Lab Assistant

Salem Health; Salem (OR); On-site; USD 30,000 - 39,000; Full time

Job summary

Salem Health in Salem, Oregon is seeking a Lab Assistant in Laboratory/Pathology to join our specimen management team. This full-time, non-exempt role focuses on receiving, processing, and preparing specimens for testing to deliver accurate, timely results that support patient care.

You will register patients in Epic and LIS, handle specimen packaging for in-house and reference laboratory testing, operate and maintain equipment, and collaborate with providers and staff to maintain quality,

Qualifications

• Experience in team process, quality management, and problem solving.

Responsibilities

• Receive and process specimens to ensure accurate testing and timely turnaround.
• Register patients and enter laboratory orders in Epic/LIS with accurate documentation.
• Prepare and package specimens for testing at Salem Health and external reference laboratories.
• Operate, monitor, and maintain laboratory equipment; document performance and report issues.
• Collaborate with lab professionals and support staff to resolve workflow issues and provide excellent service.

Skills

Team processes

Quality management

Problem solving

Job description

Location:Salem Hospital,890 Oak Street SE,Salem, Oregon 97301
Department:Laboratory/ Pathology
Position Type:Full Time, 40 hours/week, Non-Exempt
Schedule:Variable scheduled days and times, plus weekends, four 10-hour shifts

Your role with us

As a lab assistant within specimen management, you'll play an essential role in ensuring laboratory specimens are accurately received, processed, and prepared for testing, helping deliver timely, high-quality results that directly support patient care. Working as part of a collaborative laboratory team, you'll manage specimen flow, perform patient registration and test ordering, support microbiology setup, and prepare specimens for in-house and reference laboratory testing. Your attention to detail, ability to prioritize in a fast-paced environment, and commitment to quality and safety will help ensure every specimen is handled with precision while maintaining regulatory standards and exceptional service to patients, providers, and colleagues.

What you'll do

• Receive, verify, sort, prioritize, and process laboratory specimens to ensure accurate, timely testing while maintaining specimen integrity and meeting turnaround time expectations.
• Register patients and enter laboratory orders using Epic and the Laboratory Information System (LIS), ensuring accurate documentation and compliance with established procedures.
• Prepare and package specimens for testing at Salem Health and external reference laboratories, including microbiology setup and STAT specimen processing.
• Operate, monitor, troubleshoot, and perform routine maintenance on laboratory equipment, including the MPA, while documenting equipment performance and reporting issues promptly.
• Collaborate with laboratory professionals, providers, and support staff to resolve specimen and workflow issues, answer questions, and provide excellent customer service.
• Maintain adequate laboratory supplies, follow infection prevention and safety protocols, and contribute to a clean, organized, and efficient work environment.
• Assist with training and mentoring new team members, serve as a resource for colleagues, and demonstrate flexibility by supporting changing workloads and staffing needs, including coordinating coverage for call-outs when needed.

Required qualifications

• Experience in team process, quality management, and problem solving.

Total rewards package

Salem Health's comprehensive benefits package prioritizes your mental and physical health, financial stability, family obligations, and professional growth. Click here for details.

Why Salem Health?

Salem Health is a Top Workplace in Oregon, known for fostering a supportive culture where your contributions truly matter. As an award-winning, independent health care system, we serve our region through Salem Hospital, multiple community clinics and West Valley Hospital, ensuring broad access to high-quality care.

We believe in empowering our teams. Through Lean principles, staff help drive innovation and solve real problems. We also invest in your growth with professional development, tuition assistance, and clear career pathways. At Salem Health, you'll find more than a job, you'll find purpose, connection, and room to thrive.

Salem Health Hospitals and Clinics is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, national origin, disability, veteran status, genetic information, or any other status or condition protected by law.

Salem Health Hospitals and Clinics is committed to providing access, equal opportunity, and reasonable accommodation for applicants. If reasonable accommodation is needed to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and/or to receive other benefits and privileges of employment, please contact [e-mail].