Specimen Receiving & Processing Technician (Medical Laboratory Technician 1)

State of Oregon • Hillsboro, OR

5d • Onsite

About The Position

The Oregon Health Authority (OHA), Public Health Division (PHD), Oregon State Public Health Laboratory (OSPHL) is seeking a Specimen Receiving & Processing Technician (Medical Laboratory Technician 1) to join their team. The Oregon State Public Health Laboratory supports state and local infectious disease control efforts, works to prevent medical conditions detectable at birth, and assures the quality of testing in clinical and environmental laboratories. In this role, you will contribute directly to Oregon’s public health mission by supporting essential pre‑analytical processes, including specimen receiving, data entry, racking, and kit assembly and distribution. The Operations Medical Laboratory Technician ensures that specimens are logged, processed, and prepared efficiently and accurately, enabling timely testing for populations at risk of infection and in response to outbreaks. Responsibilities include receiving and processing test samples, preparing and shipping test collection kits, handling infectious and diagnostic shipments, entering and reviewing data, processing mail, and ensuring accuracy in reports and laboratory records.

Requirements

• One year of "technical trainee" experience as a Laboratory Assistant in a clinical laboratory OR Completion of a certified clinical laboratory training program OR A Certificate or Associate’s degree in an Applied Science from an accredited Medical or Clinical Laboratory Technician training program.
• Relevant knowledge and experience may include knowledge of medical laboratory terminology, equipment, materials, techniques, and basic principles of chemistry, biology, physiology, mathematics, reagent stability, and general lab safety.
• Understanding of factors affecting test results and aseptic techniques.
• Skill in proper specimen care, handling, labeling, transportation, and storage; interpreting standard lab procedures; preparing accurate records, effective communication, and safely packaging and shipping infectious agents.

Nice To Haves

• Experience supporting laboratory functions, such as receiving and data entry of test samples, assembly and shipping specimen collection kits, shipping of diagnostic and infectious samples, receiving and processing mail and packages, and other operational lab support duties.
• Experience preparing specimens for shipping in compliance with IATA and DOT regulations.
• Experience reviewing reports and other paperwork for errors and correcting data to ensure record accuracy.
• Experience conveying or correcting information in verbal and written formats.
• Experience working with diverse populations.
• Experience promoting a culturally competent and diverse work environment.
• Familiarity with CLIA regulations, CAP accreditation standards, and OSHA safety standards.

Responsibilities

• Receiving and processing test samples
• Preparing and shipping test collection kits
• Handling infectious and diagnostic shipments
• Entering and reviewing data
• Processing mail
• Ensuring accuracy in reports and laboratory records

Benefits

• Excellent, low-cost medical, vision, and dental coverage for you and your family.
• Optional benefits like life insurance, disability coverage, deferred compensation, and FSA options for health and childcare.
• Generous paid time off: 11 holidays, 3 personal days, monthly sick leave, and vacation accrual starting at 8 hours/month.
• Potential eligibility for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program.
• Retirement security through Public Employees Retirement System (PERS)/ Oregon Public Service Retirement Plan (OPSRP).
• Training and development opportunities to grow your career with the State of Oregon.

What This Job Offers

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