Specimen Return Specialist II (7:30 AM - 4:00 PM)

Foundation Medicine; Boston (MA); On-site; USD 47,000 - 59,000; Full time

Job summary

Foundation Medicine in Boston, MA seeks a Specimen Return Specialist II to manage daily specimen return operations, ensuring accurate labeling, tracking, and shipment of FFPE blocks and reports. The role supports patient care by maintaining timely, compliant shipping and data entry workflows in a regulated lab setting.

The position requires data entry experience, shipping/receiving familiarity, and strong attention to detail, with on-site work and collaboration across departments to resolve

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or GED.
• 1+ year data entry or data review experience.
• 1+ year block procurement or professional shipping/receiving experience.

Responsibilities

• Process address information daily to generate shipping labels.
• Pull blocks and slides for associated reports.
• Sort and file FFPE blocks in block storage chronologically.
• Assemble packages with reports, blocks, and shipping labels; affix postage.
• Update the sample tracking system as required.
• Expedite block return requests with Client Services.
• Work in a lab environment with chemicals and reagents.
• Begin and complete assignments independently with minimal supervision.
• Collaborate with other departments for problem solving.
• Ship international samples with minimal supervision.
• QC FFPE blocks and place barcode on QC sheet.
• Respond to emails, complaints and inquiries regarding block returns.
• Perform miscellaneous duties; comply with attendance policies.

Skills

Data entry

Shipping and Receiving

Attention to detail

Communication skills

MS Office (Word/Excel/Outlook)

Education

High School Diploma

Associate's Degree (preferred)

Tools

Microsoft Word

Microsoft Excel

Microsoft Outlook

Job description

About the Job:

The Specimen Return Specialist II is responsible for the day to day operation of FMI’s Specimen Return process. This position is instrumental in the successful operation of the laboratory and, as a result, to the care of patients. A sense of urgency, experience with shipping processes, combined with a strong attention to detail are the major attributes and skills utilized by the incumbent in this key laboratory operations position.

This is a regulated position and additional information may be available from FMI Quality Assurance regarding regulatory guidelines.

Regular onsite work at a designated FMI location is an essential function of this role.

Key Responsibilities:

• Process address information provided daily to generate shipping labels.
• Pull blocks and slides (if applicable) for associated reports.
• Sort and file routed FFPE blocks from the Histology area into block storage in chronological order.
• Assemble packages containing the supplied report, block, and shipping label for shipment. Affix proper postage to each package in preparation for shipping.
• Update sample tracking system as required.
• Work with Client Services team to expedite block return requests.
• Work in a lab environment using chemicals and regents.
• Begin and complete assignments independently with minimal supervision.
• Collaborate with other departments and colleagues for problem solving.
• Be able to send out older material and ship international samples with minimal supervision.
• QC FFPE blocks and place barcode on QC sheet.
• Readily respond to emails, complaints and inquiries regarding block return requests.
• Perform miscellaneous duties as assigned.
• Comply with FMI's attendance policies

Qualifications:

Basic Qualifications:

• High School Diploma or General Education Degree
• 1+ year(s) of data entry or data review experience
• 1+ year(s) of block procurement or professional shipping and receiving experience

Preferred Qualifications:

• Associate's Degree or other advanced education
• 2+ years of experience working in a Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments (CLIA) laboratory, clinical lab environment or other clinical diagnostics setting
• Experience with accessioning and/or anatomic pathology, shipping and receiving and working in a regulated environment (such as CLIA, Food and Drug Administration (FDA), or College of American Pathologists (CAP))
• Demonstrated attention to detail
• Ability to handle multiple tasks at once and work in a fast-paced environment
• Ability to work in laboratory environment in the presence of chemicals and reagents
• Excellent computer/data entry and communication skills
• Strong organizational and documentation skills
• Effective verbal and written communication skills, ability to interact constructively with peers/teams, and ability to seek outside resources as needed
• Intermediate computer skills and experience with Microsoft Word, Excel, and Outlook
• Understanding of HIPAA and the importance of patient data privacy
• Commitment to reflect FMI’s values: Integrity, Courage, and Passion

The expected salary range for this position based on the primary location of Boston, MA is $47,200 - $59,100 per year. The salary range is commensurate with Foundation Medicines compensation practice and considers factors including, but not limited to, education, training, experience, external market conditions, criticality of role, and internal equity. A discretionary annual bonus may be available based on individual and Company performance. This position also qualifies for Foundation Medicine's benefits.

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