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Assistant Specimen Processor Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Medical Lab Assistant

Sunnyvale, CA · On-site

$22 - $25/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

You will process specimens, perform some test preparation, specimen verification and tracking, all related clerical functions and general laboratory tasks. You will also assist in placing specimens ...

Showing results 41-60

Assistant Specimen Processor information

What does a typical shift look like for an assistant specimen processor, and how is the work environment structured?

As an Assistant Specimen Processor, a typical shift involves receiving, labeling, and preparing biological samples for laboratory analysis, often under time-sensitive conditions. You’ll work closely with laboratory technicians, couriers, and administrative staff to ensure specimens are processed accurately and efficiently. The work environment is usually fast-paced and requires strict adherence to safety and quality protocols. Teamwork and effective communication are essential, as the role frequently involves coordinating with different departments to maintain workflow and meet turnaround times.

What is the difference between Assistant Specimen Processor vs Laboratory Technician?

AspectAssistant Specimen ProcessorLaboratory Technician
CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; training providedPost-secondary education, often an associate degree or certification
Work EnvironmentLaboratory settings, handling specimens and preparing samplesLaboratory environments, performing tests and analyzing samples
Employer & IndustryHospitals, diagnostic labs, clinicsHospitals, research labs, diagnostic facilities
Common Search/ComparisonAssistant Specimen Processor vs Laboratory Technician

The Assistant Specimen Processor primarily handles specimen preparation and processing with minimal formal education, while Laboratory Technicians perform more complex testing and analysis, often requiring specialized training or certification. Both roles work in laboratory settings within healthcare and diagnostic industries, but Laboratory Technicians typically have broader responsibilities and higher qualifications.

How can I become a assistant specimen processor?

To become an assistant specimen processor, candidates typically need a high school diploma or equivalent and must be detail-oriented with good organizational skills. Relevant experience in laboratory settings or familiarity with specimen handling and safety protocols can be beneficial. Some positions may require training on specific laboratory procedures or certifications such as OSHA safety training.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an assistant specimen processor?

To thrive as an Assistant Specimen Processor, you need attention to detail, basic laboratory skills, and a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with laboratory information systems (LIS), barcode scanners, and sample tracking tools is typically required. Strong organizational skills, reliability, and effective communication help ensure timely and accurate processing of specimens. These skills and qualities are essential for maintaining sample integrity and supporting efficient laboratory operations.

What is an assistant specimen processor?

Assistant Specimen Processors are laboratory support staff responsible for handling, labeling, and preparing biological specimens such as blood, urine, or tissue samples for analysis. They ensure samples are correctly identified, sorted, and stored according to strict protocols to maintain sample integrity. These professionals may also enter patient data, assist with basic lab tasks, and help maintain a clean and organized work environment. Their work is crucial in preventing errors and supporting laboratory technicians and technologists in delivering accurate test results.

What does an assistant specimen processor do?

An assistant specimen processor helps prepare and handle biological samples, such as blood, urine, or tissue, for laboratory testing. They typically assist with labeling, sorting, and processing specimens using laboratory equipment, ensuring proper storage and documentation to support accurate diagnostic results.

What are the most commonly searched types of Specimen Processor jobs in California?

The most popular types of Specimen Processor jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for Assistant Specimen Processor jobs?

Cities in California with the most Assistant Specimen Processor job openings:

Infographic showing various Assistant Specimen Processor job openings in California as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 50% Full Time, and 50% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution.

Lab Assistant Specialist I - Part Time Days

Moffitt

Long Beach, CA • On-site

$17.53 - $26.50/hr

Part-time

Re-posted 10 days ago


Job description

Working at Moffitt is both a career and a mission: to contribute to the prevention and cure of cancer.As the only National Cancer Institute-designated Comprehensive Cancer Center based in Florida, Moffitt employs some of the best and brightest minds from around the world. Join a dedicated team of nearly 11,000 who are shaping the future we envision. Moffitt has been recognized as a Best and Brightest Company to Work For in the Nation and is continually named one of the Tampa Bay Times' Top Workplaces.

Summary

The Laboratory Assistant Specialist I is responsible for ensuring proper handling of all specimens received in the clinical and anatomic pathology laboratories and preparation of these specimens for testing. Job duties include computer data entry and accessioning of orders, and also specimen processing tasks including centrifugation, aliquoting, slide preparation, packaging, shipment of referral laboratory specimens, and transport and delivery of specimens to the testing departments. Additional duties that are of a higher level of complexity are also required, including registration and billing functions, assisting on patient care procedures, processing samples that must be handled with aseptic or sterile techniques, and troubleshooting issues with samples and orders. These more complex duties may vary by assigned laboratory section.- Cytology: Performs specimen handling and cytopreparation of all samples, maintaining glass slides, cover slipping slides, labeling slides, and maintaining the department inventory.- Flow Cytometry: Registration and customer service for Outreach and non-patient samples; accessioning and distribution of complex shared samples; reagent preparation, utilization of multiple computer systems to track and log specimens.- Hematology: Provides assistance during bone marrow aspiration and biopsy procedures; Maintains equipment and records; Performs quality assurance activities; Assists with miscellaneous functions required to maintain the smooth operation of the department such as clerical duties, and inventory control activities.- Histology: Assists in the Histopathology Department during routine gross descriptions, frozen sections and autopsies.- Microbiology: Performs pre-analytical testing procedures such as: culture set-ups and accessioning of microbiology and virology samples; maintains equipment and records; performs quality assurance activities; assists with miscellaneous functions required to maintain the smooth operation of the department such as clerical duties, and inventory control activities.- Molecular Diagnostics: Registration and customer service for Outreach and non-patient samples; accessioning and distribution of complex shared samples; reagent preparation, utilization of multiple computer systems to track and log specimens.-Specimen Processing: Registration for Outreach/non-patient testing, resource for questions, troubleshooting order and specimen issues, routine billing tasks, monitoring pending logs and overdue specimens, processing of complex specimens to include bone marrows, fluids and shared specimens. Utilizes reference lab portals for ordering, packages and ships specimens meeting Hazardous Goods criteria.The Laboratory Assistant Specialist performs all duties under the supervision of a technologist, supervisor, or laboratory director.

Job Title: Lab Assistant Specialist I
Minimum Education Level: High School Diploma/GED
Minimum Field of Study:
Minimum Education Notes:
Preferred Education Level:
Preferred Field of Study:
Preferred Education Notes:
Licensure Certification Needed: No
Minimum Licensure:
Minimum Licensure (Other):
Training Required: Ability to multi-task in a busy, disruptive environment. Must be a team player, adaptable to change at a moments notice. A high degree of accuracy and attention to detail required. Must possess strong oral communications skills and sound reasoning capability based on common sense logic. Must demonstrate competent computer data entry skills. Must also be able to communicate effectively with physicians, pathologists and research team members.

Salary Range

$17.53 - $26.50

Salary ranges posted for this position represent the expected base pay range for the role. Actual compensation may vary based on location and a variety of job-related factors, including experience, skills, education, and internal equity among Team Members in similar positions.


We are committed to maintaining fair and equitable pay practices and regularly review compensation to ensure alignment across our workforce.

Moffitt Career Site

If you have the vision, passion, and dedication to contribute to our mission,then we have a place for you!

1. Equal Employment Opportunity

Moffitt Cancer Center is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, or protected veteran or disabled status. We seek candidates whose skills, and personal and professional experience, have prepared them to contribute to our commitment to diversity and excellence.

2. Reasonable Accommodation

Federal law requires employers to provide reasonable accommodation to qualified individuals with disabilities. Please tell us if you require a reasonable accommodation to apply for a job or to perform your job. Examples of reasonable accommodation include making a change to the application process or work procedures, providing documents in an alternate format, using a sign language interpreter, or using specialized equipment. Moffitt endeavors to make moffitt.org/careers accessible to any and all users. If you would like to contact us regarding the accessibility of our website or need assistance completing the application process, please contact one of the Human Resources receptionists by phone at 813-745-7899 or by email atHRReceptionists@moffitt.org. This contact information is for accommodation requests only and cannot be used to inquire about the status of applications.

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