Clinical Laboratory Associate

About Fellow

At Fellow, we aim to make male fertility support accessible to everyone, wherever they are, whatever the route. We want to get to the source of unanswered questions in male reproductive health and support clinicians with our research. Our mission is to create the most advanced male reproductive sciences company to support patient-clinician experiences that have been in the doldrums for decades.

About this Role

The Clinical Laboratory Associate (CLA) plays a vital role in the operations of the Clinical Laboratory. The CLA is responsible for specimen handling, equipment maintenance, reagent preparation, and managing inventory. While the CLA may not conduct the full range of tests that a Clinical Lab Scientist (CLS) does, they may assist in the testing of patient specimens under the supervision of a CLS. Their work helps to expedite the testing process, ensuring that results are delivered without unnecessary delay.

Furthermore, the job demands attention to detail, strong verbal and written communication skills, the capacity to manage multiple tasks simultaneously and adapt to varying duties and schedules, as well as the aptitude to operate autonomously within a collaborative team setting.

What You’ll Do

In accordance with California Business and Professions Code §1269, the following activities may be performed under the supervision of the laboratory director or appropriately licensed personnel:

• Sample collection or receipt, sample preparation, labeling, handling, preservation or fixation, assay processing or preparation, and/or transportation and storage of specimens.
• Assist the CLSs in performing sample processing.
• Perform routine equipment maintenance according to the laboratory’s standard operating procedures.
• Create sample batches, print labels and label tubes and plates.
• Prepare and store reagents for sample processing and sample archiving.
• Order and stock laboratory supplies.
• Print and file of laboratory records.
• Check, monitor and resolve routine cold storage temperature and laboratory temperature and initiate a service request as necessary.
• Perform general laboratory tasks include cleaning of racks, laboratory equipment and benches.
• Document all corrective actions taken when test systems deviate from the laboratory’s established performance specifications.
• Organize the calibration and maintenance schedules of equipment.
• Write and revise standard operating procedures, as needed.
• Perform other duties as assigned.
• Positions at advanced levels, such as CLA II or Senior CLA, will be tasked with additional responsibilities.

What You’ll Bring

• Minimum of Associate degree or equivalent required.
• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent in Biomedical Laboratory Science, Clinical Science or related field preferred.
• Prior experience in a high complexity and volume clinical laboratory setting is desirable but not required for entry-level candidates.
• Strong understanding of laboratory safety protocols and the ability to work with potentially hazardous materials.
• Proficiency in using laboratory information systems (LIS), Microsoft Office Suite, and Google platform.
• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team in a fast-paced environment.
• Strong communication skills, both verbal and written, following good documentation practices.
• Capable of independently executing tasks with minimal direction, while maintaining a collaborative approach that avoids complete isolation.
• Ability to prioritize tasks with a high emphasis on quality and time.
• Proactively initiate and drive projects, consistently contributing innovative solutions and seizing opportunities for process improvement.
• Ability to participate in projects, update others on progress and complete assignments as expected.

Work Environment

• Hours and days may vary depending upon operational needs.
• Standing or sitting for long periods of time may be necessary.
• May be exposed to hazardous materials, semen specimens, instruments with moving parts, heating or freezing elements, and high-speed centrifugation.
• Repetitive manual pipetting may be necessary.

Why You’ll Love Working Here

We are a team fueled by empathy and community with a culture driven by excellence that helps you not only meet your goals, but also create new ones. We encourage individual expression in the workplace and thrive on the innovative ideas this generates. Your work will contribute towards evolving an industry that is ripe for innovation. We offer a comprehensive suite of benefits including health, dental, 401k, unlimited PTO and paid holidays. Fellow is an equal opportunity employer. Fellow prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type and affords equal employment opportunities to employees and applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. Fellow conforms to both the spirit and the letter of all applicable laws and regulations. We value diversity and the existence of similarities and differences, both visible and not, found in our workforce and workplace.