Laboratory Assistant - DASH Unit

MPHI; Lansing (MI); On-site; USD 25,000 - 40,000; Full time

Job summary

MPHI is hiring a Laboratory Assistant for the DASH Unit in Lansing, Michigan. The role works in the specimen receiving and accessioning area, following defined guidelines with guidance available as needed.

A moderate level of judgment is required to support daily lab operations. The position requires a high school diploma and about 1 year of laboratory experience; you will retrieve, sort, accession, and prepare specimens for testing, enter data, and participate in safety practices and routine

Qualifications

• High school diploma required.
• Minimum 1 year laboratory experience preferred.
• Ability to stand and lift 20+ pounds daily.
• Proficient data entry and record-keeping.

Responsibilities

• Retrieve and sort clinical specimens.
• Accession and enter data for specimens.
• Operate autoclaves safely and maintain equipment.
• Maintain cleanliness of the accessioning area and tools.

Skills

Data entry

Teamwork

Professional communication

Standing long

Lift heavy boxes

Education

High school diploma

Job description

MPHI is a Michigan-based and nationally engaged, non-profit public health institute. We are a team of teams, process and content experts, dedicated to building A world where tomorrow is healthier than today!

Title: Laboratory Assistant - DASH Unit

$18.98 - $29.11 / Posted Thru: 10/9/2026

Location: In Person – Lansing, Michigan

Hours:

• Tuesday Thru Friday – 6:00 am – 2:30 pm
• Saturday – 7:00 am – 3:30 pm

The function of this position is to work at a variety of activities within the specimen receiving and accessioning area of the Data and Specimen Handling (DASH) Central Receiving Unit. Work is performed under well-defined guidelines and guidance and direction are available as needed. A moderate level of judgment is required in the performance of the work.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Retrieve incoming clinical specimens from mail room or designated pickup points.
• Sort incoming clinical specimens by laboratory destination.
• Sub-sort, screen, and accession clinical specimens by type of test requested.
• Prepare and enter clinical specimens by type of test requested.
• Perform aseptic manipulation of clinical samples pre analytically to prepare the sample for testing.
• Deliver clinical specimens to the appropriate laboratory for testing, with test requisition forms if required.
• Maintain the cleanliness of the clinical specimen sorting and accessioning area including tools and equipment.
• Enter clinical specimen and environmental data from submitter’s test requisition forms into various archival databases.
• File hard copies of specimen data from submitter’s test requisition forms in the Unit’s file system.
• Retrieve and/or distribute specimen data from archival databases and/or hard copy file system upon laboratory personnel request or public inquiry by mail, phone, or FAX.
• Answer telephones to route calls.
• Actively participate in the appropriate disposal and/or recycling of specimen shipping containers.
• Operate steam autoclaves according to accepted safety and sterilization techniques.
• Participate in the copying, sorting, and distribution of outgoing mail.
• Close/open the office following documented procedures and security policy.
• Completes preventative maintenance work orders on laboratory equipment and facility as assigned.
• Properly pack and ship Dangerous and Non-Dangerous clinical specimens to the appropriate laboratory.
• Review and forward a variety of proficiency samples to appropriate laboratories for processing.
• Notify appropriate laboratory that proficiency has been forwarded to them for processing.
• Maintain appropriate records for verification of proper CDC specimen and proficiency processing.
• Participate in federal exercises for shipping and receiving of Bioterrorism and Chemical Terrorism samples.
• Evaluate incoming sample packaging as a part of statewide shipping competencies.
• Ensure that sample received is correct form testing and that the sample is acceptable per BOL testing requirements.
• Ensure that all information required by federal regulations is present on a MDCH test request form.
• Ensure that all specimens received with the Bureau of Laboratories have clear identification present.
• Contact submitters regarding missing information and obtain information either verbally or in written form.
• Amend and correct reports and database information based on information obtained from submitters.
• Represent the best interest of MDHHS and MPHI at all times.
• Other duties as assigned.

Education

Education for this position can typically be obtained through completion of a high school diploma

Experience

A minimum of 1 year of laboratory experience is required. Clinical laboratory experience is preferred. A desire to participate in laboratory support functions in a variety of capacities is desired.

Important Skills and Characteristics

• The ability to stand for long periods of time.
• The ability to stoop, lift, and carry large, awkward, or heavy boxes often more than 20 pounds in weight.
• The ability to enter data using a computer keyboard.
• The ability to follow written and oral instructions.
• The ability to work cooperatively as part of a team.
• The ability to communicate in a professional manner with the public.

Work Environment and Physical Requirements

An employee working with specimens of human origin is required to employ “universal precautions” in the laboratory; that is, to treat each specimen as if it were capable of disease transmission and to use personal protection devices such as gloves, safety glasses, and lab coats to prevent contamination.

Physical Activities

Standing, lifting, carrying, kneeling, bending, squatting, keyboard entry- daily

Conditions/Hazards

Dust, odor, fumes, chemicals, noise- daily. Must have ability to work at a computer and operate normal office equipment. Job involves keyboarding and viewing a CRT or VDT screen up to 100% of the time.

RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE WORK OF OTHERS

No assigned responsibility.

IMPACT ON PROJECTS, SERVICES AND OPERATIONS

This position has a direct impact on the quality of services provided by MPHI to MDHHS. This person is a key member of the team. This person also ensures that the needs of the laboratory staff and external clients are met in a timely manner and maintains professional relationships

Required Communication

Contact Person/Group

Supervisor

Frequency

Daily

Supervision

Internal Partners

As Needed

Collaboration

External Stakeholders

As Needed

Collaboration

For purposes of employment standards, this classification is “ Non-Exempt” from overtime provisions of the fair Labor Standards Act.

MPHI works with you to promote health for everyone. Together, we will build a world where tomorrow is healthier than today!

MPHI is an EEO employer that participates with e-verify.