Laboratory Technician - Level 2

 Purpose 

The Level 2 - Laboratory Technician is focused on generating high quality data at a large capacity for POLARIS Laboratory customers using laboratory instruments while following work instructions demonstrating successful mastery of assigned tests. In addition, this position expands beyond their initial assignment of testing, to participate in Kaizen events, improving processes and lab efficiency. This position is accountable for the mentoring and training of new staff as assigned by management. Cross-departmental knowledge and training is expected of those in this role. 

Essential Functions 

Weight of associated position responsibility, duty or task to successful performance: 

  20% Uses resources to achieve outcomes: 

• Manages their use of common software such as ECI, ADI, HRN, JIRA, Verse and Yammer. 
• Manages use of LIMS effectively in the lab by navigating the menus and screens presented, print paperwork, and research sample history.      

20% Meets production:
 Achieves daily production goals, Troubleshoots and appropriately escalates  instrument issues, Works according to assigned schedule within the framework  of the attendance policy. Performs instrument maintenance using given  resources.     

20% Supports the Quality system: 

Adheres to the Work Instructions. Achieves and maintains audits for assigned tests and documents. Maintain up-to-date knowledge of training document changes. Achieves high level of quality as measured through customer satisfaction (CARs/Customer Complaints).     

20% Supports the Safety program: 

Takes appropriate actions to prevent safety related incidents and uses personal protective equipment appropriately, Achieves and maintains certification for safety courses.     

20% Contributes as a team member: 

Communicates business needs to leaders, supports team members in achieving team goals. Brings ideas and recommendations to improve process and efficiency through the Lean
 initiative.    

Supportive Functions 

In addition to performance of the essential functions, this position may be required to perform a combination of the following supportive functions, with the percentage of time  performing each function to be solely determined by the supervisor based upon the particular requirements of the company. 

Work collaboratively with other members of Laboratory Operations, Research and Development, Sample Processing and Maintenance and Calibration departments to resolve issues 

Work collaboratively with the Quality department on audits 

Works collaboratively with cross-functional teams to support Kaizen Improvement Projects  

Other Duties 

Adherence and support of the POLARIS Employee Handbook inclusive of the Standards of Conduct 

Learn and support of the quality management system 

Learn and support POLARIS Laboratories safety programs 

Other duties as assigned 

Job Knowledge, Skill and Ability 

The individual must possess the following knowledge, skills and abilities and be able to perform the essential functions of the job, with or without reasonable accommodation. 

• Have mechanical ability and fine motor skills  
• Able to do multiple tasks within the same timeframe 
• Able to do repetitive tasks 
• Maintain a well-organized workspace 
• Ability to identify and resolve issues (trouble-shooting) 
• Complete actions with high levels of attention to detail 
• Able to detect color and odor 
• Able to apply process steps to complete actions 
• Effective communication skills 
• Effective time management

Required Qualifications 

The required qualifications desired in terms of education, course concentration, work experience, technical knowledge and desired advanced certifications  

• GED or High School Diploma required or 5 total years of service at POLARIS Laboratories in the Laboratory Assistant and Level 1 – Laboratory Technician positions 
• Current on all mandatory POLARIS training (Core Document Training)  
• Internal candidates have gone 12 months with no written warnings 
• 12 months of service at POLARIS Laboratories in the Laboratory Operations Department 
• Kaizen event participation 
• Submitted a minimum of 6 process improvement ideas that have been approved for implementation 
• 9 consecutive months of satisfactory scorecards 
• Presented information to laboratory operations personnel 
• Has completed 40 hours of training in other POLARIS Laboratories departments (minimum 2 hour segments to total 40) 
• Has completed 80 hours of work (minimum 2 hour segments) on another shift within the Laboratory Operations Department, or 40 hours at another location 
• Has been involved in the training of at least 1 lab technician on a test, who has passed the audit for that test within the past 6 months.  
• Has obtained a written recommendation from Assistant Lab Manager or Lab Manager 
• Has completed a self-assessment letter