Accessioner

Clinical Laboratory Accessioner

The Clinical Laboratory Accessioner is responsible for the accurate and efficient processing of laboratory specimens, including receiving, labeling, handling, and preparing samples for analysis in accordance with established laboratory protocols. This role requires strong attention to detail, excellent organizational skills, and the ability to work both independently and collaboratively as part of a clinical laboratory team. By ensuring precise specimen management and documentation, the Accessioner plays a critical role in supporting high-quality patient care and enabling evidence-based diagnostic decisions.

Responsibilities

• Receive, verify, and label incoming laboratory specimens in strict compliance with standard operating procedures (SOPs).
• Handle and prepare specimens for analysis, ensuring proper identification, integrity, and adherence to clinical laboratory standards.
• Perform pre-analytical preparation tasks, including printing labels, aliquoting specimens, and organizing specimen racks for efficient workflow.
• Maintain and resolve the pending list of non-collected or incomplete specimens in a timely and accurate manner.
• Promptly notify the laboratory supervisor of unacceptable or compromised specimens and assist in implementing corrective actions.
• Sort specimens and deliver them to the appropriate laboratory sections to support timely analysis and reporting.
• Process specimens for reference laboratory send-outs, following all required protocols and documentation procedures.
• Provide clerical support to the laboratory, including accurate data entry, record-keeping, and management of patient information.
• Support laboratory operations by performing phlebotomy tasks when qualified and requested.
• Adhere to all safety, quality assurance, and regulatory guidelines, including proper biohazard and chemical handling procedures.
• Use laboratory information systems to track specimens, enter data, and support communication with clinicians and laboratory staff.
• Contribute to team efforts by performing additional duties as assigned to support the launch and ongoing operation of diagnostic tests.

Essential Skills

• At least one (1) year of experience in a clinical laboratory or related medical environment.
• High school diploma or GED equivalent.
• Ability to receive, label, handle, and accession laboratory specimens accurately and consistently.
• Understanding of clinical pathology principles and basic laboratory processes.
• Knowledge of decontamination techniques and proper use of laboratory equipment.
• Proficiency in medical terminology relevant to clinical laboratory operations.
• Experience with laboratory information systems for specimen tracking and data entry.
• Strong attention to detail and manual dexterity for precise specimen handling and labeling.
• Ability to prioritize and manage multiple tasks efficiently in a fast-paced environment.
• Accurate data entry skills and comfort working with patient information and inventory records.
• Typing speed of at least 30 words per minute.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills for interaction with clinicians, laboratory staff, and other stakeholders.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Courses in biology, chemistry, and math are preferred and support success in this role.
• Certification in phlebotomy is preferred but not required.
• Certification as a medical laboratory assistant is preferred but not required.
• Experience with specimen processing for reference laboratory send-outs is beneficial.
• Familiarity with CLIA-regulated laboratory environments is an advantage.
• Ability to work collaboratively within a multidisciplinary laboratory team focused on biomarker discovery and diagnostic innovation.
• Interest in contributing to the development and commercialization of novel diagnostic tests that support real-world clinical decisions.

Work Environment

This position is based in a CLIA-regulated clinical laboratory environment focused on biomarker discovery and the development of innovative diagnostic tests in collaboration with healthcare partners. The Accessioner works in a fast-paced setting that emphasizes accuracy, safety, and adherence to regulatory and quality assurance standards. Daily work involves handling biohazardous and chemical materials using appropriate personal protective equipment and following established safety protocols. The laboratory uses standard clinical equipment and laboratory information systems to manage specimens and data. The team culture centers on evidence-based development, strong research partnerships, and a shared commitment to improving health outcomes through validated, physician-guided diagnostics, including support for the launch of new tests.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Rockville, MD.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $21.00 - $24.00/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)

Workplace Type

This is a fully onsite position in Rockville, MD.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Sep 17, 2026.