Specimen Processor

• Internship*
• Short Term Lab Work*

Job Title: Specimen Processor

Job Description

The Specimen Processor supports the day-to-day operations of Laboratory Control, the department responsible for the receipt, processing, and send-out of specimens for all users of the Clinical Laboratories. This role serves as a primary contact for a diverse group of internal and external healthcare professionals, answering questions and providing accurate information in accordance with established policies. It offers an excellent entry point into a large, high-volume pathology environment for recent graduates or individuals still in school who are seeking full-time work and opportunities to network with laboratory professionals and clinicians.

Responsibilities

• Assist the Lab Control Supervisor with the daily operations of Laboratory Control, ensuring timely and accurate receipt, processing, and send-out of specimens.
• Act as the primary contact person for all inquiries directed to the Clinical Laboratories, providing courteous and professional service.
• Respond appropriately to inquiries about test information, processing requirements, and adding tests to existing specimens, following established policies and procedures.
• Refer callers with laboratory-specific or complex questions to the appropriate laboratory supervisor or department as needed.
• Perform specimen collection and handling in accordance with laboratory protocols, ensuring specimen integrity and proper identification.
• Accession specimens by accurately entering patient and test information into the laboratory information system.
• Label specimens and associated documentation clearly and correctly, using multiple barcode hospital systems where applicable.
• Prepare specimens for laboratory analysis and send-out, including appropriate tube selection and understanding of tube color codes and their purposes.
• Support laboratory testing activities by applying strong math skills and accurately using pipettes and other basic laboratory equipment as required.
• Maintain accurate and timely data entry for all specimens, ensuring completeness and compliance with laboratory standards.
• Collaborate with internal laboratory staff and external healthcare providers to facilitate smooth workflow and efficient specimen processing.
• Follow all laboratory policies, procedures, and safety guidelines while working in a busy, fast-paced environment.
• Participate in ongoing training and development opportunities, including eligibility for an MLS training program when applicable.

Essential Skills

• At least 6 months of experience working in a laboratory setting at a hospital or diagnostic center.
• Experience working as a specimen processor or phlebotomist handling a high volume of patients or processing a large number of samples.
• Hands-on experience with specimen collection, specimen handling, and specimen processing.
• Proficiency in data entry and computer use within a laboratory environment.
• Experience with accessioning and accurate labeling of specimens.
• Strong math skills and the ability to use a pipette accurately and safely.
• Familiarity with laboratory workflows and basic laboratory testing processes.
• Experience working with multiple tube types and a clear understanding of tube colors and their corresponding tests or purposes.
• Ability to stand for more than 80% of the work shift.
• Experience using SunQuest and/or Epic laboratory or hospital information systems (highly preferred).
• Experience working with multiple barcode hospital systems (strongly desired).

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience in a high-volume clinical laboratory environment, such as a hospital or diagnostic center.
• Background as a specimen processor or phlebotomist in settings with significant sample throughput.
• Exposure to or interest in an MLS training program for eligible employees.
• Interest in building a career in clinical laboratories and networking with medical technologists, medical laboratory technicians, laboratory technicians, and physicians.
• Comfort working in a structured, policy-driven environment with established laboratory protocols.
• Ability to communicate clearly and professionally with a wide range of healthcare providers and laboratory staff.

Work Environment

The role is based in a busy, fast-paced clinical laboratory environment within Laboratory Control and related laboratory areas. The position supports multiple shifts, including evening (approximately 3:30 PM to 12:00 AM) and night shifts (approximately 11:30 PM to 8:00 AM), with no weekend work noted for the consulting arrangement. The laboratory handles a very high volume of clinical tests each year, offering exposure to a wide range of specimens, tube types, and laboratory processes. Work requires standing for more than 80% of the shift and frequent interaction with laboratory information systems such as SunQuest and Epic, as well as multiple barcode hospital systems. The environment emphasizes adherence to laboratory safety protocols, accurate specimen handling, and efficient coordination with internal and external healthcare providers.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract position based out of Boston, MA.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $20.00 - $24.00/hr.

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)

Workplace Type

This is a fully onsite position in Boston,MA.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Jun 22, 2026.

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 30,000 consultants and more than 4,500 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500.

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.