WHAT DOES A LABORATORY ASSOCIATE DO?
Published: Jan 06, 2026 - The Laboratory Associate performs DNA extraction in a biosafety level 2 laboratory, quantifies DNA concentration under established QC protocols, and prepares sequencing libraries using both automated and manual procedures. This role quantifies libraries using qPCR, runs libraries on NGS instruments, and records sample processing workflows in real time through a laboratory information management system. The associate maintains robotic liquid handlers and sequencing equipment, determines sequencing loading schemes, and supports data transfer, run tracking, and basic QC evaluation through LIMS.
A Review of Professional Skills and Functions for Laboratory Associate
1. Clinical Laboratory Associate Duties
- Sample Accessioning: Receive, inspect, accession and handle clinical samples according to established procedures
- Sample Processing: Perform pre-analytical processing and analytical testing of samples according to clinical requisitions
- LIMS Documentation: Complete documentation and LIMS entry associated with specified testing procedures including data capture, forms, logbooks, and inventory records
- Data Analysis: Analyze data utilizing validated analytical procedures
- Data Verification: Verify the accuracy and validity of data, and correct any errors
- Deviation Reporting: Document and report any out-of-specification results or deviations from protocol
- Troubleshooting Summary: Present laboratory management with summaries of troubleshooting efforts and conclusions
- Reagent Procurement: Organize and procure reagents, perform experiments, and analyze data for acceptance testing of critical materials
- Lab Maintenance: Participate in general lab maintenance initiatives including maintaining laboratory supplies and equipment
- Maintenance Logging: Log associated maintenance activities in accordance with documented requirements
- Inventory Management: Maintain electronic inventory databases, physical inventory and records of processing, aliquoting, vialing, and labeling materials
- Safety Compliance: Utilize self-reliance in understanding and adhering to laboratory safety precautions and proper use of personal protective equipment
- BSL2 Assays: Run assays with Biosafety Level 2 samples such as human serum and plasma
- Best Practice: Monitor the behaviors of others within the laboratory setting and guide best practices
- SOP Development: Develop and implement SOPs as well as participate as a team member in developing new documentation for the department
2. Laboratory Associate Details
- DNA Extraction: DNA extraction from different sample sources in a biosafety level 2 laboratory
- DNA Quantification: Quantify DNA sample concentration following QC protocols
- Library Preparation: Prepare libraries for Next Generation Sequencing using automated and manual procedures
- qPCR Quantification: Quantify libraries using qPCR in automated and manual procedures
- NGS Operation: Run libraries on NGS instruments
- LIMS Recording: Real-time recording of automated sample processing workflows through a laboratory information management system
- Instrument Maintenance: Maintain robotic liquid handlers and sequencing instruments for optimal performance
- Load Planning: Determine sequencing loading schemes to generate the required additional data
- Data Transfer: Assist in data transfer and basic QC evaluation of data
- Run Tracking: Track sequencing runs and manage data results through LIMS
3. Pharmacokinetics Laboratory Associate Responsibilities
- CLIA/CAP Compliance: Ensure that testing systems and methodologies developed and performed for drug concentration analyses meet all quality requirements under CLIA and CAP guidelines
- Clinical Reporting: Ensure that testing reports include the necessary information required for attending physicians to choose the optimal dose to attain the desired target exposure, as determined by the physician
- Lab Consultation: Be accessible to the laboratory to provide onsite, telephone, or electronic consultation to laboratory staff and clients during laboratory operating hours
- Test Expansion: Evaluate opportunities and lead the expansion of billable tests for the Laboratory
- Assay Optimization: Work with the PK Laboratory Director, Manager, and team to optimize existing and new assay methods
- SOP Oversight: Ensure standard operating procedures are written and consistent with the methods performed in the laboratory and are adequate to determine reliability, accuracy, precision, and other relevant characteristics of test methods
- Performance Standards: Ensure the establishment and maintenance of acceptable levels of analytical performance per SOP for each testing system and method
- Deviation Documentation: Ensure all necessary remedial actions taken are documented whenever significant deviations occur from the laboratory’s established performance standards
- Clinical Consultation: Provide consultation to physicians and investigators in developing new treatment plans and clinical research protocols relating to personalized drug dosing and clinical pharmacology
- Staff Education: Provide opportunities for ongoing education and training for laboratory staff to maintain and enhance expertise in pharmacokinetics and pharmacogenomics testing
- Clinician Education: Provide education to clinicians and other groups
- Scientific Updates: Stay up to date with research and technology and continue to push scientific boundaries in precision medicine
4. Production Laboratory Associate Accountabilities
- Specimen Accessioning: Perform specimen receipt and accessioning
- Record Archiving: Scan, archive, or dispose of documents and records according to the company’s procedures
- Corrective Actions: Document all corrective actions taken when there is a deviation from the test system
- Issue Troubleshooting: Assist in troubleshooting issues
- Issue Escalation: Escalate issues to supervisors for timely resolution
- HIPAA Compliance: Report all potential problems with PHI and or HIPAA compliance immediately to the supervisor
- Lab Upkeep: Assist in the general upkeep of the laboratory to support daily operations
- Inventory Control: Maintain sufficient inventory of supplies for daily operations
- Lab Cleaning: Clean workbenches, racks, sample containers, and other laboratory supplies
- Process Improvement: Identify and implement process or quality improvement tasks under the Supervisor’s guidance
- Cross Coordination: Interact with Support, courier services, and other departments to obtain or provide the required information
- Core Values: Uphold the company's mission and values through accountability, innovation, integrity, quality, and teamwork
- QMS Compliance: Support and comply with the company’s Quality Management System policies and procedures
5. Clinical Laboratory Associate Functions
- Lab Scheduling: Perform daily lab operations such as scheduling, independently troubleshooting, and resolving highly complex problems
- Problem Resolution: Independently identify and troubleshoot highly complex problems that impact test performance
- SOP Testing: Perform laboratory tests, procedures, and analyses according to the lab's SOPs
- Staff Training: Assist with the training of new lab staff and the training of new procedures with existing staff
- Preventive Maintenance: Perform and document regular preventive maintenance
- Project Support: Participate in projects under supervision and maintain the quality and efficient workflow of daily duties
- Research Testing: Perform lab tests, procedures, and analyses according to the lab’s SOPs for research sample testing
- Equipment Troubleshooting: Operate and troubleshoot equipment according to the lab's SOPs for research sample testing