Lab Assistant

Salem Health Hospitals & Clinics; Salem (OR); On-site; USD 42,000 - 56,000; Full time

Job summary

Salem Health in Salem, Oregon, is seeking a Lab Assistant for the Specimen Management team. This full-time, non-exempt role supports patient care by receiving, processing, and routing specimens to maintain diagnostic quality and turnaround times.

You’ll work closely with medical technologists and clinical partners in a fast-paced, collaborative environment. The schedule is 12:00 pm - 8:30 pm, Monday through Friday, with occasional Saturday and holiday rotations.

Qualifications

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

Responsibilities

• Receive, verify, and log specimens in the Laboratory Information System to ensure accurate tracking.
• Prepare, label, and route specimens for in-house testing or reference lab send-outs.
• Register patients in EPIC and enter orders in Sunquest to support seamless coordination.
• Assist with microbiology specimen setup following established procedures and safety standards.
• Operate, troubleshoot, and maintain the MPA instrument, documenting performance.

Skills

Team process

Quality management

Problem solving

Job description

US:OR:Salem | Laboratory / Pathology | Full Time

Posted 2 days ago

Description

Location: Salem Hospital,890 Oak Street SE,Salem, Oregon 97301

Department:Laboratory / Pathology

Position Type:Full time, 40 hours/week, Non-Exempt

Schedule: 12:00 pm - 8:30 pm, Monday - Friday; Occasional Saturday and Holiday rotation

Your role with us

As a Lab Assistant in Salem Health’s Specimen Management team, you’re part of the engine that keeps our laboratory running smoothly. You’ll support patient care by ensuring specimens are received, processed, and routed accurately and efficiently; work that directly impacts diagnostic quality and turnaround times. This role is hands-on, fast-paced, and deeply collaborative. You’ll work closely with medical technologists, support staff, and clinical partners while using your technical skills, problem-solving abilities, and commitment to safety to keep operations flowing. If you thrive in an environment where every detail matters and teamwork drives excellence, this is a place where you’ll make a meaningful impact every day.

What you'll do

• Receive, verify, and log specimens in the Laboratory Information System (Sunquest) to ensure accurate tracking and workflow initiation.
• Prepare, label, and route specimens for in-house testing or reference lab send-outs, prioritizing stability and urgency.
• Register patients in EPIC and enter orders in Sunquest to support seamless clinical and laboratory coordination.
• Assist with microbiology specimen setup, following established procedures and safety standards.
• Operate, troubleshoot, and maintain the MPA instrument, documenting performance and escalating issues promptly.
• Sort incoming specimens by priority and type, triaging STAT and time-sensitive samples to maintain turnaround expectations.
• Verify equipment functionality, maintain supply levels, and communicate issues to supervisors to support continuous operations.
• Assist coworkers, help resolve workflow challenges, respond to inquiries from staff and providers, and support training for new hires.
• Follow infection control and safety protocols, participate in quality assurance activities, and complete mandatory education.

Required qualifications

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

Additional information

• Minimum of one year of related experience in either a clinical, medical office, or research setting desired.

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

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].