Laboratory Assistant

Houston Metro Urology; Houston (TX); On-site; USD 38,000 - 52,000; Full time

Job summary

Houston Metro Urology is seeking a Laboratory Assistant to support daily operations in the anatomical laboratory. You will handle specimens, process data in LIS, and assist with administrative tasks to ensure safety and quality in patient care.

The role requires attention to detail, ability to follow procedures, and teamwork in a fast-paced clinical setting. On-site work with PPE in a clinical lab environment.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• 1–2 years specimen collection/processing experience preferred.
• Associate degree in a science-related field preferred.

Responsibilities

• Receive, accession, and label patient specimens accurately.
• Send out materials for ancillary testing, consultations, and second opinions.
• Maintain proper documentation and data entry in the LIS.
• Coordinate follow-up appointment dates with patient charts and MAs.
• Assist with transcription, inspection preparations, and other data entry.
• Maintain cleanliness and organization of work areas and equipment.
• Support Laboratory Manager and Pathologist with clerical and operational tasks.
• Answer calls from satellite offices.
• File tissue blocks, slides, and reports.
• Off-site storage organization.
• Assist in other lab duties as assigned by Lab Manager and Pathologist.
• Follow all safety, infection control, and compliance guidelines (OSHA, CLIA, CAP).

Skills

Attention to detail

Organizational skills

Written and verbal instructions

teamwork

Basic computer proficiency

Data entry

Communication

Laboratory procedures

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

1-2 years specimen collection/processing experience

Associate degree in science (preferred)

Tools

LIS/EMR systems

Job description

Description

The Laboratory Assistant supports daily operations in the anatomical laboratory by performing pre-analytical, analytical support, and administrative tasks. This role ensures accurate specimen handling, timely processing, and adherence to quality and safety standards to support patient care.

Key Responsibilities

• Receive, accession, and label patient specimens accurately
• Sending out materials for ancillary testing, consultations, and second opinions.
• Maintain proper documentation and data entry in the Laboratory Information System (LIS)
• Coordinating follow‑up appointment dates with patient charts and MAs.
• Assist with transcription, inspection preparations, and other data entry.
• Maintain cleanliness and organization of work areas and equipment
• Support Laboratory Manager and Pathologist with clerical and operational tasks
• Answering calls from satellite offices.
• Filing tissue blocks, slides, and reports
• Off‑site storage organization
• Assist in other lab duties as assigned by Lab Manager and Pathologist
• Follow all safety, infection control, and compliance guidelines (e.g., OSHA, CLIA, CAP)

Requirements

Education Requirements

• High school diploma or equivalent (required)
• 1-2 years of Relevant Specimen collection/processing experience. (preferred)
• Associate degree in a science‑related field (preferred)

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Basic understanding of laboratory procedures and terminology
• Strong attention to detail and organizational skills
• Ability to follow written and verbal instructions accurately
• Good communication and teamwork skills
• Basic computer proficiency (LIS/EMR systems preferred)
• Ability to work in a fast‑paced environment and manage priorities
• Prior experience in a clinical or hospital laboratory (preferred)
• Experience with specimen handling and data entry (a plus)
• Administrative experience (preferred)

Physical Requirements

• Ability to stand for extended periods
• Ability to lift up to 20–30 pounds
• Manual dexterity for handling specimens and lab equipment

Work Environment

• Clinical laboratory setting
• Exposure to biological specimens and chemicals (PPE required)