Job Information
Caris Life Sciences Laboratory Operations Specialist I (1st Shift) in Phoenix, Arizona
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 Duties
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.
Schedule: Sunday-Wednesday 3AM-1:30PM
Required Qualifications
High School diploma or equivalent.
Conditions of Employment: Individuals must successfully complete the pre-employment process, which includes criminal background check, drug screening, and reference verification.
Preferred Qualifications
- Previous medical field or laboratory experience.
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 may require 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.
Caris Life Sciences is a leading innovator in molecular science and artificial intelligence focused on fulfilling the promise of precision medicine through quality and innovation.
Our laboratory is the heart of what we do. Learn more about our laboratory and the team of histologists who help fulfill our purpose everyday.