Medical Technician I - Specimen Processing - Days

About the role

The Specimen Processing department at MD Anderson Cancer Center serves as the central hub for laboratory operations, ensuring patient specimens are accurately received, processed, prepared, and distributed for testing across multiple laboratory specialties. This team plays a critical role in maintaining the integrity of the diagnostic process by supporting timely, accurate testing that directly impacts patient diagnosis and treatment. Working in a fast-paced, high-volume environment, Specimen Processing is essential to the success of laboratory operations throughout the institution.

Responsibilities

• Evaluates and accessioning cases or specimens
• Documents and cases or specimens requiring special handling
• Documents any unacceptable cases or specimens and performs cancellations as necessary
• Performs complex set-ups of slides/specimens for clinical testing
• Prepares any reagents required for slide/specimen processing
• Prepares any necessary sterile supplies or reagents
• Cuts and grinds tissue specimens as necessary for processing procedures
• Evaluate samples requiring performance by a reference laboratory
• If necessary, obtain appropriate approvals before sending samples to reference laboratory
• Prepare and/or aliquot specimens into appropriate transport containers and store in the appropriate transport conditions until pick up by courier
• Generate manifest for reference laboratory specimens and ensure all specimens and orders are accounted for
• Operates instrumentation/equipment according to specific protocols
• Is able to perform and document standard service, quality control, and/or calibration procedures
• Is able to troubleshoot and resolve common instrumentation/equipment problems
• Performs inventory of supplies/reagents according to departmental procedures
• Maintains a clean and organized workstation
• Restocks consumable items as necessary to ensure enough to support the next work shift
• Complies with the section telephone courtesy policies and procedures
• Demonstrate cooperation when working with both internal and external customers
• Demonstrates calmness under varying environmental circumstances
• Remains willing and capable of assisting in crisis situations
• Train other employees, students, and/or fellows as needed

Requirements

• Strong commitment to quality, customer service, and teamwork
• Organizational skills, excellent attention to detail, and the ability to prioritize multiple tasks in a high-volume laboratory environment
• Bachelor's degree in a science-related field, or equivalent combination of education and experience
• 3 years of experience in a clinical medical laboratory or similar setting

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or Equivalent

Skills

• Hands-on laboratory work
• Detail-oriented environment
• Supporting patient care
• Collaborative laboratory team

Benefits

• Paid medical benefits
• Generous paid time off
• Retailment plans
• Tuition assistance
• Professional development opportunities
• Additional benefits

Pay

The pay for this position is commensurate with experience.

Schedule

The hours for this position are 7am - 3:30pm.