Senior Laboratory Technician

START Center for Cancer Research • West Valley City, UT

1d • Onsite

About The Position

The Senior Laboratory Technician, Labs and PK, supports the investigation team in adherence to phase 1 research protocols and departmental Standard Operating Procedures. Under general supervision, the role performs point-of-care testing and laboratory receiving, processing, handling, storage, and shipping procedures, as well as equipment maintenance and inventory control within the Labs and PK Department. The position is based at the West Valley City, Utah location and follows a Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m. schedule with an on-call weekend rotation.

The technician supports clinical and research specimen workflows, point-of-care testing, results documentation and escalation, quality and regulatory readiness, equipment maintenance, and pharmacokinetic department administration. The role requires compliance with applicable regulations, study protocols, laboratory procedures, company policies, and good laboratory practices.

Requirements

• Associate’s degree in chemical, physical, biological, or clinical laboratory science, or medical technology.
• Two years of experience in a laboratory setting, with a solid understanding of laboratory techniques and safety protocols.
• Experience in data management.
• Experience in logistics and operations.
• Experience with electronic medical record programs and laboratory information systems.
• General knowledge of medical terminology.
• High attention to detail and strong organizational skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to work well independently.
• Ability to troubleshoot unplanned situations while meeting established deadlines.
• Proficient experience with Microsoft Office and ability to learn new software.
• Punctuality, good attendance, and flexibility to work hours that accommodate the clinic patient schedule.

Nice To Haves

• Bachelor’s degree or higher from an accredited college or university in clinical laboratory science, medical technology, biological science, chemistry, or a related discipline.
• At least one year of clinical laboratory experience; qualifying clinical training or internship experience may be considered.
• Demonstrated knowledge of pre-analytical, analytical, and post-analytical laboratory processes; quality control principles; instrument maintenance; troubleshooting; and accurate result documentation.
• Ability to perform only testing authorized by the laboratory and the employee’s license, validated procedures, and documented training and competency.

Responsibilities

• Ensure accurate specimen labeling, documentation, chain of custody, handling, processing, storage, packaging, and shipment in accordance with protocols and laboratory and organizational requirements.
• Evaluate specimens against acceptability criteria and identify issues that may affect specimen integrity, such as hemolysis, clotting, contamination, incorrect labeling, temperature excursions, or insufficient volume.
• Centrifuge, aliquot, process, store, and prepare clinical and research specimens for shipment according to approved procedures.
• Perform CLIA-waived, point-of-care, and other specifically authorized laboratory testing.
• Operate approved point-of-care analyzers and laboratory equipment according to manufacturer instructions and written procedures.
• Review analyzer alerts, error codes, and quality control results; suspend testing and escalate concerns when acceptance criteria are not met.
• Participate in proficiency testing, competency assessments, inspections, audits, corrective action activities, and quality improvement initiatives as assigned.
• Prepare specimens for shipment to external laboratory vendors.
• Enter, document, or transmit laboratory and point-of-care test results according to written procedures and assigned system permissions.
• Review results for completeness and identify critical values, abnormal findings, analyzer flags, or testing concerns requiring escalation.
• Notify the ordering provider or other designated licensed professional of critical results or significant findings according to notification procedures.
• Document required communications, interventions, read-backs, and follow-up actions related to laboratory results.
• Maintain required nursing, laboratory, instrument, testing, and specimen-management competencies.
• Follow applicable federal, state, and local requirements, the site laboratory certificate or permit, study protocols, laboratory procedures, and START policies.
• Maintain accurate quality control, maintenance, competency, communication, and testing records as assigned.
• Support laboratory readiness for inspections, accreditation reviews, and regulatory audits.
• Maintain supplies, monitor lot numbers and expiration dates, and remove expired or compromised materials from use.
• Follow infection prevention, exposure control, biohazard, chemical safety, privacy, and waste-disposal requirements.
• Stop testing immediately and notify appropriate laboratory or clinical leadership when equipment, specimen, quality control, authorization, or patient-safety concerns arise.
• Comply with applicable laws and regulations for biological sample processing, handling, and shipping.
• Receive, process, handle, store, and ship biospecimens according to study specifications.
• Prepare research sample collection supplies according to study specifications.
• Adhere to company SOPs and GLPs and record data in electronic data systems in compliance with them.
• Process and ship tissue specimens according to protocol requirements; coordinate with healthcare providers to receive patient tissue and prepare it as needed per protocol.
• Perform Pharmacokinetic Department administrative functions, including work tally records, scanning internal and study-specific forms, filing, and sample management documentation.
• Complete study forms, including shipping logs and documentation, sample requisition forms, flow sheets, and sample manifests.
• Sanitize laboratory equipment on daily, weekly, monthly, and yearly schedules.
• Perform and record daily, weekly, and annual equipment maintenance.
• Participate in on-call rotations for emergency response involving drug and specimen storage and for emergency management.

Benefits

• 401(k) retirement savings plan with employer match.
• Eligibility for an annual performance bonus, based on role and company results.
• Generous paid time off and paid holidays.
• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage, plus optional insurance options.
• Company-paid life and disability insurance.
• Employee Assistance Program providing confidential, no-cost support for employees and their families from day one.
• Flexible FSA and HSA plans.
• Supportive environment that values balance, well-being, and flexibility.
• Collaborative workplace emphasizing continuous learning, professional growth, shared ideas, inclusivity, and innovation.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior
• Education Level: Associate degree