Laboratory Assistant II

Lenexa, KS

Eurofins Scientific is an international life sciences company, providing a unique range of analytical testing services to clients across multiple industries, to make life and our environment safer, healthier and more sustainable. From the food you eat, to the water you drink, to the medicines you rely on, Eurofins laboratories work with the biggest companies in the world to ensure the products they supply are safe, their ingredients are authentic and labelling is accurate.

The Eurofins network of companies is the global leader in food, environment, pharmaceutical and cosmetic product testing and in agroscience Contract Research Organisation services. It is one of the market leaders in certain testing and laboratory services for genomics, discovery pharmacology, forensics, advanced material sciences and in the support of clinical studies, as well as having an emerging global presence in Contract Development and Manufacturing Organisations. It also has a rapidly developing presence in highly specialised and molecular clinical diagnostic testing and in-vitro diagnostic products.

In over 30 years, Eurofins has grown from one laboratory in Nantes, France to 58,000 staff across a decentralised and entrepreneurial network of 900 laboratories in over 54 countries. Eurofins companies offer a portfolio of over 200,000 analytical methods to evaluate the safety, identity, composition, authenticity, origin, traceability and purity of biological substances and products.

In 2021, Eurofins generated total revenues of EUR 6.72 billion, and has been among the best performing stocks in Europe over the past 20 years.

Basic Function and Scope of Responsibility:

The Laboratory Assistant is primarily responsible for performing duties related to accessioning, specimen management, problem resolution, and data entry and specimen storage with a high degree of proficiency.

Qualifications

Level I - Minimum

Receive incoming shipments and document appropriately
Examine samples for accuracy and other requirements (sample type, volume, etc.)
Complete correction requests as needed
Perform data entry into the Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS)
Label samples and deliver them to proper area(s)
Retrieve and re-file samples for testing
Properly store specimens for short term and long-term storage
Prepare specimens to be shipped and adhere to all applicable shipping requirements
Aid laboratory personnel in cleaning duties
Maintain quality control and quality assurance records as required
Adhere to all quality and safety standards, as well as ensuring compliance with all applicable regulatory agencies
Adhere to policies and protocols in the lab
Work closely and communicate with other lab associates to complete daily activities efficiently
Other duties as assigned by management

Level II – Fully meets the qualifications of Level I plus the following:

Manage issues and projects; resolve escalated issues as appropriate.
Demonstrate superior understanding of pre-analytical processes
Contact Project Management team to resolve sample and/or testing related issues or discrepancies
Strong understanding of documentation received with samples, and differences in sample types

Level III – Fully meets the qualifications of Level I and II plus the following:

Demonstrate outstanding competency within all areas of the Biopharma Pre-Analytical department
Demonstrate superior understanding of departmental process and quality assurance expectations
Help to develop and provide training to new and existing associates
Demonstrate data entry proficiency with the Laboratory Information System (LIMS), and generate metrics as necessary
Participate in identifying solutions for date entry errors for improving quality

Lead – Fully meets the qualifications of Level III plus the following:

Demonstrate leadership skills through the supervision, coaching and mentoring of others as required
Ensure department adheres to policies and procedures, and applicable SOPs are being utilized appropriately
Ensure Training and competency tasks are completed and documented in timely fashion
Work closely and communicate with other lab associates to complete daily activities
Communicate goals and project deadlines to team member
Create a productive and positive team environment
Suggest potential improvements to existing systems and processes to immediate supervisor
Trains new and existing associates
Aid supervisors with areas of improvement in workflow or organization (scheduling)

Essential Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

Level I - Minimum

High School diploma or equivalent required
Specimen ordering and processing experience preferred
Must be comfortable with raw specimen handling
Ability to read, interpret, and comply with documents such as internal SOPs, operating and maintenance instructions, and company policies
Position may require evening and weekend hours
Intermediate level of proficiency with PC based software programs, with database skills and 1 year data entry experience preferred

Level II – Fully meets the qualifications of Level I plus the following:

Goal oriented, with excellent time management and organizational skills
Keen attentiveness to detail
Excellent interpersonal skills, with ability to interact effectively and work efficiently with people at all levels in the organization
Strong trouble shooting skills
Ability to keep sensitive information confidential

Level III – Fully meets the qualifications of Level I and II plus the following:

Ability to prioritize and organize efficient workflow, demonstrating excellent time management
Ability to maintain detailed and accurate records with great attention to detail, following good documentation practices
Ability to interact with other departments as necessary and develop relationships with other Lab Leadership and Management as it relates to work processes and workflow.
High level of proficiency with PC based software programs; strong database skills; 1 year of data entry experience preferred
2 years of clinical laboratory experience preferred

Lead – Fully meets the qualifications of Level III plus the following:

Demonstrated leadership abilities and agility to direct associates as required
Ability to manage and oversee daily workload
Advanced problem-solving skills
Demonstrates effective coaching and training skills
Ability to provide Management overall direction of workflow for Lab Assistants and Support Services as needed
Ability to communicate concerns and needs as necessary to Supervisors
Ability to accurately answer project questions when Supervisor is not available

Additional Information

Excellent full time benefits including comprehensive medical coverage, dental, and vision options
Life and disability insurance
401(k) with company match
Paid vacation and holidays

Eurofins is a M/F, Disabled, and Veteran Equal Employment Opportunity and Affirmative Action employer.