Medical Lab Assistant - UVA Cancer Care Laboratories

UVA Health; Virginia; On-site; USD 46,000 - 74,000; Full time

Job summary

UVA Health in Charlottesville is seeking a Medical Lab Assistant to support ambulatory cancer care clinics, blending patient interaction with laboratory operations in a dynamic, patient-centered environment.

Join a growing cancer care laboratory network, with opportunities to develop clinical and laboratory skills while collaborating with oncologists, phlebotomists, and support teams.

Qualifications

• Education: High School Graduate or equivalent; MLA coursework completed or CSC accepted.
• Experience: 2 years of relevant experience or CSC without experience.
• License/Certification: MLA(ASCP) within 12 months of hire.

Responsibilities

• Support daily laboratory operations within ambulatory cancer care clinics.
• Receive, prepare, and manage patient specimens for testing.
• Coordinate specimen routing and transport workflows with Core Laboratory teams.
• Assist laboratory staff with workflow management and operational tasks.
• Perform phlebotomy and patient-facing laboratory activities as needed.
• Collaborate with oncology clinicians and care teams to support patient care.
• Contribute to quality initiatives, safety protocols, and service excellence.
• Maintain an organized, efficient, and patient-focused laboratory environment.
• Adapt to changing priorities and support team coverage across multiple locations.

Skills

Phlebotomy

Laboratory operations

Clinical support

Education

High School Diploma or GED

MLA Career Study Certificate (CSC)

Job description

Join a growing oncology-focused laboratory team where your work directly supports patients navigating some of the most important moments in their healthcare journey. This role offers the opportunity to combine patient interaction, laboratory operations, and clinical support within an expanding cancer care environment.

As a Medical Lab Assistant, you will play a key role in ensuring laboratory services run smoothly across ambulatory cancer care settings. Working alongside laboratory professionals, oncology providers, and support teams, you will help deliver an exceptional patient experience while developing valuable clinical and laboratory skills in a collaborative, patient-centered environment.

The Role

As a Medical Lab Assistant, you will serve as a frontline laboratory support professional within UVA Health's Cancer Care Laboratory network. This position blends hands‑on patient interaction with laboratory operations, creating a dynamic role where no two days are exactly alike. You will work closely with laboratory staff, clinicians, phlebotomists, and operational teams to help ensure timely, accurate, and compassionate care for oncology patients.

In This Role, You Will

• Support daily laboratory operations within ambulatory cancer care clinics.
• Receive, prepare, and manage patient specimens for testing.
• Coordinate specimen routing and transport workflows when testing is performed by Core Laboratory teams.
• Assist laboratory professionals with workflow management and operational support.
• Perform phlebotomy and patient‑facing laboratory activities as needed.
• Collaborate with oncology clinicians and care teams to support seamless patient care.
• Contribute to quality initiatives, safety protocols, and service excellence efforts.
• Help maintain an organized, efficient, and patient‑focused laboratory environment.
• Adapt to changing priorities and support team coverage across multiple locations as services continue to expand.

This position is ideal for individuals who enjoy working directly with patients, thrive in team‑oriented environments, and are interested in building a long‑term career in laboratory medicine and healthcare operations.

Why UVA Health

UVA Health is one of the nation's leading academic health systems, recognized for its commitment to innovation, education, research, and exceptional patient care. As part of UVA Health, you will be connected to an organization dedicated to advancing medicine while investing in the growth and development of its team members.

The Cancer Care Laboratory service line is experiencing significant growth and expansion, creating a unique opportunity to join a team helping shape the future of oncology laboratory services across the region. This specialized laboratory model offers a level of collaboration and patient connection that is often difficult to find in traditional laboratory settings.

Highlights Of This Opportunity Include

• Be part of a rapidly expanding cancer care laboratory network.
• Work directly with oncology patients and providers in an ambulatory setting.
• Gain valuable experience in both laboratory medicine and patient care.
• Collaborate with highly skilled clinicians, laboratory professionals, and healthcare teams.
• Receive mentorship and support from experienced laboratory leadership.
• Access meaningful professional development and career advancement opportunities.
• Build skills that support future pathways in laboratory medicine, phlebotomy, specimen management, and laboratory operations.
• Contribute to a culture centered on teamwork, compassion, and excellence in patient care.

For healthcare professionals seeking growth, hands‑on experience, and the opportunity to make a meaningful difference, this role offers a strong foundation for continued career development within UVA Health.

Why People Love Living in Charlottesville

Charlottesville offers an exceptional quality of life with the unique combination of a vibrant university community, scenic mountain views, and a welcoming small‑city atmosphere. Residents enjoy easy access to Shenandoah National Park, the Blue Ridge Mountains, award‑winning wineries, locally owned restaurants, music and arts festivals, and abundant outdoor recreation. The region provides an outstanding balance between professional opportunity and personal well‑being, making it an attractive place for healthcare professionals and families alike. With strong schools, a rich cultural scene, and a close‑knit community, Charlottesville continues to be one of the most desirable places to live and work in Virginia.

Minimum Requirements

Education: High School Graduate or Equivalent; or Medical Laboratory Assistant Career Study Certificate (CSC) or an official letter from the College stating MLA coursework has been completed. Must meet Clinical Laboratory Improvement Act & Amendment (CLIA) education requirements for complexity of testing performed

Experience: High School Graduate or Equivalent – 2 years of relevant experience; or Medical Laboratory Assistant Career Study Certificate (CSC) – no experience required.

License/Certification: MLA(ASCP) within 12 months of hire

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

Job requires sitting, standing for prolonged periods, frequently, bending/stooping and repetitive motion: extension & flexion at wrist. Proficient communicative, auditory and visual skills; Attention to detail and ability to write legibly; Ability to lift/push/pull less than 20lbs. May be exposed to chemicals, blood/body fluids and infectious disease.

The pay range for this role is $21.95 - $34.02 hourly. Individual compensation will be determined by the selected candidate's qualifications, previous work experience, and/or education.

Benefits

• Comprehensive Benefits Package: Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance
• Generous Paid Time Off
• Retirement Savings
• Long‑term and Short‑term Disability
• Health Saving Plans, and Flexible Spending Accounts
• Certification and Education Support

UVA Health is a world‑class Magnet Recognized academic medical center and health system with a level 1 trauma center. 2023‑2024 U.S. News & World Report “Best Hospitals” guide rates UVA Health University Medical Center as “High Performing” in 5 adult specialties and 14 conditions/procedures. We are one of 70 National Cancer Institute designated cancer centers. UVA Health Children’s is named by 2023‑2024 U.S. News & World Report as the best children's hospital in Virginia with 9 specialties ranked among the best in the nation. Our footprint also encompasses 3 community hospitals and an integrated network of primary and specialty care clinics throughout Charlottesville, Culpeper, Northern Virginia, and beyond.

The University of Virginia is an equal opportunity employer. All interested persons are encouraged to apply, including veterans and individuals with disabilities. Learn more about UVA’s commitment to non‑discrimination and equal opportunity employment.