Medical Laboratory Technician

Medical Laboratory Technician / Medical Technologist

This role provides critical laboratory support in a hospital-based oncology setting, performing a wide range of diagnostic testing in Chemistry, Hematology, Immunology, and related areas. You will handle and process patient specimens, operate and maintain laboratory instruments, and ensure accurate and timely reporting of results that directly support patient care during a challenging time in their lives. This position offers meaningful work with cancer patients, exposure to specialized oncology testing, and the opportunity to work as a generalist in a small, collaborative lab environment with no weekend or night shifts.

Responsibilities

• Follow established laboratory procedures for specimen handling, processing, test analysis, result reporting, and record maintenance.
• Process incoming orders for laboratory testing, including in-house tests and specimens sent to reference laboratories.
• Send specimens to reference laboratories for tests that are not performed in-house and ensure proper documentation and tracking.
• Perform specimen analysis for Chemistry, Hematology, and Immunology, functioning as a generalist across multiple disciplines.
• Prepare peripheral blood smears and perform complete white blood cell differentials.
• Conduct microscopic examination of urinary sediment and accurately record results on appropriate worksheets and in the computer system.
• Maintain and operate all laboratory equipment, ensuring instruments function correctly and safely.
• Perform daily, weekly, and monthly instrument maintenance as indicated by laboratory protocols.
• Adhere to quality control policies and document all quality control activities, instrument calibrations, procedural calibrations, and maintenance.
• Record proper lot numbers for all controls, calibrators, and reagents used in testing.
• Participate in proficiency testing at least annually by performing sample analysis and reporting results according to program requirements.
• Process specimens for send-out testing, ensuring proper labeling, packaging, and documentation.
• Follow laboratory policies whenever test systems are not within established acceptable performance levels.
• Identify problems that may adversely affect test performance or result reporting, take corrective action when appropriate, or promptly notify a supervisor.
• Document all corrective actions taken when test systems deviate from established performance standards in accordance with the quality assurance program.
• Maintain accurate documentation, including accessioning logs, test report logs, quality control logs, equipment records, and checklists.
• Verify all critical results, document verification, and ensure accurate follow-up communication as required.
• Maintain adequate inventory of laboratory supplies, verify usability of supplies before patient testing, and prevent stockouts.
• Prepare reagents, stains, and other chemical solutions as needed for routine and specialized testing.
• Restock the laboratory work area regularly to ensure an organized and efficient workspace.
• Process in-house and incoming results for charting and ensure data is entered correctly into patient records.
• Chart patient results in a timely and accurate manner to support prompt clinical decision-making.
• Work independently and be well-versed in general laboratory procedures in a small lab environment, collaborating effectively with a small team.

Essential Skills

• Certification as a Medical Laboratory Technician by the American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP) or American Medical Technologists (AMT).
• Completion of an accredited Medical Laboratory Technician program, typically resulting in an associate degree.
• Ability to function as a generalist across Chemistry, Hematology, Immunology, and related disciplines.
• Proficiency in specimen handling, processing, and analysis for a variety of laboratory tests.
• Skill in preparing peripheral blood smears and performing complete white blood cell differentials.
• Competence in microscopic examination of urinary sediment and accurate result documentation.
• Experience operating, maintaining, and troubleshooting laboratory instruments and equipment.
• Strong understanding of laboratory quality control, calibration, and proficiency testing requirements.
• Ability to recognize, document, and resolve issues that affect test performance or result reporting.
• Accuracy and attention to detail in recording lot numbers, test results, and maintaining logs and checklists.
• Ability to work independently in a small lab setting while collaborating effectively with a small team.
• Organizational skills to manage specimen flow, inventory, and timely charting of patient results.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• ASCP or AMT certification as a Medical Technologist or Medical Laboratory Technician is highly valued.
• Approximately 2 years of laboratory experience preferred, particularly in a generalist or oncology lab environment.
• Background in medical laboratory technology or medical laboratory science.
• Experience processing send-out specimens and coordinating with reference laboratories.
• Comfort working in an oncology-focused lab and supporting care for patients undergoing cancer treatment.
• Strong communication skills for verifying critical results and coordinating follow-up actions.
• Commitment to high standards of accuracy, reliability, and adherence to quality assurance protocols.

Work Environment

This position is based in an on-site hospital laboratory in Suffolk, working within a small, close-knit team in a compact lab setting. The environment requires you to be well-versed in general laboratory practices and comfortable working independently while collaborating with colleagues as needed. The role operates Monday through Friday only, with no weekend or night shifts. Start times typically range between 7:00 a.m. and 9:00 a.m., with end times between 3:30 p.m. and 5:30 p.m., rotating within that window. You will work with standard clinical laboratory instruments and equipment, handling specimens from oncology patients and performing a variety of diagnostic tests. The setting emphasizes meaningful, patient-centered work, adherence to safety and quality standards, and a professional, focused atmosphere.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Suffolk, VA.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $20.00 - $40.00/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)