Medical Technician I - Specimen Processing - Nights

About the role

The Specimen Processing department at MD Anderson Cancer Center plays a critical role in the laboratory testing process by ensuring patient specimens are accurately received, identified, processed, and prepared for testing. As an essential part of the clinical laboratory, the team supports timely and reliable patient results by maintaining specimen integrity, coordinating reference laboratory testing, and ensuring materials move efficiently through the laboratory workflow. This Medical Technician I position offers the opportunity to work in a fast-paced clinical laboratory environment where accuracy, organization, and attention to detail directly support patient care. The role is ideal for someone who enjoys hands-on laboratory work, follows established procedures carefully, and can effectively manage multiple priorities while maintaining high standards of quality.

Responsibilities

• Perform specimen accessioning and processing, including evaluating specimens, documenting special handling requirements, preparing slides and specimens for testing, preparing reagents and sterile supplies, and cutting or grinding tissue specimens when required.
• Evaluate specimens requiring reference laboratory testing, prepare appropriate transport materials, generate manifests, and ensure specimens and corresponding orders are accurately accounted for throughout the process.
• Operate and maintain laboratory instrumentation and equipment, performing routine service, quality control, and calibration procedures while troubleshooting common equipment issues.
• Maintain an organized workstation, monitor inventory, and restock supplies to ensure the laboratory has the resources needed to maintain efficient operations.
• Interact with internal and external customers, follow established telephone courtesy standards, and remain calm and professional in varying circumstances, including situations requiring additional assistance.
• Train employees, students, and fellows on established procedures while following structured training checklists.

Qualifications

Required: High School Diploma or Equivalent

Preferred: Bachelor's Degree in Basic Science

Experience

Required: 3 years in a clinical medical laboratory or similar setting, or with preferred degree, no experience required.

Competencies

Accession/Specimen Processing:

• Evaluates and accessions cases or specimens
• Documents 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

Instrumentation/Equipment:

• 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

Inventory:

• 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

Customer Service:

• Complies with the section telephone courtesy policies and procedures
• Demonstrates cooperation when working with both internal and external customers
• Demonstrates calmness under varying environmental circumstances
• Remains willing and capable of assisting in crisis situations

Training:

• Trains other employees, students, and/or fellows as needed
• Follows established checklists during the training period

Benefits

• Paid medical benefits
• Generous paid time off
• Retirement plans
• Tuition assistance
• Professional development opportunities
• Individual and team recognition

Pay & Schedule

• Pay range: $38,000 – $57,000 USD (non-exempt, eligible for overtime pay)
• Schedule: Full-time, nights, onsite