Accessioning Coordinator

Columbia University Irving Medical Center; New York (NY); On-site; USD 66,300 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

Columbia University Irving Medical Center is seeking an Accessioning Coordinator to manage administrative tasks in the Division of Personalized Genomic Medicine. Candidates will oversee specimen accessioning and ensure compliance with laboratory protocols.

Applicants should hold a bachelor’s degree and have two years of relevant experience. Familiarity with LIS systems such as Cerner LabSeq and Epic Beaker is preferred. This role emphasizes strong attention to detail and customer service.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent in education and experience.
• Two years of related experience in a laboratory environment.
• Experience with Epic, Epic Beaker, and Cerner LabSeq preferred.

Responsibilities

• Oversee the sample entry area and manage databases and rejection logs.
• Receive, sort, and accession all biological specimens.
• Maintain compliance with SOPs for safety and laboratory protocols.

Skills

Attention to detail

Customer service

Laboratory Information Systems (LIS)

Education

Bachelor’s degree or equivalent

Tools

Cerner LabSeq

Epic Beaker

Job description

Grade 103

• Job Type: Officer of Administration
• Bargaining Unit:
• Regular/Temporary: Regular
• End Date if Temporary:
• Hours Per Week: 35
• Standard Work Schedule:
• Building:
• Salary Range: 66,300.00-75,000.00

The salary of the finalist selected for this role will be set based on a variety of factors, including but not limited to departmental budgets, qualifications, experience, education, licenses, specialty, and training. The above hiring range represents the University's good faith and reasonable estimate of the range of possible compensation at the time of posting.

A strong internal candidate has been identified for this position, however, we are still accepting applications from other qualified candidates.

Position Summary

An Accessioning Coordinator is being sought in the Division of Personalized Genomic Medicine (PGM) within the Department of Pathology & Cell Biology. Working under the direction of the Laboratory Manager, the Accessioning Coordinator will be responsible for administrative and clerical tasks associated with specimen receiving and reporting. Working within various Laboratory Information Systems (LIS), the candidate will document all relevant specimen and test information to ensure accurate processing of downstream laboratory tests. The candidate will also answer phones and correspond via email with ordering providers, vendors, and any other individuals who contact the laboratory. The candidate must ensure compliance with all standard operating procedures (SOPs), including safety and general laboratory protocols, and all relevant regulatory requirements. A strict attention to detail and the ability to work in a fast‑paced clinical environment is crucial. Occasional specimen transport is also required.

Responsibilities

• Administrative/Clerical Responsibilities – 85%
  • Oversee the sample entry area of the laboratory including logging into appropriate databases and rejection logs
  • Assist with customer questions concerning pre‑analytical details and general inquiries
  • Receive, sort, and accession all biological specimens that are sent to the laboratory
  • Serve as an expert on accessioning policies within our LIS systems, Cerner LabSeq and Epic Beaker
  • Ensure accurate labeling and proper handling of specimens
  • Identify any non‑conformities in workflows and document appropriately
  • Lead troubleshooting and support quality improvement initiatives in the pre‑analytical area of the laboratory
  • Maintain accurate and organized records according to standard operating procedures (SOPs)
  • Update pre‑analytical SOPs on an ongoing basis to stay consistent with actual practice
  • Ensure compliance with all SOPs, including safety, general laboratory protocols, and all relevant regulatory requirements
  • Communicate effectively with ordering providers, vendors, and laboratory staff
  • Serve as the liaison between the core lab and anatomic pathology lab supervisors and accessioning teams for all pre‑analytical issues
  • Receive and log packages in a timely manner
  • Maintain cleanliness and organization in the accessioning area
  • Establish an ongoing relationship with the billing and preauthorization teams to facilitate optimizing these workflows
  • Perform all tasks above in a timely manner for optimal test processing
• Specimen Transport – 10%
  • Pick up and return slides and specimens from various locations as needed
• Other related duties assigned – 5%

Minimum Qualifications

Requires a bachelor’s degree or equivalent in education and experience, plus two years of related experience.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with Epic, Epic Beaker, and Cerner LabSeq

Equal Opportunity Employer / Disability / Veteran

Columbia University is committed to the hiring of qualified local residents.