Medical Technician I - Specimen Processing - Days

Specimen Processing Medical Technician I

The Specimen Processing department at MD Anderson Cancer Center serves as the central hub for laboratory operations, ensuring patient specimens are accurately received, processed, prepared, and distributed for testing across multiple laboratory specialties. This team plays a critical role in maintaining the integrity of the diagnostic process by supporting timely, accurate testing that directly impacts patient diagnosis and treatment. Working in a fast-paced, high-volume environment, Specimen Processing is essential to the success of laboratory operations throughout the institution.

This Medical Technician I position offers the opportunity to become an integral part of a collaborative laboratory team responsible for supporting the full specimen processing lifecycle. The role is ideal for someone who enjoys hands-on laboratory work, thrives in a detail-oriented environment, and is committed to delivering high-quality support for patient care.

In this role, you will perform a variety of specimen accessioning and processing responsibilities, including evaluating and accessioning patient specimens, documenting special handling requirements, preparing slides and reagents, performing specimen setup for clinical testing, processing tissues when required, and coordinating specimens sent to reference laboratories. You will help ensure specimens are handled accurately and efficiently while maintaining compliance with laboratory procedures and quality standards.

You will also support laboratory operations and equipment maintenance by operating instrumentation, performing routine quality control, calibration, and maintenance procedures, troubleshooting equipment issues, maintaining inventory levels, and ensuring laboratory workspaces remain organized and fully stocked to support continuous operations.

Success in this position requires a strong commitment to quality, customer service, and teamwork. You will work closely with laboratory staff, physicians, and other healthcare professionals while maintaining professionalism, effective communication, and the ability to remain calm in fast-paced or high-pressure situations. The role also includes opportunities to assist with training new employees, students, and fellows while helping maintain efficient laboratory workflows.

The ideal candidate will possess strong organizational skills, excellent attention to detail, and the ability to prioritize multiple tasks in a high-volume laboratory environment. Candidates who enjoy supporting patient care behind the scenes and working as part of a collaborative laboratory team will find this role especially rewarding. MD Anderson offers a comprehensive total rewards package, including paid medical benefits, generous paid time off, retirement plans, tuition assistance, professional development opportunities, and additional benefits, along with the opportunity to build a rewarding career at one of the world's leading cancer centers dedicated to excellence in patient care, research, education, and innovation.

The hours for this position are 7am - 3:30pm. The ideal candidate will have a bachelors degree in a science related field.

Job Specific Competencies

• Accession/Specimen Processing
• Instrumentation/Equipment
• Inventory
• Customer Service
• Training

Education

• Required: High School Diploma or Equivalent
• Preferred: Bachelor's Degree Basic science.

Work Experience

• Required: 3 years In a clinical medical laboratory or similar setting or with preferred degree, no experience required.

The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center offers excellent benefits, including medical, dental, paid time off, retirement, tuition benefits, educational opportunities, and individual and team recognition.

This position may be responsible for maintaining the security and integrity of critical infrastructure, as defined in Section 113.001(2) of the Texas Business and Commerce Code and therefore may require routine reviews and screening. The ability to satisfy and maintain all requirements necessary to ensure the continued security and integrity of such infrastructure is a condition of hire and continued employment.

It is the policy of The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center to provide equal employment opportunity without regard to race, color, religion, age, national origin, sex, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, disability, protected veteran status, genetic information, or any other basis protected by institutional policy or by federal, state, or local laws unless such distinction is required by law.