Lab Technician

Arizona Department of Administration • Phoenix, AZ

13d • Onsite

About The Position

This position provides critical support to the Newborn Screening (NBS) Program by ensuring accurate data management, specimen processing, and laboratory operations. The incumbent is responsible for entering and verifying patient and specimen information in the Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS) to maintain data integrity, and for receiving, accessioning, and preparing dried blood spot (DBS) specimens for testing. Additional responsibilities include performing routine preventive maintenance on laboratory instruments, managing laboratory supplies and inventory, maintaining accurate records and preparing laboratory reports for healthcare providers, and assisting submitters with access to screening results via the Secure Remote Viewer system. This role ensures timely and accurate newborn screening, supporting early detection of serious genetic and metabolic disorders and contributing directly to the health of newborns across the state. The position requires attention to detail, adherence to quality and safety standards, and the ability to work collaboratively with laboratory and program teams.

Requirements

• Knowledge of data entry procedures, methods, and computer systems, including accurate handling of sensitive patient and laboratory information.
• Knowledge of medical, microbiological, and chemical terminology relevant to newborn screening and laboratory testing.
• Knowledge of principles, methods, and techniques of chemical, bacterial, and molecular laboratory analysis.
• Knowledge of laboratory techniques and specialized equipment used in specimen processing and testing.
• Knowledge of policies, procedures, and regulatory requirements governing laboratory operations and newborn screening programs.
• Knowledge of safe handling, storage, and disposal of clinical specimens and laboratory reagents.
• Knowledge of performance management and continuous quality improvement processes to support accurate and efficient laboratory operations.
• Skill in data entry
• Skill in organization
• Skill in oral and written communication
• Skill in operating specialized equipment
• Detail oriented with a high level of accuracy
• Management of confidential patient information
• Ability to safely handle clinical specimens
• Ability to maintain effective working relationships with colleagues and healthcare providers
• Ability to prioritize tasks and manage time efficiently
• Ability to support a diverse multi-cultural workforce that reflects the community, promotes equal opportunity at all levels of public employment, and creates an inclusive work environment that enables all individuals to perform to their fullest potential free from discrimination

Nice To Haves

• Education from an accredited college or university, including courses in biological or physical sciences that included laboratory work and laboratory experience in an appropriate field.
• Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university with a major in a biological or physical science that included laboratory coursework in the basic sciences appropriate to the assignment.

Responsibilities

• Enter and verify patient and specimen data - Prepare, enter, and verify demographic and specimen information accurately in the Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS) to ensure traceability and data integrity.
• Receive, accession, and prepare newborn screening specimens - Receive and log dried blood spot (DBS) cards, verify completeness of required information, and process and punch specimens for laboratory testing following standard procedures.
• Perform routine instrument maintenance - Complete daily, weekly, monthly, and as-needed preventive maintenance and basic troubleshooting on laboratory equipment and record work performed according to quality standards.
• Manage laboratory supplies - Receive, label, and organize incoming shipments of reagents and consumables; maintain inventory and restock laboratory areas to support daily testing operations.
• Maintain records and prepare laboratory reports - Maintain accurate daily logs and documentation; sort, review, and prepare laboratory screening result reports for distribution to healthcare providers.
• Provide customer support to healthcare providers - Assist hospitals, clinics, and other submitters with access to newborn screening results through the Secure Remote Viewer system and respond to basic program inquiries.
• Other duties as assigned as related to the position.

Benefits

• Affordable medical and dental insurance plans
• Paid vacation and sick time
• Paid Parental Leave-Up to 12 weeks per year paid leave for newborn or newly-placed foster/adopted child (pilot program).
• 10 paid holidays per year
• Wellness program and plans
• Life insurance
• Short/long-term disability insurance
• Defined retirement plan
• Award winning Infant at Work program
• Credit union membership
• Transit subsidy
• ADHS Student Assistance Pilot Program

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level