The Role
Perform on-site pre-analytical laboratory tasks in a high-volume CAP/CLIA facility: build and ship at-home kits (~20%), receive/unpack/accession specimens, perform data entry and plating, operate automated equipment, maintain biohazardous waste compliance, track inventory, and coordinate handoffs. Follow protocols, ensure sample integrity, and support process improvements and training as you advance.
Summary Generated by Built In
What is special about this role?
Join Helix's world-class, high-volume CAP/CLIA certified laboratory, transforming health organizations by weaving genomics into the fabric of healthcare. As a Lab Aide, you'll be at the forefront of our pre-analytical operations, working with a dynamic team that processes thousands of patient specimens daily. You'll gain hands-on clinical laboratory experience in a state-of-the-art facility, supporting accessioning activities, plating procedures, and the biohazardous waste program, while also getting exposure to at-home kit fulfillment services which builds and sends out the very kits that return to our lab. With clear advancement pathways, you'll grow from executing foundational tasks to becoming a subject matter expert and leader within the laboratory operations team.
As a Lab Aide I, you will:
- Work onsite in our CAP/CLIA certified laboratory located in San Diego, CA
- Build at-home collection kits and support pick, pack, and send-out of at-home kits as part of fulfillment operations (approximately 20% of role)
- Perform accurate scans to track kit status and maintain inventory levels
- Receive, unpack, and verify patient specimens against requisitions with high accuracy
- Perform specimen accessioning and data entry while maintaining sample integrity
- Identify and flag specimen issues such as missing information or incorrect sample types
- Execute plating procedures and operate automated equipment according to established protocols
- Support and maintain the biohazardous waste program in compliance with regulations
- Maintain a clean, organized laboratory workspace.
- Coordinate handoffs between accessioning and supporting teams to keep specimen statuses accurate across teams.
As you advance, you will have the opportunity to take on additional responsibilities including training new staff, troubleshooting complex specimen issues, and contributing to process improvement initiatives.
About you:
- Associate's degree in laboratory science or medical laboratory technology
- Course work must include completion of 60 semester hours from an accredited institution, with 24 semester hours of science courses (including 6 hours in chemistry, 6 hours in biology, and 12 additional hours in chemistry, biology, or medical lab technology)
- 0–1 year of experience in a clinical laboratory or healthcare setting (Lab Aide I); academic experience will be considered
- Proficient computer skills (Excel, Microsoft Word) with exceptional accuracy in data entry
- Strong attention to detail and organizational skills
- Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced, team-oriented environment
- Understanding of patient confidentiality (HIPAA) requirements
- Developing knowledge of CAP and CLIA requirements
- Ability to follow established procedures and work under direct supervision
- Willingness to commit to a Tuesday through Saturday work schedule
- Comfortable using AI tools (or open to learning them) to support day-to-day tasks
Pluses:
- Bachelor's degree in laboratory science or medical laboratory technology
- Prior experience in a high-volume clinical laboratory setting
- Familiarity with laboratory information management systems (LIMS)
- Experience with biohazardous waste handling and disposal
- Knowledge of pre-analytical specimen processing best practices
- Demonstrated interest in process improvement and operational efficiency
- Experience working in regulated environments
- Strong problem-solving skills and ability to work independently on routine tasks
Expected Interview Process:
1) Recruiter Screen 2) Manager Screen 3) Onsite 4) Offer
Expected Pay For This Role:
There are 3 distinct parts to your Helix offer: 1) Base Salary 2) Annual Bonus 3) Equity
- Expected Helix Base Hourly Rate: $23 - $29
- Expected Helix Discretionary Annual Bonus: 5% of your annual salary
- Equity: We offer generous equity at Helix. If you receive a Helix offer your recruiter will book dedicated time with you to educate you on our equity model.
Aside from working alongside brilliant, dedicated, passionate, down-to-earth, curious, warm, and thoughtful people, we also provide great benefits:
- Comprehensive Health Insurance with Date of Hire eligibility
- Above average employer paid premium coverage
- 12 weeks Helix Paid Parental Leave option
- 401(k) with employer matching of up to 3% and 100% Vesting on the Date of Hire
- Comprehensive Well-Being Benefits
- Flexible PTO
- Remote options for many roles and a home office stipend
What To Expect During Your First 90 days:
- First 30 days: you’ll spend time learning the Helix way, completing training and onboarding for your roles, and getting introduced to your team and relevant stakeholders. You’ll also gain a deeper understanding of our customers, our products, the impact we make in the lives of our communities, and how to thrive at Helix through participation in Helix U.
- Day 30 - 60: you’ll spend time contributing to projects, deeply familiarizing yourself with team and company processes, and developing a deeper understanding of Helix’s products, services and capabilities.
- Day 60 - 90: you’ll build your OKRs with your manager, start to take ownership of projects and initiatives on your team, and begin to demonstrate your impact on the Helix mission.
To learn how Helix collects, uses, and protects your personal information during the recruitment process, please review our Privacy Notice.
Helix is proud to be an equal opportunity employer, and committed to providing employment opportunities regardless of race, religious creed, color, national origin, ancestry, physical disability, mental disability, medical condition, genetic information, marital status, sex, gender, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy, childbirth and breastfeeding, age, sexual orientation, military or veteran status, or any other protected classification, in accordance with applicable federal, state, and local laws.
#LI-Remote
CompensationThe base pay range for this role is $23 – $29 per year.
Skills Required
- Associate's degree in laboratory science or medical laboratory technology
- Completion of 60 semester hours including 24 semester hours of science (6 chemistry, 6 biology, 12 additional in chemistry/biology/MLT)
- 0-1 year of experience in a clinical laboratory or healthcare setting (academic experience considered)
- Proficient computer skills (Excel, Microsoft Word) with exceptional accuracy in data entry
- Strong attention to detail and organizational skills
- Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced, team-oriented environment
- Understanding of patient confidentiality (HIPAA) requirements
- Developing knowledge of CAP and CLIA requirements
- Ability to follow established procedures and work under direct supervision
- Willingness to commit to a Tuesday through Saturday work schedule
- Comfortable using AI tools or open to learning them
- Bachelor's degree in laboratory science or medical laboratory technology
- Prior experience in a high-volume clinical laboratory setting
- Familiarity with laboratory information management systems (LIMS)
- Experience with biohazardous waste handling and disposal
- Knowledge of pre-analytical specimen processing best practices
- Demonstrated interest in process improvement and operational efficiency
- Experience working in regulated environments
- Strong problem-solving skills and ability to work independently on routine tasks
Helix Compensation & Benefits Highlights
The following summarizes recurring compensation and benefits themes identified from responses generated by popular LLMs to common candidate questions about Helix and has not been reviewed or approved by Helix.
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Leave & Time Off Breadth — Feedback suggests generous PTO, flexible time away, unlimited vacation, paid sick days, and paid parental leave support work–life balance. These policies are frequently highlighted alongside flexible scheduling.
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Healthcare Strength — Feedback suggests medical, dental, and vision coverage are complemented by a wellness program. Access to health-focused initiatives contributes to a comprehensive core benefits package.
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Wellbeing & Lifestyle Benefits — Feedback suggests commuter benefits, free daily meals, and onsite parking enhance day‑to‑day experience. Such perks, combined with flexible work arrangements, add lifestyle value beyond base pay.
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The Company
What We Do
Helix is a rapidly growing startup focused on personal genomics. Helix has a simple but powerful mission: to empower every person to improve their life through DNA. We’re creating an ecosystem where people can explore diverse and uniquely personalized applications provided by high-quality partners.
Why Work With Us
We are collaborators—scientists, engineers, designers, marketers, and more—working across four offices to solve complex challenges locked within the human genome. We are biased toward action as we strive to uphold integrity in sequencing, science, and communication. At Helix, transparency, collaboration, and empowerment drive us in all that we do.
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