Lab Assistant/Specimen Processor (Lab Microbiology)

FTE: 0.9 | Full Time | Variable Hours/Variable Days

Schedule

• Cover every 3rd weekend from 6:30am to 3:00pm
• Weekday shifts vary: 10:00am – 6:30pm, 12:00pm – 8:30pm, or 2:00pm – 10:30pm

Pay

• Salary range: $19.27 – $26.50 per hour
• Shift differentials:
  • $1.27 extra for shifts between 3:00pm – 11:00pm
  • $2.15 extra for shifts between 11:01pm – 7:00am
  • $1.10 extra for weekend shifts

About the Role

The Lab Assistant/Specimen Processor contributes to the overall patient experience by using organizational and communication skills to receive and process laboratory specimens as specified by regulatory requirements and laboratory standard operating procedures. This includes assessing requisition dates, specimen adequacy, and acceptability to ensure accurate order entry and high-quality laboratory results.

In the Pathology Lab, you will also support histology, cytology, and transcriptionist workflows. Duties include assisting with slide preparation, staining, cover slipping, labeling, and performing transcriptionist-related tasks such as pathology report transcription, case preparation, document review, and report distribution.

Responsibilities

• Receive and process laboratory specimens according to regulatory and laboratory standards
• Assess requisition dates, specimen adequacy, and acceptability for accurate order entry
• Support histology, cytology, and transcriptionist workflows
• Assist with slide preparation, staining, cover slipping, and labeling
• Perform transcriptionist duties, including pathology report transcription, case preparation, document review, and report distribution

Requirements

• High school diploma, GED, or equivalent experience demonstrating effective communication
• Prior education or demonstrated knowledge in medical terminology
• 1 year of laboratory experience or a combination of education and related experience in a healthcare setting
• Specimen processing experience, including esoteric reference lab specimen handling and packaging (preferred)
• Phlebotomy experience and/or knowledge of laboratory tests and ordering processes (preferred)
• College courses/credits toward an advanced degree, especially in science (preferred)
• Data entry, keyboarding experience, and computer proficiency (preferred)

Qualifications

• Medical Laboratory Assistant certification through the Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP) (preferred)

Working Conditions

• Ability to stand/walk or lift/handle/carry between 20 and 50 pounds as a regular part of duties

Skills & Abilities

• Good organizational skills to ensure accurate processing under adverse conditions
• Detail-oriented with the ability to multi-task while maintaining a calm demeanor
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills
• Encourages teamwork through cooperative interactions with co-workers and other departments
• Ability to adapt to new processes

Benefits

• Competitive, market-based pay for hourly and salaried positions
• Medical, dental, and vision coverage for part-time and above employees and eligible dependents (begins within 30 days of hire)
• Employer-sponsored retirement plan with company contribution and match
• Generous paid time off (ETO) for part-time and above employees
• Professional development through tuition reimbursement and repayment programs
• Life insurance and disability coverage
• Employee assistance programs