomy, and order H&E tests.
• Transport cases between departments as needed (departments include Accessioning, IHC, PA, Laboratory Operations, Molecular, and Pathologists).
• File cases in proper accession number and/or activation date order at various staging areas throughout the laboratory.
• Label slides based on ordered tests and triage slides to the Molecular and IHC departments for testing.
• Match stained H&Es with their corresponding IHCs, NFRs, and unstained slides, verify sample labeling, and distribute materials to the IHC and Pathology departments.
• File glass slides in proper accession number order after IHC/ISH interpretation by a Pathologist.
• Retrieve slides from storage for clinical and/or research testing.
• Monitor the department email inbox and address inquiries in a timely manner.
• Thoroughly document case activities within the Laboratory Information System (LIS) and SharePoint database when necessary.
• Operate, maintain, and troubleshoot laboratory equipment including automated H&E and NFR stainers, Whole Slide Scanners, slide printers, label printers, and basic office equipment.
• Properly and safely dispose of hazardous waste.
• Work cross-functionally with various departments including IHC, Lab Operations, Accessioning, PAs, and Pathologists.
• Routinely ensure quality by confirming sample labeling and documentation match the Laboratory Information System (LIS) at all workstations.
• Assist as needed to perform other related duties and special projects to support the laboratory as required.
• Accepts other duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications

• High School diploma or equivalent.
• Conditions of Employment: Individuals must successfully complete pre-employment process, which includes criminal background check, drug screening, and reference verification. Also, individuals must be fully vaccinated for COVID-19 by the date of hire to be considered for U.S.-based jobs, if not currently employed by Caris Life Sciences.

Preferred Qualifications

• Previous medical field or laboratory experience preferred.

Core Skills & Competencies

• Ability to followed defined protocols.
• Ability to identify and utilize resources to overcome challenges. Resources include documentation (SOPs, Job Aids, etc.) and human resources (peers, trainers, and leaders).
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite, specifically Word, Excel, Outlook, and general working knowledge of Internet for business use.
• Ability to multi-task and work in a fast-past, deadline driven environment.
• Displays enthusiasm and dedication to meeting group objectives.
• Can execute tasks with a strong attention to detail.
• Ability to work under routine and stressful situations in an accurate and timely manner.
• Effective verbal and written communication skills. Proven attention to detail with effective organizational skills.
• Effective interpersonal and team skills.
• Drive for Results (Service, Quality, and Continuous Improvement) – Ensure procedures and processes are in place that lead to delivery of quality results and continually reassess their effectiveness to achieve continuous improvement.
• Communication – Proficient verbal and written communication skills. Willingness to share and receive information and ideas from all levels of the organization in order to achieve the desired results.
• Teamwork – Commitment to the successful achievement of team and organizational goals through a desire to participate with and help other members of the team.
• Customer Service Focus – Demonstrate a focus on listening to and understanding client/customer needs and then delighting the client/customer by exceeding service and quality expectations.

Physical Demands

• Will work at a computer some of the time and use office equipment such as copiers, fax machines, and PDF scanners.
• Visual acuity and analytical skill to distinguish fine detail. Ability to pass a visual color discrimination test.
• Manual dexterity to use common laboratory equipment and perform sterile techniques as required.
• Must possess ability to sit and/or stand for long periods of time.
• Must possess ability to perform repetitive motion.
• Ability to lift up to 30 pounds.
• May have exposure to high noise levels in the data center, fumes and bio-hazardous material in the lab environment. Exposure to formaldehyde, xylene, DAB and alcohol which emit fumes. The formaldehyde, xylene, and DAB are carcinogenic.
• May be required to handle blood-borne pathogens and general laboratory reagents.
• May have exposure to extreme temperatures, high noise levels, fumes and biohazardous material/chemicals including formalin in the lab environment.

Training

• All job specific, safety, and compliance training are assigned based on the job functions associated with this employee.

Other

• This position requires periodic travel and some evenings, weekends and/or holidays.

This job description reflects management’s assignment of essential functions. Nothing in this job description restricts management’s right to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this job at any time.

Caris Life Sciences is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, status as a protected veteran, among other things, or status as a qualified individual with disability.