Laboratory Assistant

Position Overview United Health Services (UHS) is seeking a dedicated Laboratory Assistant to join our Laboratory team. Under the supervision of the Laboratory Section Supervisor, the Laboratory Assistant is responsible for supporting laboratory operations by performing a variety of non-technical and clerical duties to ensure efficient specimen processing, accurate data entry, and timely test results. Maintains laboratory supplies and inventory systems, monitors environmental conditions, and assists with specimen handling, preparation, and transport in compliance with organizational and regulatory standards, ensuring compliance with UHS Hospitals’ policies and procedures, including Infection Control, Laboratory, and departmental guidelines, as well as NYSDOH and CDC bloodborne pathogens and body fluid protocols. Prioritizes STAT specimens requiring immediate processing. Supports communication between departments and reference laboratories while ensuring proper documentation and shipping of specimens. May perform phlebotomy and specimen collection procedures in accordance with established guidelines. Primary Department, Division, or Unit: Core Laboratory, UHS Wilson Medical Center Primary Work Shift: Rotational Regular Scheduled Weekly Hours: 40 Compensation Range: $17.05 - $22.17 per hour, depending on experience ----- Job Responsibilities Maintain laboratory supplies, including ordering reagents and consumables, and tracking inventory levels Assist with evaluation of new materials and investigation of supply performance issues Monitor and document environmental, refrigerator, and freezer temperatures Assess specimen quality and quantity; process specimens through centrifugation and aliquoting per established procedures Store, retrieve, and manage specimens for additional or repeat testing Accurately enter patient demographics, insurance information, and test orders into laboratory systems Transport specimens, requisitions, and reports within the hospital and between laboratory departments Prepare, sort, package, and ship specimens to internal sites and external reference laboratories Serve as liaison between the laboratory and reference testing facilities, resolving specimen-related issues Prepare specimens for analysis by loading carriers, cassettes, and racks for laboratory instrumentation Perform phlebotomy and specimen collection procedures (venipuncture, capillary collection, urine collections, glucose tolerance testing) following patient identification protocols Apply knowledge of fasting and non-fasting requirements and select appropriate equipment based on patient needs Generate and review daily pending logs to ensure proper labeling, documentation, and shipment of specimens Ensure proper specimen handling from collection through final transport, following all regulatory and organizational standards Position Qualifications Minimum Required: High School Diploma or equivalent Preferred: Enrolled in a degree program in a related field of study Phlebotomy Training ----- Why You’ll Love Working at UHS At United Health Services (UHS), we believe every connection—to patients, to purpose, to each other—makes a difference. That’s why we’re intentional about supporting our team in ways that go beyond the job. Whether through meaningful benefits, personal growth, or fun along the way, we’re here to help you thrive in work and life. A Culture of Connection – We support each other like family and create space for every voice to be heard. Engagement Councils, peer recognition, and initiatives like Walk in my Shoes for senior leaders are just a few ways we foster belonging and collaboration. Outside of work, we stay connected through team events like trivia, trunk-or-treat, volunteer days, our staff choir, or seasonal celebrations. Comprehensive Benefits for Life & Family – We offer medical, dental, and vision coverage starting the first of the month after hire for employees working 24+ hours/week. With flexible plan options and coverage tiers, you can choose what fits your life best. Additional perks include discounted childcare through Bright Horizons and voluntary benefits like pet insurance, legal services, and identity theft protection. Well-Being & Financial Security – From day one, PTO starts accruing so you can take time to recharge. We support your long-term wellness with a 403(b) retirement plan and company match, flexible spending accounts, access to financial advisors, and up to $400/year in wellness rewards. When life gets tough, we’re here with 24/7 EAP counseling, virtual mental health support, a food pantry, PTO donation program, and professional attire through the Classy Closet. Growth That Moves with You – With access to 100,000+ online courses, leadership programs, tuition reimbursement, clinical ladders, and internal mobility, we help you grow wherever your passion leads. We also continuously review compensation to ensure market competitiveness and internal equity, so you can feel confident your work is valued and rewarded fairly. A Place to Call Home – Located in New York’s Southern Tier, UHS offers more than a career—we offer a lifestyle. Enjoy four-season recreation, affordable living, top-rated schools, minor league sports, craft brews, a close-knit community, and more, all within reach of the Finger Lakes, the Catskills, and major Northeast cities. ----- About United Health Services United Health Services (UHS) is a locally owned, not-for-profit healthcare system in New York’s Southern Tier comprising four hospitals, long-term care and home care services, and physician practices in Broome and surrounding counties. UHS provides healthcare and medical services for two-thirds of the region’s population, produces $1.3 billion a year in total economic impact, and boasts a workforce of more than 6,300 employees and providers. At UHS, our work is guided by our Values of Compassion, Trust, Respect, Teamwork, and Innovation. Whether you provide direct patient care or support behind the scenes, you are part of a shared purpose: to improve the health and well-being of the communities we serve. Every employee plays a meaningful role in fulfilling our mission—we’d love for you to consider joining us! United Health Services is an Equal Opportunity Employer. ----- United Health Services, Inc. and the members of the UHS System neither are affiliated with, sponsored, endorsed nor approved by, nor otherwise associated with, Universal Health Services, Inc. (NYSE: UHS), UHS of Delaware, Inc. nor their affiliates, which can be found at UHS proudly offers benefits to all full-time employees and part-time employees who are hired into a regular position of at least 24 hours per week (60% FTE). Make New Connections We believe that people—and the connections among them—must remain at the core of everything we do. Whether you're directly caring for patients, supporting our clinical operations, or working to ensure our administrative functions run effectively, your impact will be recognized and appreciated. Unlock Greater Opportunities Our commitment to you extends beyond a paycheck. We want you to thrive professionally and personally. Not only will you provide care and support for our patients, but you'll also be cared for, too. While many organizations make this claim, we back it up with action. We take workforce feedback seriously and we continually implement new education initiatives, compensation models, and recognition programs in service of our people. Proud to be Team UHS Our footprint spans across every part of New York's Southern Tier. But we don't just serve our community, we're a part of it, too. We are volunteers, coaches, local leaders, parents or grandparents, and mentors. UHS team members can be found at almost every local walk, fundraiser, and sporting event. We promote wellness and health equity within and far beyond our walls.