Laboratory Support Technician

UPMC; Pittsburgh (Allegheny County); On-site; USD 25,000 - 36,000; Full time

Job summary

UPMC Passavant – McCandless is seeking a dedicated Laboratory Support Technician to join the Automated Testing Lab. You will assist with specimen processing, instrument loading, and basic microbiology tasks, while supporting testing operations across multiple disciplines.

In this role, you will help maintain supplies, ensure a clean and safe work area, and participate in QA/QC activities. A strong attention to detail and teamwork in a fast-paced healthcare setting are essential.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent with 2 years in a clinical lab setting, or equivalent experience.
• Associate degree with biology and chemistry coursework and 1 year in a clinical lab.
• Phlebotomy or Medical Assistant cert with 1 year lab experience.
• 50-week U.S. military medical laboratory training program completed.
• Bachelor's degree in Biological Science or Clinical Lab Science.
• Currently enrolled in MLS or related program with at least 3 years of college completed.

Responsibilities

• Process, prepare, and distribute specimens for testing across chemistry, hematology, urinalysis, and microbiology.
• Receive, sort, aliquot, load/unload instruments; verify specimen acceptability and resolve processing issues.
• Monitor pending worklists; assist with storage and retrieval of specimens and slides.
• Perform basic microbiology specimen setup and prepare microscopic slides where applicable.
• Answer calls with status updates and reports; ensure QA/QC activities and a clean lab environment.

Skills

Detail orientation

Fast-paced environment

Healthcare teamwork

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Associate degree with biology/chemistry coursework

Phlebotomy or Medical Assistant certification

50-week U.S. military medical laboratory training

Bachelor's degree in Biological Science/Clinical Laboratory Science

MLS training program with 3 years college coursework

Job description

Make a Me an ingful Imp a ct Beh in d the Scenes!

Join our laboratory team and play a vital role in supporting patient care. As a Laboratory Support Technician, you'll work alongside laboratory professionals to ensure specimens are accurately processed, prepared, and ready for testing. This role is ideal for detail-oriented individuals who enjoy working in a fast-paced healthcare environment and contributing to high-quality patient outcomes. Successful team members actively seek learning opportunities and take initiative in developing new skills across the laboratory.

Position:

Full-Time Laboratory Support Technician

Department:

Automated Testing Lab

Location:

UPMC Passavant - McCandless

Shifts:

40 Hours/week; Monday–Friday, 7:30 a.m.–4:00 p.m. Rotating weekends and holidays on the same shift schedule.

Responsibilities

• Specimen Processing & Support
  • Support testing operations in chemistry, hematology, urinalysis, and microbiology, gaining exposure to a broad range of laboratory disciplines while working alongside experienced laboratory professionals
  • Receive, sort, prepare, and distribute specimens for testing, including aliquoting and instrument loading/unloading
  • Verify specimen acceptability while investigating processing issues
  • Monitor pending worklists and resolve unprocessed specimens
  • Assist with specimen and slide storage and retrieval
  • Prepare microscopic slides and perform basic microbiology specimen setup where applicable
  • Answer incoming calls and provide support regarding specimen status and reports
• Quality & Laboratory Operations
  • Help maintain laboratory supplies and inventory levels
  • Maintain a clean, organized, and safe work environment
  • Clean and test laboratory equipment, eyewash stations, and safety showers as assigned
  • Properly sort and dispose of laboratory waste
  • Transport specimens and laboratory supplies as needed
  • Perform routine instrument maintenance and temperature monitoring
  • Prepare and replenish laboratory reagents and consumables
  • Complete assigned quality assurance (QA) and quality control (QC) activities
  • Other duties as assigned

Note: All competencies must be achieved. The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed. They are not an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities, knowledge, skills, abilities, and working conditions associated with the role.

Minimum Qualifications (one of the following):

• High school diploma or equivalent and 2 years of experience as a Specimen Processor (or equivalent) in a clinical laboratory, OR
• Associate degree with coursework in biology and chemistry and 1 year of experience as a Specimen Processor (or equivalent) in a clinical laboratory, OR
• Phlebotomy or Medical Assistant certification and 1 year of experience as a Specimen Processor (or equivalent) in a clinical laboratory, OR
• Successful completion of a 50-week U.S. military medical laboratory training program, OR
• Bachelor's degree in Biological Science, Clinical Laboratory Science, or a related laboratory field from an accredited institution, OR
• Currently enrolled in a Medical Laboratory Scientist (MLS) or equivalent training program with at least 3 years of college coursework completed.

Preferred Qualifications

• Medical Laboratory Assistant (MLA)(ASCP) certification or equivalent.

Licensure, Certifications & Clearances

• Valid driver's license, if required by the department.
• Act 34 Criminal Background Clearance.

UPMC is an Equal Opportunity Employer, including individuals with disabilities and protected veterans.