Lead-Clinical Lab Technician-Pathology Clinical Research Unit Lab

St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Inc.; Memphis (TN); On-site; USD 33,000 - 58,000; Full time

Job summary

St. Jude Children\'s Research Hospital, Inc. in Memphis is seeking a Lead Clinical Laboratory Technician within the CRU Laboratory to support specimen processing and laboratory operations essential to clinical research.

The role provides hands-on laboratory support while coordinating daily workflow, promoting consistent processes, and serving as a resource for the CRU Laboratory team. Collaboration with Pathology’s teams and adherence to safety and quality standards are required.

Qualifications

• High school diploma required; associate’s degree preferred.
• 8+ years of clinical lab experience.
• Experience with complex lab procedures and regulatory requirements.
• Licensure: Tennessee Medical Laboratory Technician-General preferred; HAZGOODS within 3 months.

Responsibilities

• Collaborate with internal/external teams to perform and oversee laboratory support operations.
• Independently perform and oversee complex lab tasks within own area (pipette calibration, specimen processing, storage, and shipping).
• Troubleshoot complex lab problems and assist in preventive maintenance.
• Oversee inventory maintenance including receipt and storage of supplies.
• Train and guide team members around complex lab services and address escalations.

Skills

Pipette calibration

Water quality testing

Specimen processing

Quality control

Laboratory safety

Team training

Troubleshooting lab issues

Education

High School Diploma

Associate’s degree

Tools

LDMS

Pipette calibration equipment

Laboratory information systems

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 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.
• 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.
• 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. No Search Firms. St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital does not accept unsolicited assistance from search firms for employment opportunities. Please do not call or email. All resumes submitted by search firms to any employee or other representative at St. Jude via email, the internet or in any form and/or method without a valid written search agreement in place and approved by HR will result in no fee being paid in the event the candidate is hired by St. Jude.