Associate Lab Technician
3 days ago
Indianapolis
Job DescriptionJob Title: Associate Lab Technician Job Description The Associate Lab Technician performs high-volume diagnostic clinical and clinical contract research testing under direct supervision in a busy testing laboratory. This role focuses on preparing and managing samples, operating and maintaining multiple analyzers, and supporting reagent preparation to deliver accurate and timely test results. The position offers structured, hands-on training across several analyzers and provides an excellent entry point for individuals looking to build a career in a clinical or medical laboratory environment. Responsibilities • Perform diagnostic clinical and clinical contract research testing under direct supervision in accordance with established procedures., • Prepare and manage samples for testing, including identification, evaluation, labeling, processing, and centrifugation, especially during periods of high sample volume or when test demand decreases., • Test samples on four different analyzers and handle high-throughput workloads, processing approximately 500 to 1,500 samples per analyzer during a typical night shift., • Support the preparation of laboratory reagents according to schedules and assist in the maintenance and proper storage of reagents., • Operate, troubleshoot, and perform routine maintenance and calibration on laboratory equipment to ensure accurate and reliable performance., • Participate in equipment validations to confirm that analyzers and instruments are functioning correctly and meet quality standards., • Follow all applicable regulatory, quality, and compliance requirements and adhere strictly to laboratory safety and documentation procedures., • Perform routine sample management tasks, including working closely with sample management assistants to ensure efficient flow of specimens through the lab., • Use pipettes, centrifuges, freezers, refrigerators, pH meters, microscopes, and other laboratory instruments accurately and safely., • Work with automated instruments such as hematology isolators, plate washers, coagulation analyzers, and other lab-specific equipment as needed., • Contribute to the accurate release of final test results when trained and authorized, following all compliance and quality requirements., • Participate in a structured 3–6 month training program that includes one-on-one training on each analyzer, followed by periods of supervised individual practice., • Collaborate with other technicians and sample management assistants on shift to meet testing metrics and turnaround times., • Maintain a clean, organized, and safe laboratory work area, including proper handling and disposal of biological specimens and reagents., • Engage in ongoing performance feedback discussions and continuous learning opportunities to improve technical skills and overall performance.Essential Skills, • Bachelor’s degree in a Life Science discipline such as Biology, Chemistry, Biochemistry, or a related field, OR completion of Medical Laboratory Technician (MLT) schooling with ASCP certification, OR completion of Clinical Laboratory Science (CLS) schooling., • Foundational knowledge of biology, chemistry, biochemistry, biotechnology, or microbiology as applied to clinical laboratory testing., • Experience or education in laboratory techniques such as sample preparation, sample management, and sample testing., • Ability to work accurately and efficiently in a high-volume laboratory environment handling large numbers of samples per shift., • Capability to learn and follow detailed standard operating procedures and regulatory requirements., • Comfort working with human biological specimens such as blood and other sample types in a clinical laboratory setting., • Strong attention to detail and commitment to data accuracy, quality, and compliance., • Ability to operate, or willingness to learn to operate, clinical analyzers and automated laboratory instruments., • Effective communication skills and the ability to work collaboratively within a laboratory team., • Willingness and ability to work 2nd shift hours, every other weekend, and 1–2 holidays per year as scheduled.Additional Skills & Qualifications, • Human biological testing experience with specimens such as blood, tissue, or urine., • Blood banking or blood typing experience, or experience working in a blood bank or blood collection environment., • Biology or medical laboratory internship experience in an academic, hospital, or research setting., • Hands-on experience with centrifuges and common molecular or clinical lab instruments such as qPCR instrumentation, gel electrophoresis systems, sequencers, and thermal cyclers., • Familiarity with flow cytometry-based equipment and aggregometers., • Experience using pipettes (single-channel, multi-channel, and electronic) and basic laboratory equipment including freezers, refrigerators, pH meters, and microscopes., • Exposure to automated instruments such as hematology isolators, plate washers, and coagulation analyzers., • Interest in joining a clinical or medical laboratory and being trained from the ground up in a structured, supportive environment., • Desire to participate in continuous education opportunities and engage with inclusive workplace initiatives and committees., • Openness to regular performance feedback, coaching, and professional development discussions.Work Environment The role is based in a clinical testing laboratory that supports multiple regions and operates as part of a larger network of labs. The overall facility includes a reference lab, an HLA (DNA testing) lab, and testing labs; this position is specifically located in the testing lab, which handles high volumes of diagnostic and donor-related testing. The standard schedule for this role is on 2nd shift, with required coverage from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. on workdays. Technicians may start earlier than 4:00 p.m. or work later than 8:00 p.m. to complete a full 40-hour workweek, and the schedule can be arranged to fit individual needs while ensuring coverage of the core evening hours. The position requires working every other weekend and typically 1–2 holidays per year, usually one in the summer and one in the winter. Initial training takes place on 1st shift, generally for 3–4 months from approximately 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., with one-on-one training and progressive exposure to each analyzer. The lab environment is collaborative, with 4–5 other technicians and 3–4 sample management assistants working together on shift. The laboratory uses a wide range of equipment, including four primary analyzers (such as high-throughput clinical analyzers), Abbott Alinity S, Immucor Neo, and Roche Cobas 8800, as well as pipettes, centrifuges, freezers, refrigerators, pH meters, and microscopes. Automated instruments such as hematology isolators, plate washers, coagulation analyzers, and lab-specific equipment including flow cytometry systems, qPCR instruments, thermal cyclers, gel electrophoresis units, sequencers, and aggregometers are also part of the daily workflow. The work is fast paced and metrics driven, with a culture that encourages continuous education, engagement in diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives, and team-building activities. Team members receive regular monthly performance feedback and touchpoints, which may occasionally include meal-based meetings when schedules allow. The dress code for this role is scrubs or business casual attire with long pants, along with comfortable, clean, closed-toe shoes appropriate for a laboratory environment. Job Type & Location This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Indianapolis, IN. Pay and Benefits The pay range for this position is $22.75 - $26.50/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.