Specimen Processor

Job Title: Specimen Accessioner Job Description
The specimen accessioning team plays a critical role in the pre-analytical and post-analytical phases of laboratory testing by receiving, logging, preparing, storing, and disposing of samples, without performing the actual testing. In this role, you receive incoming specimens, enter them into multiple computer systems, prepare them for laboratory analysis, and manage their lifecycle in storage. This position offers an excellent opportunity to start or grow a career in a laboratory environment, with structured training, clear progression paths, and strong support for professional development.
Responsibilities

• Receive incoming samples from couriers arriving from across the United States and internationally, and initiate the tracking process promptly upon delivery.
• Meet couriers at the door, verify all samples received either manually or through data systems for larger shipments, and ensure all specimens are accounted for.
• Inspect incoming samples and packaging for any damage, remove and properly dispose of packaging materials, and move samples forward for data entry and processing.
• Operate and navigate multiple computer software systems, applying the correct system based on sample type and workflow requirements.
• Verify that patient names and other identifiers on samples match the corresponding requisitions to ensure accurate specimen identification.
• Handle primarily urine samples, along with additional specimen types such as blood, serum, plasma, and other body fluids, following established procedures.
• Enter sample information into laboratory systems, generate appropriate labels, and accurately label all specimens before they proceed to testing.
• Perform basic specimen preparation tasks, including aliquoting samples into multiple containers, centrifuging, or freezing samples to stabilize them when needed.
• Support a high-volume workflow by contributing to a team that processes approximately 5,000 to 11,000 samples per day.
• Manage ongoing maintenance of stored samples at 3-, 6-, and 12-month intervals in walk-in refrigerators and freezers, including organization, tracking, and disposal as required.
• Follow quality control and sample handling procedures to maintain accuracy, traceability, and compliance with laboratory standards.
• Work efficiently in a fast-paced, production-oriented environment while meeting established turnaround times for specimen processing.
• Collaborate with team members and supervisors to prioritize tasks, manage workload, and maintain smooth daily operations.
• Participate in on-the-job training to build proficiency in specimen accessioning processes and support career growth within the laboratory.

Essential Skills

• High school diploma, with a preference for candidates who have completed some coursework in science.
• Strong desire to grow and advance within the laboratory environment.
• Intermediate computer skills, including proficiency with multiple software systems and accurate data entry.
• Competent typing skills and familiarity with 10-key data entry.
• Ability to prioritize and manage multiple tasks simultaneously in a busy workflow.
• High level of accuracy and attention to detail when handling and labeling specimens and entering data.
• Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced, production-focused environment to meet established turnaround times.
• Willingness to learn laboratory processes and adapt to new systems and procedures.
• Experience multitasking in previous roles, such as laboratory, banking, customer service, retail, serving, or similar environments.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience in a laboratory, specimen handling, or sample preparation environment is beneficial but not required.
• Background in forensic science, quality control, material handling, or related scientific or technical fields is advantageous.
• Exposure to customer-facing roles such as banking, retail, or serving that demonstrate strong multitasking and organizational skills.
• Experience with phlebotomy or familiarity with handling blood and other body fluids is a plus.
• Interest in pursuing further education in science, particularly a bachelor's degree in a scientific discipline.
• Eligibility to participate in tuition support programs for qualifying science degrees, with opportunities to advance into Technologist roles upon completion of a bachelor's degree.
• Motivation to build a long-term career in the medical laboratory industry and take advantage of internal growth opportunities.

Work Environment
This role is based in a medical laboratory environment focused on diagnostic and therapeutic testing, where the specimen accessioning team supports both pre-analytical and post-analytical processes. You will work in a fast-paced, production-type setting that handles approximately 5,000 to 11,000 samples each day, primarily involving urine specimens with some blood, serum, plasma, and other body fluids. The position operates on a second-shift schedule from 5:00 p.m. to 1:30 a.m., Tuesday through Saturday. Work takes place in areas with walk-in refrigerators and freezers, where you manage sample storage and maintenance over multiple time intervals. You will use multiple computer software systems, label printers, centrifuges, and freezing equipment as part of daily operations. New team members receive comprehensive on-the-job training to learn specimen accessioning workflows and laboratory protocols. The environment emphasizes accuracy, efficiency, and teamwork, with clear performance expectations and opportunities to transition from contract to full-time employment based on reliability and attendance. Once converted to full-time, employees are eligible for benefits such as vacation accrual and holidays, as well as access to tuition reimbursement programs for qualifying online science degrees that can support advancement into higher-level laboratory roles.
Job Type & Location
This is a Contract position based out of Saint Paul, MN.
Pay and Benefits
The pay range for this position is $19.53 - $19.53/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 Saint Paul,MN.
Application Deadline
This position is anticipated to close on Aug 10, 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 20,000 consultants and 5,000 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500. We are proud to be an Engineering News-Record (ENR) Top 500 Design Firm for our engineering design services and a ClearlyRated Best of Staffing® winner for both client and talent service.


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