Laboratory Assistant - DASH Unit

Michigan Public Health Institute (MPHI); Lansing (MI); On-site; USD 26,000 - 40,000; Full time

Job summary

Michigan Public Health Institute (MPHI) is seeking a Laboratory Assistant for the DASH Unit in Lansing. The role supports specimen receiving, accessioning, and data entry, with routine prep and shipping of samples to labs, under defined guidelines and supervision.

The position emphasizes accuracy, safety, and teamwork in a public health laboratory setting, with a schedule Tue-Fri and weekend shifts as listed. Moderate lifting and data handling are required.

Qualifications

• Education typically requires a high school diploma.
• Minimum 1 year of laboratory experience; clinical lab experience preferred.

Responsibilities

• Retrieve incoming clinical specimens from mail room or pickup points.
• Sort specimens by laboratory destination and test type.
• Enter specimen data into archival databases.
• Maintain cleanliness of the specimen sorting and accessioning area.
• Prepare and ship specimens to the appropriate laboratory following procedures.

Skills

Standing for long periods

Lift heavy boxes

Data entry

Follow instructions

Teamwork

Professional communication

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

Tuesday Thru Friday - 6:00 am - 2:30 pm

Saturday - 7:00 am - 3:30 pm

Purpose: 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.

Qualifications/Requirements:

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

Supervisor 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.