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Complex Specimen Processor Jobs in Gainesville, FL

Complex Specimen Processor information

See Gainesville, FL salary details

$12

$16

$20

How much do complex specimen processor jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 2, 2026, the average hourly pay for complex specimen processor in Gainesville, FL is $16.32, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.38 and $16.54 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Complex Specimen Processor, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Complex Specimen Processor, you need strong attention to detail, basic laboratory knowledge, and typically a high school diploma or equivalent, with some employers preferring experience in a clinical or laboratory setting. Familiarity with laboratory information systems (LIS), specimen tracking software, and standard lab equipment is essential. Excellent organizational skills, effective communication, and the ability to work efficiently under pressure are valuable soft skills in this role. These competencies ensure specimen integrity, accurate processing, and timely workflow, which are critical for reliable laboratory results and patient care.

What are Complex Specimen Processors?

Complex Specimen Processors are laboratory professionals responsible for receiving, handling, and preparing biological samples—such as blood, tissue, or urine—for analysis and testing. They ensure that specimens are properly labeled, sorted, and processed according to strict protocols, often working with more challenging or specialized samples that require extra attention to detail. Their work is crucial for accurate diagnostic results and supports the efficiency and safety of the laboratory environment.

What jobs in the US pay $300,000 a year?

Complex specimen processors typically do not earn $300,000 annually; such high salaries are usually associated with executive roles, specialized medical professionals, or highly experienced specialists in fields like healthcare, law, or finance. Most laboratory or processing roles have lower salary ranges, but advanced positions with additional certifications or management responsibilities can reach higher six-figure incomes.

What is the highest paying career in a laboratory?

In a laboratory setting, pathologists and clinical laboratory directors tend to have the highest salaries, often earning six-figure incomes due to advanced education, certification, and leadership responsibilities. Other high-paying roles include medical scientists and laboratory managers, especially those with specialized skills and extensive experience.

What is the difference between Complex Specimen Processor vs Medical Laboratory Technician?

AspectComplex Specimen ProcessorMedical Laboratory Technician
CredentialsHigh school diploma, specialized training, certification often preferredAssociate degree in medical laboratory technology, certification required
Work EnvironmentLaboratory settings, processing specimensLaboratory, performing tests and analyzing samples
Job ResponsibilitiesPreparing and processing complex specimens, ensuring sample integrityPerforming tests, analyzing results, maintaining lab equipment

While both roles work in laboratory environments, Complex Specimen Processors focus on preparing and processing complex specimens, often requiring specialized training. Medical Laboratory Technicians perform a broader range of testing and analysis, with formal education and certification. Understanding these differences helps clarify career paths and employer expectations in medical labs.

What are some common challenges faced by Complex Specimen Processors, and how can they be addressed?

Complex Specimen Processors often encounter challenges such as managing high sample volumes, ensuring precise labeling, and maintaining strict chain-of-custody procedures. To address these challenges, it is essential to stay organized, double-check specimen identification, and follow standardized protocols meticulously. Working closely with laboratory technicians and communicating effectively with team members can help prevent errors and ensure timely processing. Additionally, staying up-to-date with laboratory information systems and safety procedures can further streamline workflow and support accuracy.

What does a complex specimen processor do?

A complex specimen processor prepares and handles biological samples for laboratory testing, often performing tasks such as centrifugation, labeling, and quality control. They work with various specimens, follow strict safety protocols, and may use laboratory equipment like microscopes and automated analyzers to ensure accurate test results.

What is the highest paid lab technician?

The highest paid lab technicians are often those working as clinical laboratory managers or specialized technologists with advanced certifications, such as cytotechnologists or molecular technologists. Salaries can exceed $70,000 to $80,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and specific skills. Complex specimen processing roles typically have lower salaries compared to these specialized positions.
What are popular job titles related to Complex Specimen Processor jobs in Gainesville, FL? For Complex Specimen Processor jobs in Gainesville, FL, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Complex Specimen Processor jobs in Gainesville, FL look for? The top searched job categories for Complex Specimen Processor jobs in Gainesville, FL are:
What cities near Gainesville, FL are hiring for Complex Specimen Processor jobs? Cities near Gainesville, FL with the most Complex Specimen Processor job openings:
Medical Laboratory Scientist (Special Testing Lab)

Medical Laboratory Scientist (Special Testing Lab)

LifeSouth Community Blood Centers

Gainesville, FL

$64K - $84K/yr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 21 days ago


LifeSouth Community Blood Centers rating

4.7

Company rating: 4.7 out of 10

Based on 22 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description

Description

Do you have a passion for making an impact on patient care behind the scenes? Thrive when solving complex problems? Value a lab culture that encourages communication, learning, and shared expertise?


LifeSouth Community Blood Centers is currently seeking a skilled highly motivated individual for a Medical Laboratory Scientist position in our Special Testing Laboratory in Gainesville, FL. This lab covers diverse testing methodologies in the areas of flow cytometry, molecular biology, hematology, serology, cellular therapies, histocompatibility (HLA), chemistry, and coagulation. This position is responsible for performing and interpreting high complexity clinical laboratory tests that require the exercise of independent judgment. For any questions about the position, the hiring manager can be contacted at klanderson@lifesouth.org.


Legal authorization to work in the United States is required. We do not provide visa sponsorship for this position.


New Graduates Accepted!


Varying shifts available. A standard work week is four (4), 10-hr shifts. Rotating or set schedules available. Rotating holidays. Times may be negotiable. Shift differential may apply. Day or Mid-Shift available.


Our Benefits
  • Generous Paid Time Off (PTO)
  • Medical, dental, and vision insurances available to full-time employees the first of the month after 60 days
  • Supplemental insurances including life, cancer, accident, and disability
  • Access to mental wellness resources and counseling through telehealth
  • Free basic life insurance for full-time employees
  • Health Savings Account (HSA) with employer match each pay period
  • Employer funded retirement plan for vested employees & 403b offered
  • Access to wages prior to pay day

Qualifications

  • National certification such as MLS (ASCP), MLS (AMT), or MT (AAB)
  • Current Florida Medical Technologist license
  • Familiarity with blood banking
  • Valid driver's license. Must also meet and maintain LifeSouth driver's eligibility requirements
  • Molecular experience preferred
  • Flow Cytometry experience preferred
  • Blood banking experience preferred
  • Histocompatibility experience preferred

Responsibilities Include (but are not limited to)

  • Perform only those tests authorized by the Technical Director
  • Follow the clinical laboratory's procedures for specimen handling and processing, test analyses, reporting and maintaining records of patient test results
  • Participate in and maintain records that demonstrate proficiency-testing samples are tested in the same manner as patient specimens
  • Adhere to the clinical laboratory's quality control policies, document all quality control activities and ensure instrument and procedural calibrations and maintenance is performed in accordance with the laboratory's approved policies and procedures
  • Follow established policies and procedures whenever test systems are not within the defined acceptable levels of performance
  • Identify problems that may adversely affect test performance or reporting of test results and either correct the problems or immediately notify a supervisor, manager or director
  • Document all corrective action taken when test systems deviate from the laboratory's established performance specifications
  • Exercise professional judgment in evaluation, specimen integrity, results accuracy and inter-result validity and take corrective action as necessary. Such corrective action can include, but is not limited to: specimen rejection, recollection and/or retesting using the same or alternate methods and/or utilizing other skills to ensure validity and accuracy of testing at all times
  • Perform specialized lab testing for cellular therapies and lab testing for the quality control of cellular therapy products and blood components
  • Perform specialized lab testing for RBC and HPA genotyping including Next Generation Sequencing
  • Perform Platelet Refractory Workups including HLA typing, and HLA/HPA antibody identification. Perform DNA extractions


Who We Are

LifeSouth is a non-profit community blood bank serving more than 150 hospitals in Alabama, Florida, Georgia and Tennessee. We are committed to meeting the blood supply needs of hospitals and their patients by providing the highest quality blood components and services. With more than 45 donor centers, 55 bloodmobiles and 2,000 blood drives a month, our LifeSouth team is dedicated to making sure the blood is there when you or your family is in need.


Our Mission

To provide a safe blood supply that meets or exceeds the needs in each community we serve, and to provide a variety of services in support of ongoing and emerging blood and transfusion related activities.


This is a full-time position. Starting salary range is $31.00 - $40.80 an hour ($64,480 - $84,864 annually), commensurate with experience.


LifeSouth offers a competitive benefits package and great career development opportunities. Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer/Drug-Free/Tobacco Free Workplace. Criminal background check and drug screen required upon conditional offer of hire. Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer/Drug-Free/Tobacco Free Workplace.


The position description may not include all the duties and responsibilities of the job. Duties and responsibilities that are not listed, but which the employee may be expected to perform, will fall within the scope of the skills, knowledge and training for the position.

LifeSouth is a Drug-Free and Tobacco-Free Workplace. LifeSouth is a VEVRAA Federal Contractor as well as an affirmative action employer and provides equal opportunity to all persons, regardless of race, religion, age, gender, disability, status as a protected veteran, national origin, color, or any other classification in accordance with federal, state, and local statutes, regulations, and ordinances. Veterans are encouraged to self-identify as LifeSouth desires to provide protected veterans priority referrals for open positions. LifeSouth complies with all laws and regulations associated with the Family Medical Leave Act (FMLA) and the Americans with Disability Act (ADA). LifeSouth is an E-Verify employer.

If you require any assistance to complete the application process or during the interview due to a disability, please contact the LifeSouth region where you are applying or call 1-888-795-2707 to request an accommodation. Applications may be completed at a LifeSouth facility or mailed to corporate headquarters in lieu of the on-line application process.


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