Overnight Specimen Processor

Job Title: Overnight Specimen Processor

Job Description

The Specimen Processor plays a critical role in the laboratory by receiving incoming samples, accurately entering patient and specimen data into the computer system, and creating proper labels for all specimens. This position focuses on high-volume data entry and specimen handling using appropriate personal protective equipment, without performing diagnostic testing or directly handling open swabs.

Responsibilities

• Receive, identify, label, and process specimens in accordance with established laboratory procedures and processing requirements.
• Create and apply accurate labels to specimen containers, slides, and any other materials submitted by clients.
• Handle all specimen types, including sealed samples such as blood, stool, urine, biopsies, and COVID-19 specimens, while following safety and handling protocols.
• Multi-task effectively between different types of requisitions and workflows to support continuous specimen processing.
• Maintain departmental production goals to ensure consistent hourly specimen flow to the laboratory.
• Review, transcribe, and enter demographic and specimen data into the laboratory information system with 100% accuracy.
• Recognize specimen problems, such as labeling or integrity issues, and promptly refer them to designated personnel for resolution.
• File requisition slips, glass slides, and paraffin blocks, and assist Laboratory Aides as needed to support overall laboratory operations.
• Perform routine supply maintenance, restocking, and clean-up duties to maintain an organized and efficient work area.
• Read and accurately enter data from labels on specimen bags and tubes into the system while verifying patient information.
• Follow personal protective equipment requirements and applicable safety guidelines when handling sealed human specimens.
• Support high-volume overnight operations by collaborating with team members to ensure timely and accurate specimen processing.

Essential Skills

• High school diploma or GED.
• Ability to perform high-volume data entry with strong attention to detail.
• Typing speed of at least 30 words per minute.
• Ability to pass a typing test of at least 7,500 keystrokes per hour with 95% accuracy or higher.
• Comfort working with sealed human specimens such as blood, stool, urine, biopsies, and samples while wearing appropriate PPE.
• Ability to work overnight shifts and remain focused during extended periods of typing and computer work.
• Capability to handle multiple specimen types and requisitions simultaneously in a fast-paced environment.
• Basic familiarity with laboratory or medical settings and patient information handling.
• Strong organizational skills to manage labeling, sorting, and filing of specimens and associated documentation.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Previous laboratory experience, particularly in specimen processing, is highly beneficial.
• Previous overnight work experience is a plus.
• Experience as a medical scribe or in medical data entry is advantageous.
• Experience with patient information, sorting, and specimen labeling in a healthcare or laboratory environment.
• Interest in building a long-term career in laboratory services, with potential growth into technician or lab assistant roles for those with relevant science degrees.
• Ability to work effectively as part of a large team in a high-volume clinical laboratory setting.

Work Environment

This role is based in a large specimen processing room within a high-volume clinical laboratory that utilizes cutting-edge laboratory technology and instrumentation. You will work primarily on the night shift alongside more than 80 team members to support substantial specimen volume. The position is highly computer-focused, with approximately 90100% of the shift spent typing and sitting at a workstation to log patient information and verify data accuracy on sample tubes and related materials. Personal protective equipment is provided and must be worn when handling sealed human specimens, and established safety guidelines are followed throughout the facility. Due to space limitations, standard social distancing spacing may not be consistently maintained. The assignment is expected to be renewable in multi-month increments as the organization progresses through acquisition-related changes, offering exposure to a large, nationally recognized reference laboratory and potential growth opportunities into other laboratory roles for those who demonstrate strong performance and have relevant educational backgrounds.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract position based out of Elmwood Park, NJ.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $16.50 - $18.15/hr.

Individual compensation offered for this position within this range will depend on many factors, including qualifications, skills, relevant experience, job knowledge, geographic location, internal equity, and other pertinent job-related factors.

Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following: Medical, dental & vision Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital 401(k) Retirement Plan Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents) Short and long-term disability Health Spending Account (HSA) Transportation benefits Employee Assistance Program Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract position based out of Elmwood Park, NJ.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Nov 20, 2026.

Workplace Type

This is a fully onsite position in Elmwood Park,NJ.

About Actalent

Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services and talent solutions. We help visionary companies advance their engineering and science initiatives through access to specialized experts who drive scale, innovation and speed to market. With a network of almost 20,000 consultants and 5,000 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500. We are proud to be an Engineering News-Record (ENR) Top 500 Design Firm for our engineering design services and a ClearlyRated Best of Staffing winner for both client and talent service.

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.

If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or adjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability, please email actalentaccommodation@actalentservices.com for other accommodation options.

San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance: Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

Massachusetts Lie Detector: It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI): We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.