Specimen Processing Assistant

MSU Careers Recent Jobs; East Lansing (MI); On-site; USD 30,000 - 38,000; Full time

Job summary

The Michigan State University Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory is seeking a Specimen Processing Assistant to evaluate, classify and triage high-volume diagnostic submissions, enter cases into a multi-screen program, and follow required SOPs. The role requires attention to detail in a fast-paced lab environment in East Lansing, MI.

The position emphasizes data entry, package handling, and collaboration with lab personnel, with duties spanning mail room tasks and courier support as needed.

Qualifications

• Knowledge normally acquired from specialized training such as that acquired in up to one year of college, technical, vocational or business school with relevant course work in or exposure to medical sciences; six months to one year of related and progressively more responsible work experience in medical terminology related to veterinary medicine.
• Experience with word processing, database and/or spreadsheet software.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment with interruptions and follow SOPs.
• Experience in a laboratory environment with safety and security awareness training.

Responsibilities

• Data entry into a complex multi-screen program with multiple confirmation steps and testing for accuracy.
• Sort and open incoming packages; classify specimens and route for data entry.
• Communicate with lab personnel and delivery personnel; assist in student employee training.
• Perform miscellaneous duties including courier work, cleaning, filing, scanning, and mail room tasks.

Skills

Data entry

Attention to detail

Team collaboration

Communication skills

Problem solving

Education

Up to one year of college or technical school

Relevant course work in medical sciences

Tools

MS Word

Excel

Windows

Job description

Position Summary

The Michigan State University Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory is seeking a Specimen Processing Assistant to evaluate, classify and triage a high-volume of diagnostic sample submissions, enter cases into a multi-screen program, pay attention to detail, and follow required Standard Operating Procedures. The candidate must be able to keep focused in a fast-paced environment with frequent interruptions.

The successful candidate will work in a team laboratory environment requiring compliance with Environmental Health and Safety (EHS) training for Biological Safety, Medical Waste, Chemical Hygiene and Laboratory Safety, and Security Awareness; will be responsible for handling and opening the packages received in the VDL and evaluating the contents in order to identify specimen routing. Evaluation may include securing and protecting viability in order to minimize exposure or classifying and evaluating for entry into the laboratory operating system; members of this team are required to wear laboratory coats and protective gloves during this evaluation; once the specimens are classified, team members are required to enter the appropriate test request into a complex, multi-screen laboratory operating system requiring many decision points in order to enter the request properly; entry requires a certain level of typing expertise and understanding of basic Windows functionality as well as experience in MS Word and Excel; team members must resolve discrepancies as identified whether it be from a client request or laboratory concern, expedite special handling requests, and collect other information relevant to the data entry process as needed; all team members are responsible for maintaining the safety and cleanliness of their work environment and must fill in as necessary with associated mail room activities, product preparation, and/or courier duties.

The Specimen Processing Assistant will be responsible for the following duties:

• Data entry into a complex multi-screen program that requires multiple confirmation steps and visual verification that information is correct for entered submissions. Cases are entered into one of four data entry modules, evaluation of submittal form for completeness, correctly enter test requested, upload multiple animal cases into customized program.
• Sorting incoming packages, opening packages which include: evaluation of submittal form, grossly identify and classify specimens, follow Standard Operating Procedures as they pertain to each task, triage samples/ forms in the appropriate tray for data entry.
• Communicate with lab personnel to resolve issues, direct contact with delivery service personnel, clients both face-to-face and telephone, and assist in student employee training.
• Miscellaneous duties such as back-up courier, laboratory cleaning, filling, copying, faxing, labeling of specimens, scanning, mail room duties, inventory stocking and other duties as assigned.

The College's vision is to be the destination for teaching, innovation, care, and service.

Six goals, backed by specific strategies, guide our organization as we move forward. Read more at https ://cvm.msu.edu/about/strategic-planning-2021-26/goals to learn about the MSU College of Veterinary Medicine’s goals, strategies and progress.

Minimum Requirements

Knowledge normally acquired from specialized training such as that acquired in up to one year of college, technical, vocational or business school with relevant course work in or exposure to medical sciences; six months to one year of related and progressively more responsible or expansive work experience in the use of technical or medical terminology related to veterinary medicine; and experience with word processing, database and/or spreadsheet software; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

Desired Qualifications

A successful candidate will be a professional who is organized, does not sweat the small stuff, but also sees the details, and is able to remain calm, cool, and collected under pressure. The ideal candidate for this role will be team oriented, collaborative by nature, customer service focused, independent problem solver, and has a positive attitude, while always maintaining a professional demeanor. Good written and oral communication skills; ability to function as a team member within and across multiple levels of operations. Experience working in a laboratory environment requiring specific safety and security awareness training; ability to meet the physical demands of moving packages from bins or shelves to counter tops for evaluation; ability to consistently identify, classify, and interpret numerous specimen types and the appropriateness of tests requested; ability to work in a fast-paced, time-limited group environment while maintaining high-quality work standards; experience in MS Excel, MS Word and basic Windows functionality including but not limited to saving and retrieving files, file management, and working in a password-secured environment; ability to adapt easily to Windows based software applications.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, citizenship, age, disability or protected veteran status.

Required Application Materials

Resume, cover letter, and 3 professional references.

Special Instructions

Please provide the names and contact information (phone number and email) for 3 professional references.

Work Hours

Work hours are Monday through Friday between 7:30am and 5:30pm and may include weekends and holidays on a rotational basis and are set in consultation with the supervisor.

Website

HTTPS://CVM.MSU.EDU/VDL

Summary of Health Risks

Exposure to unfixed animal tissue.

Bidding eligibility ends September 29, 2026 at 11:55 P.M.

Advertised: Sep 23, 2026 Eastern Daylight Time

Applications close: Oct 6, 2026 Eastern Daylight Time