Specimen Processor I

Actalent; Holyoke (MA); On-site; USD 26,000 - 36,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental & vision

Retirement plan (401k)

Pre-tax and Roth options

Life Insurance

Disability insurance

HSA

Transportation benefits

Employee Assistance Program

Paid time off

Job summary

Actalent is seeking a Specimen Processor I for a contract role based in Holyoke, MA. You will perform specimen accessioning, data entry, and prepare samples for testing in a fast-paced lab environment.

The role requires a high school diploma or equivalent and 2 years in medical, lab, or production settings, with attention to detail and the ability to lift up to 30 pounds. Training on automated instruments is provided, with safety as a priority.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• 2 years of work experience in a medical, laboratory, or production environment.
• Proficient data entry with accuracy.
• Ability to handle human biological specimens with professionalism and care.
• Ability to lift up to 30 pounds and sit/stand for extended periods.
• Comfort using automated laboratory instruments under supervision.
• Strong attention to detail and problem-solving abilities.
• Good written and verbal communication skills.
• Successful completion of a color vision test.

Responsibilities

• Accession and prepare specimens for analysis.
• Open containers and transfer samples for testing.
• Verify patient demographics with requisitions.
• Data entry into the computer system for tracking and reporting.
• Meet production metrics and quality standards.
• Unpack and route specimens to staging or processing areas.
• Package and ship specimens when required.
• Label and store excess samples per protocols.
• Identify and resolve issues with specimens and escalate as needed.
• Handle and dispose of medical and chemical waste safely.
• Follow safety policies and guidelines.
• Operate automated instruments under supervision.

Skills

Data entry accuracy

Lab/production environment

Proficient computer skills

Attention to detail

Team collaboration

Physical stamina

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Tools

Laboratory information systems (LIS)

Job description

Job Description

The Specimen Processor I plays a key role in the laboratory by performing specimen accessioning, sample sorting, and accurate data entry in a fast-paced, high-throughput environment. This position ensures that biological specimens are introduced, prepared, and routed correctly according to established standard operating procedures so that testing can be performed efficiently and reliably.

Responsibilities

• Introduce and prepare biological specimens for laboratory analysis to ensure accurate and timely processing.
• Open specimen containers and transfer samples into appropriate secondary containers in preparation for testing.
• Verify that patient demographic information matches the test requisition forms and associated documentation.
• Perform accurate data entry of patient and specimen information into the computer system for tracking and reporting purposes.
• Consistently meet key production metrics and quality standards to support timely and precise test results.
• Unpack incoming specimens and route them to the correct staging or processing areas within the laboratory.
• Pack and ship specimens to designated testing facilities when required, following established shipping procedures.
• Properly prepare, label, and store excess specimen samples in accordance with laboratory protocols.
• Identify, resolve, and document issues related to problem specimens, escalating concerns as needed.
• Handle and dispose of medical and chemical waste safely and in compliance with laboratory policies.
• Follow all applicable environmental health and safety policies, procedures, and guidelines.
• Operate automated laboratory instrumentation under supervision when necessary, adhering to operating instructions and safety standards.

Essential Skills

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• 02 years of work experience, preferably in a medical, laboratory, or production environment.
• Proficient computer and typing skills, with strong accuracy in data entry.
• Ability to handle human biological specimens, including blood, urine, and tissue samples, with professionalism and care.
• Ability to lift up to 30 pounds and to sit or stand for extended periods of time.
• Capability to work in protective equipment as required by laboratory safety protocols.
• Strong handeye coordination to accurately identify and handle specimens by touch and sight.
• Ability to work independently while also collaborating effectively in a team environment.
• High level of attention to detail with strong problem-solving abilities.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Successful completion of a standardized color vision test, with accommodations evaluated as needed.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Previous experience in a medical, clinical laboratory, or production setting is preferred.
• Familiarity with specimen accessioning, sample sorting, and laboratory workflows.
• Experience working in a fast-paced, high-throughput environment following standard operating procedures.
• Comfort using automated laboratory instruments under supervision.
• Demonstrated reliability and consistency in meeting productivity and quality expectations.

Work Environment

This is a laboratory-based role in a fast-paced, high-throughput testing environment. The position follows a Monday-Friday schedule from 1:00 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. and is structured as a temporary-to-permanent opportunity. Work is performed in a controlled laboratory setting that requires the use of appropriate protective equipment, such as lab coats, gloves, and other safety gear, in accordance with environmental health and safety policies. The role involves regular handling of biological specimens and medical materials, as well as occasional lifting of up to 30 pounds and periods of extended sitting or standing. Automated laboratory instruments and computer systems are used extensively to support specimen processing, data entry, and tracking activities.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract position based out of Holyoke, MA.

Pay And Benefits

The pay range for this position is $22.75 - $22.75/hr.

Individual compensation offered for this position within this range will depend on many factors, including qualifications, skills, relevant experience, job knowledge, geographic location, internal equity, and other pertinent job-related factors.

Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following:

• Medical, dental & vision
• Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital 401(k) Retirement Plan
• Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available
• Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents)
• Short and long-term disability
• Health Spending Account (HSA)
• Transportation benefits
• Employee Assistance Program
• Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Nov 20, 2026.

Workplace Type

This is a fully onsite position in Holyoke,MA.

About Actalent

Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services and talent solutions. We help visionary companies advance their engineering and science initiatives through access to specialized experts who drive scale, innovation and speed to market. With a network of almost 20,000 consultants and 5,000 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500. We are proud to be an Engineering News-Record (ENR) Top 500 Design Firm for our engineering design services and a ClearlyRated Best of Staffing® winner for both client and talent service.

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.

If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or adjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability, please email [e-mail] for other accommodation options.

San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance: Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

Massachusetts Lie Detector: It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI): We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.