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Lab Assistant (Specimen Technician III)

Jackson, Tennessee

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More: Efficiency Discover a team that delivers the quality and speed our patients deserve.

At a glance

Behind every one of the millions of tests we carry out, you’ll find our Specimen Management team. It’s thanks to their care and dedication that patient specimens move through each stage of the testing process in an accurate and timely manner. It’s challenging and meaningful work that will give you the chance to innovate, problem solve, and grow your skills to build a satisfying and rewarding career.

“When you open the bag, it’s not just a piece of paper. It’s not just tubes that you handle. It’s the patient’s life that you are servicing, and you want to give them the best results.”

- Josephine Mendoza Valdizno, Manager, Specimen Management, Processing

Success profile

What makes a successful candidate? See if you have what it takes.

  • Collaborative
  • Efficient
  • Focused
  • Results-driven
  • Productive
  • Organized

See how your career can grow

The possibilities in Specimen Management are numerous. That means endless opportunities to make your mark on promoting a healthier world. As part of the Specimen Management team, you’ll gain new skills and discover a welcoming workplace that helps you meet your career goals. You’ll also participate in mentoring and professional development programs that take your talents to the next level. It all starts here. Here is just one example of a career path you can take.

Icon Icon
  • Specimen Management Technician Specimen Management Technician
  • Sr. Specimen Management Technician Sr. Specimen Management Technician
  • Specimen Management Group Lead or Trainer Specimen Management Group Lead or Trainer
  • Specimen Management Supervisor Specimen Management Supervisor
  • Additional Advancement Opportunities Additional Advancement Opportunities

Job Details

Category Specimen Processing Location Jackson, Tennessee Job function Operations Job family Specimen Processors
Shift Evening Employee type Regular Full-Time Work mode On-site

Lab Assistant (Specimen Technician III) - Jackson, TN - Monday - Friday 11:30-8:30pm

This position has mastered all duties of the Specimen Processing Technician II. Work is highly self-directed, and role may include additional responsibilities such as client communications, internal training and problem solving related to special accounts and compliance. This individual will have completed the necessary training consistent with local business practices for Specimen Processing. Strong proficiency is required in test ordering policy and specimen requirements related to test ordering as well as accuracy and production standards.  This position will be more involved in complex processing including but not limited to: Microbiology processing, Frozen splits, Send outs, Cytology processing, irreplaceable specimens (spinal fluid, bone marrow, etc.); Special handling; allergies; serial; pediatric specimens. 

Pay Range: $17.87+ per hour

Salary offers are based on a wide range of factors including relevant skills, training, experience, education, and, where applicable, certifications obtained. Market and organizational factors are also considered. Successful candidates may be eligible to receive annual performance bonus compensation.

Benefits Information:
We are proud to offer best-in-class benefits and programs to support employees and their families in living healthy, happy lives. Our pay and benefit plans have been designed to promote employee health in all respects – physical, financial, and developmental. Depending on whether it is a part-time or full-time position, some of the benefits offered may include:

• Day 1 Medical/Dental/Vision for FT employees who work 30+ hours
• 15 PTO days first year
• Paid Holidays
• Annual Bonus Opportunity
• 401(k) with matching contributions
• Variable compensation plan (AIP) bonus
• Employee Stock Purchase Plan (ESPP)
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Blueprint for Wellness
• Tuition Reimbursement for undergraduate and graduate programs for FT employees who work 30+ hours
• Opportunities for career advancement
• Training provided!


  • Demonstrates proficiency in  responsibilities of the SPT II and understanding of all job duties and SOP’s related to the Specimen Processing department 
  • Demonstrates knowledge and understanding available resources to fill in for any function within the Specimen Processing department as necessary 
  • Demonstrates a thorough understanding of how Specimen Processing impacts the testing laboratory 
  • Identifies problems and in some cases, may resolve issues with specimen types such as missing information etc. 
  • Demonstrates an understanding of the compliance policies related to test ordering, which requires developing the ability to research test ordering information on translation tables, computer systems, and the directory of services 
  • Understands the complex relationship between test(s) ordered and specimen received 
  • Completes all required documentation, legibly and within the assigned timeframe 
  • Meets standards for production and accuracy within 3 months  
  • Validates and verifies orders for other employees 
  • May assist in training employees in any Specimen Processing job function and may provide ongoing training 
  • Adheres to all Quest Diagnostics policies and procedures, including Safety and Compliance 
  • Performs other duties as assigned 

QUALIFICATIONS

Required Work Experience:  

Internal candidates must have a minimum of 9 months experience and be meeting all performance standards in the SPT II role 

Preferred Work Experience:  

  • Medical background preferred which includes medical terminology applicable to a clinical laboratory 
  • Previous experience in a production environment preferred 

Physical and Mental Requirements:  

  • Position requires data background with abilities to enter 6,000 alphanumeric keystrokes/hour 
  • Works in a biohazard environment, practicing good safety habits 
  • Able to sit or stand for long periods 
  • Handles multiple tasks simultaneously and works in a production environment 

Knowledge:  

N/A

Skills:  

  • PC skills in MS office applications 
  • Communicates effectively with all levels of internal and external staff 
  • Maintains composure while working under pressure 
  • Demonstrates strong interpersonal skills that fosters a positive attitude at all times 
  • Demonstrates flexibility and is able to adapt to changes in work assignments 
  • Demonstrates strong leadership and ability to resolve complex Specimen Processing related questions/issues 


EDUCATION
High School Diploma or Equivalent

LICENSECERTIFICATIONS

Quest Diagnostics honors our service members and encourages veterans to apply.

While we appreciate and value our staffing partners, we do not accept unsolicited resumes from agencies. Quest will not be responsible for paying agency fees for any individual as to whom an agency has sent an unsolicited resume.

2024-75788


Equal Opportunity Employer: Race/Color/Sex/Sexual Orientation/Gender Identity/Religion/National Origin/Disability/Vets

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Culture

We’ve built a welcoming, inclusive workplace where people are inspired to learn, develop, and progress in their careers. There’s stability, so you can explore many career paths in one field. There’s flexibility, helping you to build a fulfilling life and rewarding career. There’s training and development to align your work with your business success. No wonder there’s more to discover at Quest.

Learn more

Benefits

We’re committed to helping our people live a healthier lifestyle. One way we do this is by offering a comprehensive total rewards package, so you can take care of yourself and the ones you love. Find out how our benefits provide you with everything you need to thrive—now and in the future.

  • Medical, supplemental health, dental, and vision

    From medical, dental, and vision coverage plans designed to meet your needs, to supplemental health plans for an additional layer of financial protection, you can rest assured that your health is high on our agenda.

  • Annual incentive plans

    All eligible employees are invited to participate in our success in our annual incentive bonus plan payout.

  • 401(k)

    You’re eligible to join the Quest Diagnostics 401(k) Plan on your date of hire. The company will match up to 5% of your annual salary.

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Quest Diagnostics is an equal employment opportunity employer. Our policy is to recruit, hire and promote qualified individuals without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other status protected by state or local law. Quest Diagnostics observes minimum age requirements established by federal, state and/or local laws, and will ask an applicant for verification when deemed necessary.

Quest Diagnostics is committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodations to individuals with disabilities. If you need a reasonable accommodation because of a disability for any part of the employment process, please complete the accommodation request form.