Specimen Processing Technician (1St Shift)

United States Drug Testing•Des Plaines, IL

About The Position

USDTL is a global leader in forensic toxicology testing for drug- and alcohol-exposed newborns and mothers, as well as other at-risk populations. The Specimen Processing Technician works in a production-oriented laboratory environment, supporting either the Initial Aliquoting or Confirmation Aliquoting module. The role contributes to accurate downstream testing and to USDTL’s mission of protecting and enriching lives. After in-house training, the technician must demonstrate competency in the assigned module under the supervision of a Team Lead and/or Supervisor. The position involves following laboratory SOPs and safety practices, maintaining specimen integrity, preparing samples and quality-control materials, completing documentation, and keeping the work area and equipment clean. The technician is not authorized to perform higher-complexity analytical testing or certify test results unless additional qualification and training requirements are met. The schedule is Tuesday through Saturday, 9:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. The listed pay range is $20.48 to $21.53 per hour.

Requirements

Two or more years of relevant laboratory experience, or an Associate degree in Medical Technology, or a Bachelor’s degree in Science.
Alternatively, one year of experience as a Specimen Accessioning Technician II while meeting proficiency, competency, and professionalism standards.
Ability to follow laboratory SOPs, safety practices, and HIPAA and personal health information standards.
Ability to complete aliquoting, pipetting, sample preparation, laboratory documentation, and sample-integrity tasks accurately.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor’s degree in Biology, Chemistry, Forensic Science, or a similar field.

Responsibilities

Locate, read, and accurately follow SOPs and laboratory safety procedures for the assigned Initial Aliquoting or Confirmation Aliquoting module.
Comply with HIPAA, personal health information standards, and applicable SOPs.
Maintain a clean, organized, and safe laboratory or work area.
Identify and troubleshoot problems or errors, perform corrective actions, notify supervisors, and document events.
Follow protocols, contact appropriate staff, and follow up to resolve problem specimens or forms.
Demonstrate complete competency in all aspects of the assigned job module after in-house training, under supervision of a Team Lead and/or Supervisor.
Complete computer and worksheet documentation and make corrective actions when necessary.
Complete activities that support team goals for the assigned job module.
Complete initial competency and maintain required competencies for the assigned aliquoting module, including pipette competencies.
Accurately complete Chain of Custody Worksheets.
Prepare samples proficiently for downstream testing processes and use good laboratory practices.
Pipette and weigh aliquots accurately for matrix and test requirements, recording appropriate information on worksheets.
Maintain sample integrity by ensuring aliquots are appropriately labeled and match the original specimen containers.
Keep laboratory apparatus and equipment clean to prevent cross-contamination, and store samples and aliquots appropriately for matrix and test requirements.
Prepare blind QC, sample spikes, and negative pool samples.
Perform general laboratory processes, including dilutions, use of volumetric flasks, decanting, centrifugation, and sonication.
Clean laboratory equipment, glassware, benches, and other work areas.