Lead-Clinical Lab Technician-Pathology Clinical Research Unit Lab

ALSAC; Memphis (TN); On-site; USD 33,000 - 58,000; Full time

Job summary

St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital’s Clinical Research Unit Laboratory in Pathology seeks a Lead Clinical Laboratory Technician to support specimen processing and lab operations for multiple research protocols.

You will supervise daily workflow, perform complex lab tasks (pipette calibration, sample handling, and QA), train staff, and collaborate with Biorepository teams to ensure accurate specimen management and research continuity.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma required.
• Associate’s degree preferred.

Responsibilities

• Collaborate with internal/external teams to perform and oversee laboratory support operations.
• Independently perform and oversee complex lab tasks within own area (e.g., pipette calibration and water quality; accurate collection, processing, storage, tracking and shipping of tests; specimen accessioning, evaluation, processing, and distribution).
• Troubleshoot complex problems related to lab support within area and assist in preventive maintenance procedures.
• Oversee and monitor inventory maintenance including receipt and storage of supplies.
• Perform and guide quality control and compliance activities within lab (e.g., documentation, lab maintenance, calibration).
• Train and guide team members around complex lab services activities and address any escalations/deviations.
• Perform other duties as assigned to meet the goals and objectives of the department and institution.

Skills

Pipette calibration

Quality control

Training team members

Specimen processing

Lab operations coordination

Education

High School Diploma

Associate degree preferred

Job description

Join the Clinical Research Unit (CRU) Laboratory within Pathology as a Lead Clinical Laboratory Technician, supporting the specimen processing and laboratory operations essential to clinical research.

The CRU Laboratory supports more than 100 research protocols and performs protocol-specific specimen processing and management, including Ficoll separation when required, specimen deidentification, data entry and specimen tracking in the Laboratory Data Management System (LDMS), preparation of specimen collection kits, temporary specimen storage, and the packaging, shipping, and tracking of research specimens.

The Lead Clinical Laboratory Technician provides hands‑on laboratory support while helping coordinate daily workflow, promote consistent processes, and serve as a resource for the CRU Laboratory team. The position will also collaborate closely with Pathology’s Laboratory Support and Biorepository teams to support coordinated specimen management and research operations across the department.

Job Responsibilities:

• Collaborate with internal/external teams to perform and oversee laboratory support operations.
• Independently perform and oversees complex lab tasks within own area (e.g., pipette calibration and water quality; accurate collection, processing, storage, tracking and shipping of tests; specimen accessioning, evaluation, processing, and distribution).
• Troubleshoot complex problems related to lab support within area and assist in preventive maintenance procedures.
• Oversee and monitor inventory maintenance including receipt and storage of supplies.
• Perform and guide quality control and compliance activities within lab (e.g., documentation, lab maintenance, calibration).
• Train and guide team members around complex lab services activities and address any escalations/deviations.
• Perform other duties as assigned to meet the goals and objectives of the department and institution.
• Maintain regular and predictable attendance.
• Consistently meet job expectations, adhere to policies, and deliver quality work while applying. St. Jude values and principles. Managers evaluate employee performance throughout the year—specifically through the spring and fall Check In milestones and the Annual Performance Review. All employees are encouraged to actively participate in these performance management processes.

Minimum Education and/or Training:

• High School Diploma required.
• Associate’s degree preferred.

Minimum Experience:

• 8+ years of experience in a clinical lab required.
• Experience Exception: Associate’s degree with 6+ years of experience.
• Substantial experience in relevant complex laboratory procedures and principles preferred (e.g. equipment maintenance, calibration, and troubleshooting; materials prep and planning; specimen processing and management).
• Significant experience working with laboratory personnel, understanding and supporting complex lab needs preferred.
• Experience in assessing and addressing crisis/emergency lab situations through appropriate assistance preferred.
• Experience in training team members around lab procedures, safety, and compliance preferred.
• Proven performance in earlier role/ comparable role.

Licensure, Registration and/or Certification Required by Law:

• Tennessee licensure as Medical Laboratory Technician-General preferred

Licensure, Registration and/or Certification Required by SJCRH Only:

• Current Hazardous Goods Shipping (HAZGOODS) required within 3 months of joining.

Compensation

In recognition of certain U.S. state and municipal pay transparency laws, St. Jude is including a reasonable estimate of the compensation range for this role. This is an estimate offered in good faith and a specific salary offer takes into account factors that are considered in making compensation decisions including but not limited to skill sets, experience and training, licensure and certifications, and other business and organizational needs. It is not typical for an individual to be hired at or near the top of the salary range and compensation decisions are dependent on the facts and circumstances of each case. A reasonable estimate of the current salary range is $24.00 - $42.00 per hour for the role of Lead-Clinical Lab Technician-Pathology Clinical Research Unit Lab.

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St. Jude is an Equal Opportunity Employer

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