Summary of Role

The Molecular Diagnostics Laboratory Assistant provides essential operational support to the Molecular Diagnostics team. This includes clerical tasks, inventory management, supply distribution, sample preparation support, basic maintenance support, and maintaining overall laboratory readiness. This role reports directly to the Director of Operations and works closely with Molecular Technologists and Leads.

Responsibilities and Duties:

The responsibilities of the Molecular Diagnostics Laboratory Assistant include, but are not limited to:

Inventory, Supplies & Operational Readiness

• Perform weekly inventory of laboratory supplies and reagents.
• Maintain accurate inventory documentation within Quartzy.
• Receive, unpack, and restock all incoming supply orders.
• Ensure the laboratory is consistently stocked and operationally ready for all shifts.
• Distribute consumables and supplies to workstations supporting Tecan, extraction, PCR, and analysis workflows.
• Rotate stock using FIFO and monitor for approaching expiration dates.

Sample Preparation & Workflow Support

• Uncap and organize samples for Tecan (prep-only, non-testing tasks).
• Stage and organize samples according to daily workflow needs.
• Ensure sample racks, tubes, and barcodes are intact and ready for scanning.
• Support batch readiness by staging consumables and required plastics before licensed staff begin workflows.
• Assist with real-time workflow logistics to maintain consistent batch start times.

Instrument & Laboratory Maintenance Support (Non-technical; no calibration or testing functions)

• Clean exterior surfaces of instruments and maintain surrounding work areas.
• Restock instrument-related consumables (tips, troughs, waste bags, plates).
• Assist with maintaining instrument logs.
• Support readiness of Tecan, extraction, and PCR workstations through organization and consumable upkeep.

Quality Assurance & Documentation

• Support QA documentation including:
  • Lot verification
  • Monthly QC monitors
  • Environmental monitoring
  • Competency documentation
  • CAP/API material organization
• Print, scan, label, and organize hardcopy and digital logs.
• Maintain organized archives of completed testing materials.

Operational Communication & Coordination

• Update daily operations notes for shift turnover (supply issues, shortages, equipment needs, pending tasks).
• Communicate supply shortages or backorder risks to the Director of Operations immediately.

General Laboratory Upkeep & Safety

• Decontaminate and disinfect laboratory surfaces.
• Prepare chemical and biological waste for disposal.
• Restock PPE, disinfectants, and other daily-use supplies.
• Perform daily safety checks (eyewash, spill kits, etc.) as assigned.

Additional Duties

• Assist with creating solution labels, tracking solution inventory, and monitoring expiration dates.
• Retrieve and stage molecular samples delivered from Accessioning.
• Keep workstations organized throughout all molecular workflow areas.
• Perform other duties as assigned by the Molecular Manager or Supervisor.

Pay Range: $17-19/hour