Lab Specimen Processor

RWJBarnabas Health; Long Branch (NJ); On-site; USD 27,000 - 39,000; Part time

Job summary

RWJBarnabas Health is seeking a Lab Specimen Processor at Monmouth Medical Center to manage receipt, labeling, and preparation of clinical specimens. You will enter data into laboratory information systems, ensure proper specimen handling, and support pre-analytical workflows to maintain high-quality diagnostic processes.

The role emphasizes accuracy, teamwork, safety compliance, and the ability to handle biohazard specimens while meeting daily laboratory deadlines.

Qualifications

• Requires High School Diploma or GED.
• Associate's or Bachelor's degree in Biology or related field, or current enrollment in a relevant program, or equivalent laboratory experience.
• 0–2 years of laboratory support, specimen processing, inventory management, or accessioning experience preferred.

Responsibilities

• Receive, verify, and label clinical specimens per protocols.
• Accession and enter patient data into LIMS.
• Prepare specimens for testing including centrifugation, aliquoting, and distribution.
• Ensure proper storage and handling to maintain sample integrity and quality.
• Transport specimens within the lab or to testing areas.
• Escalate discrepancies or labeling issues to prevent delays.

Skills

Organizational skills

Communication skills

Computer literacy

Data entry

Data privacy

Education

High school diploma or GED

Associate's or Bachelor's in Biology or related field

Tools

Laboratory information systems

Inventory management software

Job description

Job Title: Lab Specimen Processor

Location: Monmouth Medical Center

Department Name: Lab MMC Microbiology

Req #: 0000264009

Status: Hourly

Shift: Day

Pay Range: $24.10 - $24.10 per hour

Pay Transparency:

The above reflects the anticipated hourly wage range for this position if hired to work in New Jersey.

The compensation offered to the candidate selected for the position will depend on several factors, including the candidate's educational background, skills and professional experience.

Lab Specimen Processor – RWJBarnabas Health

At RWJBarnabas Health, Lab Specimen Processors become part of a purpose-driven environment where compassion, clinical excellence, and patient-centered care create meaningful opportunities to support medical diagnostic services. This Lab Specimen Processor role offers opportunities for professional growth, interdisciplinary collaboration, and a culture committed to quality, evidence-based laboratory practices, and continuous improvement. Reporting to the Laboratory Supervisor or Director, you will play an essential role in managing the receipt, accessioning, processing, and distribution of specimens across multiple laboratory disciplines. Joining RWJBarnabas Health means joining a community where every Lab Specimen Processor is encouraged to grow, contribute, and make a lasting impact on our patient community.

A typical day for a Lab Specimen Processor may include:

• Receiving, verifying, and labeling clinical specimens according to established hospital and departmental protocols to ensure pre-analytical accuracy.
• Performing comprehensive specimen accessioning and accurately entering vital patient and sample data into the designated laboratory information systems.
• Preparing patient specimens for clinical testing, which includes executing precise centrifugation, aliquoting, and distribution across multiple laboratory sections.
• Ensuring the proper storage and meticulous handling of all specimens to protect sample integrity and maintain strict quality control standards.
• Transporting processed specimens safely within the laboratory framework or delivering them directly to designated high-priority testing areas.
• Identifying and promptly escalating specimen discrepancies, labeling issues, or integrity concerns to supervisory staff to mitigate diagnostic delays.
• Adhering fully to RWJBH Organizational competencies and exceptional corporate standards of behavior in all daily clinical interactions.

This role might be for you if:

• Compassion and empathy guide your interactions with patients, families, and your clinical laboratory colleagues.
• You are passionate about supporting individuals by protecting accurate diagnostic paths and ensuring efficient pre-analytical workflows.
• Strong organizational and workflow coordination skills allow you to properly prioritize complex specimen workloads to meet strict laboratory deadlines.
• You communicate confidently and collaborate effectively with external hospital departments, medical staff, and laboratory personnel.
• You enjoy executing precise instructions within a technical environment while upholding exceptional professional standards and safety rules.
• You are comfortable working with complex information networks and possess excellent computer skills to navigate modern healthcare databases.
• Adaptability allows you to confidently handle biohazard specimens, manage inventory, and navigate shifting priorities in a dynamic healthcare facility.
• Continuous learning, strict safety compliance, and professional development within an acute care laboratory framework are important to you.

To be considered for this Lab Specimen Processor opportunity, you will have:

• High School Diploma or GED equivalent required.
• Associate's OR Bachelor's degree in Biology or a related field, current enrollment in a relevant scientific program, OR equivalent practical experience in a laboratory environment.
• 0–2 years of experience preferred in laboratory support, specimen processing, inventory management, or accessioning roles.
• Basic knowledge of specimen handling, processing procedures, laboratory safety, and strict infection control practices.
• Effective organizational and communication skills, with the ability to express operational details clearly and professionally.
• Strong technical acumen with the ability to easily comprehend and execute complex data entry and clinical processing instructions.
• Proven ability and willingness to maintain a strict level of data privacy and confidentiality regarding sensitive medical records.
• Physical capability and comfort to work within an environment that involves handling biohazard specimens and meeting active laboratory demands.
• Per Diem Day Shift: Hours are 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM on an as-needed basis. Occasional evening shift coverage required (4:00 PM – 12:30 AM) based on operational needs.
• Every other weekend and rotating holidays required.