Senior Lab Assistant

Texas Oncology is looking for a Lab Assistant to join our team!  This position will support the Houston Memorial City location.  The working schedule will be Monday through Friday from 8:30am-5:00pm.  

This position will be either a level 1, 2 or Sr based on candidate experience.  

Texas Oncology is the largest community oncology provider in the country and has approximately 600+ providers in 220+ sites across Texas and southeastern Oklahoma.  Our founders pioneered community-based cancer care because they believed in making the best available cancer care accessible to all communities, allowing people to fight cancer at home with the critical support of family and friends nearby. Our mission is still the same today - at Texas Oncology, we use leading-edge technology and research to deliver high-quality, high-touch, evidence-based cancer care to help our patients achieve “More breakthroughs. More victories.” ® in their fight against cancer.  Today, Texas Oncology treats half of all Texans diagnosed with cancer on an annual basis.  

Why work for us?  

Come join our team that is responsible for helping lead Texas Oncology in treating more patient diagnosed with cancer than any other provider in Texas.  We offer our employees a competitive benefits package that includes Medical, Dental, Vision, Life Insurance, Short-term and Long-term disability coverage, a generous PTO program, a 401k plan that comes with a company match, a Wellness program that rewards you practicing a healthy lifestyle, and lots of other great perks such as Tuition Reimbursement, an Employee Assistance program and discounts on some of your favorite retailers.   

What does the Lab Assistant do? (including but not limited to)  

Under direct supervision, is responsible for the collecting and processing of specimens from patients, documenting results according to established procedures. Assists with performing specimen analysis, instrument maintenance, and quality control procedures as indicated. Follows quality assurance and safety policies and procedures. Assists with patient flow as needed. Properly identifies patient, draws blood samples and sends to laboratory for analysis. Maintains collection areas and equipment and performs record keeping duties. Works within clearly defined standard operating procedures and/or scientific methods and adheres to quality guidelines. 

The essential duties and responsibilities (including but not limited to):  

• Collects appropriate specimens from patients as ordered.   

• Maintains proper documentation as described by the quality assurance program including accessioning logs, test report logs, quality control logs, equipment records and checklists.  

• Performs specimen analysis of all chemistry, hematology, immunology specimens as directed.  

• Maintains adequate inventory of supplies and ensures that all supplies are viable before using in patient testing.  

• Preps patients as necessary (e.g., taking vital signs) 

• Assists with testing procedures according to procedure guidelines.  

• Sends specimens to reference laboratories for any testing not performed in house. Processes incoming orders for lab testing. Processes in-house and in-coming results for charting. Charts patient results in a timely manner.  

• Update and file all daily paperwork, lab logs and maintenance logs.  

• Arrange for transfusion of blood products when ordered by physician. Operates designated laboratory equipment as directed.  

• Uses equipment effectively, skillfully and efficiently. Maintains equipment and work area as directed. Performs testing under CLIA guidelines for personnel.  

• Performs daily, weekly and monthly instrument maintenance as indicated. Records proper lot numbers of all controls, calibrator, and reagents.  

• Identifies troubleshooting procedures and calls technical services as needed. Implements and complies with safety and quality assurance standards.  

• Complies with regulatory agency standards. Adheres to all OSHA compliance laws and Universal Precaution procedures.  

• Properly disposes of hazardous materials. Maintains a clean working environment and restocks the laboratory area as needed.  

• Performs phlebotomy and sample collection procedures as needed. 

• Maintains confidentially of all information related to patients and medical staff. 

• Responsible for performing CLIA Waived or Moderately complexity testing under close supervision. 

The ideal candidate for the Lab Assistant position will have the following background and experience:  

Level 1    

• High School diploma or equivalent required.  

• Position is entry level and requires no experience. 

Level 2 (in addition to level 1 requirements)  

• Minimum three years laboratory experience. 

Level Sr (in addition to level 1 and 2 requirements)  

• Minimum five years laboratory experience. 

Physical Demands: 

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Physical demands of this job typically require full range of body motion including manual and finger dexterity and eye-hand coordination in operation and manipulation of complex laboratory equipment. Requires sitting/standing for extensive periods of time with the use hands to finger, handle, or feel and arms to reach or carry. Occasionally lifts and carries items weighing up to 40 lbs. Requires corrected vision, color perception and hearing to normal range. Requires legible handwriting. 

Work Environment: 

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations will be offered to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly exposed to direct contact with patients with potential for exposure to blood/body fluids, chemotherapeutic agents, or transmittable infections. Direct contact with corrosive chemicals, infectious agents, handling glassware, needles and open flames.