Medical Technician I - Specimen Processing - Days

University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center; Houston, Northern (TX, KY); Hybrid; USD 38,000 - 57,000; Full time

Job summary

University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston seeks a Medical Technician I to perform accessioning and processing of specimens, operate lab instrumentation, and ensure accurate handling and documentation. The role emphasizes teamwork, quality, and patient-focused results in a fast-paced clinical laboratory.

The position requires a high school diploma or equivalent, with a preferred bachelor’s in basic science, and offers a daytime schedule with some weekend/holiday rotation.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent required
• Bachelor's degree in basic science preferred

Responsibilities

• Evaluate and accession cases or specimens and document special handling
• Operate instrumentation and perform standard service, quality control, and calibration
• Maintain inventory and restock supplies to support shifts
• Provide excellent customer service and collaborate with internal and external customers
• Train staff, students and fellows on established procedures using checklists

Job description

The Specimen Processing department at MD Anderson Cancer Center plays a critical role in the laboratory testing process by ensuring patient specimens are accurately received, identified, processed, and prepared for testing. As an essential part of the clinical laboratory, the team supports timely and reliable patient results by maintaining specimen integrity, coordinating reference laboratory testing, and ensuring materials move efficiently through the laboratory workflow.

This Medical Technician I position offers the opportunity to work in a fast-paced clinical laboratory environment where accuracy, organization, and attention to detail directly support patient care. The role is ideal for someone who enjoys hands-on laboratory work, follows established procedures carefully, and can effectively manage multiple priorities while maintaining high standards of quality.

In this role, you will perform specimen accessioning and processing, including evaluating specimens, documenting special handling requirements, preparing slides and specimens for testing, preparing reagents and sterile supplies, and cutting or grinding tissue specimens when required. You will also evaluate specimens requiring reference laboratory testing, prepare appropriate transport materials, generate manifests, and ensure specimens and corresponding orders are accurately accounted for throughout the process.

You will also operate and maintain laboratory instrumentation and equipment, performing routine service, quality control, and calibration procedures while troubleshooting common equipment issues. Maintaining an organized workstation, monitoring inventory, and restocking supplies will be important to ensuring the laboratory has the resources needed to maintain efficient operations.

Strong customer service and teamwork are also important components of this position. You will interact with internal and external customers, follow established telephone courtesy standards, and remain calm and professional in varying circumstances, including situations requiring additional assistance. The ability to communicate effectively, work cooperatively with others, and maintain a positive approach in a busy environment will contribute to success in the role.

The position also provides opportunities to train employees, students, and fellows on established procedures while following structured training checklists. The ideal candidate will be dependable, detail-oriented, comfortable working in a clinical laboratory environment, and committed to maintaining specimen accuracy, quality, safety, and efficient workflow.

MD Anderson offers a comprehensive total rewards package, including paid medical benefits, generous paid time off, retirement plans, tuition assistance, professional development opportunities, and additional benefits, along with the opportunity to build a rewarding career at one of the world's leading cancer centers while supporting laboratory operations that directly contribute to the diagnosis and treatment of cancer patients.

The hours are 7am - 3:30pm Monday - Friday with rotating weekend and holiday coverage

JOB SPECIFIC COMPETENCIES

Accession/Specimen Processing

• Evaluates and accessions cases or specimens
• Documents and cases or specimens requiring special handling
• Documents any unacceptable cases or specimens and performs cancellations as necessary.
• Performs complex set-ups of slides/specimens for clinical testing.
• Prepares any reagents required for slide/specimen processing.
• Prepares any necessary sterile supplies or reagents.
• Cuts and grinds tissue specimens as necessary for processing procedures.
• Evaluate samples requiring performance by a reference laboratory
• If necessary, obtain appropriate approvals before sending samples to reference laboratory
• Prepare and/or aliquot specimens into appropriate transport containers and store in the appropriate transport conditions until pick up by courier.
• Generate manifest for reference laboratory specimens and ensure all specimens and orders are accounted for.

Instrumentation/Equipment

• Operates instrumentation/equipment according to specific protocols
• Is able to perform and document standard service, quality control, and/or calibration procedures.
• Is able to troubleshoot and resolve common instrumentation/equipment problems.

Inventory

• Performs inventory of supplies/reagents according to departmental procedures.
• Maintains a clean and organized workstation
• Restocks consumable items as necessary to ensure enough to support the next work shift.

Customer Service

• Complies with the section telephone courtesy policies and procedures
• Demonstrate cooperation when working with both internal and external customers.
• Demonstrates calmness under varying environmental circumstances.
• Remains willing and capable of assisting in crisis situations.

Training

• Train other employees, students, and/or fellows as needed
• Follow established checklists during the training period

Other duties as assigned

EDUCATION

Required: High School Diploma or Equivalent

Preferred: Bachelor's Degree Basic science.

WORK EXPERIENCE

Required: 3 years In a clinical medical laboratory or similar setting or with preferred degree, no experience required.

The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center offers excellent benefits, including medical, dental, paid time off, retirement, tuition benefits, educational opportunities, and individual and team recognition.

This position may be responsible for maintaining the security and integrity of critical infrastructure, as defined in Section 113.001(2) of the Texas Business and Commerce Code and therefore may require routine reviews and screening. The ability to satisfy and maintain all requirements necessary to ensure the continued security and integrity of such infrastructure is a condition of hire and continued employment.

It is the policy of The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center to provide equal employment opportunity without regard to race, color, religion, age, national origin, sex, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, disability, protected veteran status, genetic information, or any other basis protected by institutional policy or by federal, state, or local laws unless such distinction is required by law.http://www.mdanderson.org/about-us/legal-and-policy/legal-statements/eeo-affirmative-action.html

Additional Information

• Requisition ID: 182943
• Employment Status: Full-Time
• Employee Status: Regular
• Work Week: Days
• Minimum Salary: US Dollar (USD) 38,000
• Midpoint Salary: US Dollar (USD) 47,500
• Maximum Salary : US Dollar (USD) 57,000
• FLSA: non-exempt and eligible for overtime pay
• Fund Type: Hard
• Work Location: Onsite
• Pivotal Position: No
• Referral Bonus Available?: No
• Relocation Assistance Available?: No