Lab Assistant I
3 days ago
Agoura Hills
Job DescriptionJob Title: Lab Assistant I Job Description The Lab Assistant I works in a high-volume, production-based clinical laboratory environment and performs essential tasks that directly support patient testing and medical decision-making. In this entry-level role, you handle, prepare, and process clinical specimens, ensuring accuracy, safety, and timely turnaround. This position is ideal for dependable individuals seeking a stable overnight schedule, hands-on training, and a long-term career path in laboratory and healthcare operations. Responsibilities • Receive, sort, and organize incoming clinical laboratory specimens according to established procedures., • Correctly identify, label, and prepare specimens for testing and analysis, ensuring accuracy at every step., • Scan specimens and perform accurate data entry of specimen and patient information into laboratory systems., • Prepare specimens for analysis by following detailed Standard Operating Procedures and quality standards., • Verify that laboratory equipment is functioning properly and perform minor instrumentation maintenance as needed., • Troubleshoot specimen-related issues, including labeling or quality problems, and escalate when necessary., • Replenish test bench and workstation supplies to support continuous, high-volume production workflows., • Maintain a clean, organized, and safe work environment to prevent contamination and ensure regulatory compliance., • Follow all safety protocols and SOPs when handling biological specimens and laboratory materials., • Complete record logs, documentation, and other administrative tasks accurately and on time., • Collaborate with laboratory staff and leadership to resolve issues and support smooth lab operations., • Meet established turnaround times and production goals in a fast-paced, high-volume environment., • Communicate clearly, both verbally and in writing, when reporting issues, receiving instructions, or coordinating work., • Adhere to all quality, safety, and compliance standards required in a regulated diagnostics environment.Essential Skills, • High school diploma or equivalent., • Comfort and familiarity with handling biological specimens while following safety protocols., • Ability to accurately identify, label, and prepare specimens with a strong focus on detail., • Basic computer literacy and data entry skills, including scanning and entering patient information., • High level of attention to detail with the ability to prioritize tasks and multitask effectively., • Ability to work in a fast-paced, high-volume production environment and meet defined turnaround times., • Strong written and verbal communication skills to collaborate with lab staff and troubleshoot specimen issues., • Ability to sit and/or stand for extended periods of time during the shift., • Ability to follow detailed Standard Operating Procedures and instructions precisely., • Must pass a standardized color blindness test.Additional Skills & Qualifications, • Previous experience in a medical, laboratory, or production-based environment is preferred., • Experience with specimen processing or clinical laboratory operations is an advantage., • Demonstrated ability to maintain accuracy under pressure and high workload volumes., • Strong teamwork skills and a collaborative mindset to work effectively with a tight-knit overnight team., • Flexibility to work overtime as needed to support workload and turnaround requirements., • Interest in building a long-term career in laboratory or healthcare operations., • Willingness to learn and adapt to new systems, procedures, and regulatory requirements., • Commitment to safety, quality, and continuous improvement in a regulated diagnostics environment.Work Environment This role is based in a high-volume clinical laboratory that operates on a production-based model with defined turnaround times. The position follows consistent overnight hours with a predictable schedule and no rotating shifts, which can be ideal for students, career changers, or individuals with daytime commitments. Overnight teams tend to be tight-knit, collaborative, and highly process-focused, offering a supportive environment for learning and growth. You will work with laboratory instruments, scanning systems, and computer-based data entry tools while handling biological specimens under strict safety and Standard Operating Procedures. The workspace is designed to be clean, organized, and compliant with safety and quality regulations, with an emphasis on preventing contamination and maintaining accurate records. The overnight setting often provides a quieter atmosphere with fewer daytime distractions, and the role may include a shift differential for overnight hours, contributing to overall compensation. You should be prepared to sit or stand for extended periods, manage repetitive tasks with precision, and occasionally work overtime to support operational needs, all within a structured and professional laboratory environment. Job Type & Location This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Agoura Hills, CA. Pay and Benefits The pay range for this position is $21.85 - $21.85/hr. Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following: • Medical, dental & vision, • Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital, • 401(k) Retirement Plan – Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available, • Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents), • Short and long-term disability, • Health Spending Account (HSA), • Transportation benefits, • Employee Assistance Program • Hiring diverse talent, • Maintaining an inclusive environment through persistent self-reflection, • Building a culture of care, engagement, and recognition with clear outcomes Our Bangalore, Hyderabad, Pune, and Chennai delivery centers are hubs of engineering expertise, with core capabilities in mechanical and electrical engineering, systems and software, and manufacturing engineering. Our teams deliver work across multiple industries including transportation, consumer and industrial products, and life sciences. We serve more than 4,500 clients, including many Fortune 500 brands. Learn more about how we can work together at actalentservices.com.