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Complex Specimen Processor Jobs in Houston, TX (NOW HIRING)

Molecular Technologist

Houston, TX · On-site

$33 - $40/hr

At GSDS, we recognize that our clients face increasingly complex needs in an ever-changing ... This position involves specimen processing and handling, test performance, and result reporting ...

Molecular Technologist

Houston, TX · On-site

$33 - $40/hr

At GSDS, we recognize that our clients face increasingly complex needs in an ever-changing ... This position involves specimen processing and handling, test performance, and result reporting ...

At GSDS, we recognize that our clients face increasingly complex needs in an ever-changing ... This position involves specimen processing and handling, test performance, and result reporting ...

At GSDS, we recognize that our clients face increasingly complex needs in an ever-changing ... This position involves specimen processing and handling, test performance, and result reporting ...

Proficient in routine and complex/difficult venipuncture (geriatric, oncology, and spinal cord ... Specimen labeling, processing, centrifugation, and accessioning * Familiarity with computerized ...

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Complex Specimen Processor information

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How much do complex specimen processor jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 13, 2026, the average hourly pay for complex specimen processor in Houston, TX is $17.21, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.14 and $17.45 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 Houston, TX? For Complex Specimen Processor jobs in Houston, TX, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Complex Specimen Processor jobs in Houston, TX look for? The top searched job categories for Complex Specimen Processor jobs in Houston, TX are:
What cities near Houston, TX are hiring for Complex Specimen Processor jobs? Cities near Houston, TX with the most Complex Specimen Processor job openings:
Pathology Histotechnologist I/II/III (PRN)

Pathology Histotechnologist I/II/III (PRN)

Texas Medical Center

Houston, TX • On-site

Other

Medical, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 9 days ago


Job description

PRN Pathology Histotechnologist

What we do here changes the world. UTHealth Houston is Texas' resource for healthcare education, innovation, scientific discovery, and excellence in patient care. That's where you come in.

This PRN Pathology Histotechnologist role performs tissue processing, embedding, sectioning, staining, and slide preparation for routine to complex specimens in support of pathologist review. Responsibilities include operating histology and IHC instruments and software, performing quality control, basic troubleshooting, maintaining laboratory equipment and work areas, managing specimens and records, and supporting laboratory operations in accordance with established protocols.

Previous experience with embedding and microtomy of biopsy specimens preferred.

Should be available to work the hours of 2:30 AM to 6:30 AM.

This is a PRN position.

Once you join us you won't want to leave. It's because we reward our team for the excellent service they provide. Our total rewards package includes the benefits you'd expect from a top healthcare organization (benefits, insurance, etc.), plus:

  • 100% paid medical premiums for our full-time employees
  • Generous time off (holidays, preventative leave day, both vacation and sick time – all of which equates to around 37-38 days per year)
  • The longer you stay, the more vacation you'll accrue!
  • Longevity Pay (Monthly payments after two years of service)
  • Build your future with our awesome retirement/pension plan!

We take care of our employees! As a world-renowned institution, our employees' wellbeing is important to us. We offer work/life services such as...

  • Free financial and legal counseling
  • Free mental health counseling services
  • Gym membership discounts and access to wellness programs
  • Other employee discounts including entertainment, car rentals, cell phones, etc.
  • Resources for child and elder care
  • Plus many more!

Position Summary:

Participates in the day-to-day operations of the laboratory with regard to histology specimen processing. Processes and prepares patient tissue according to department procedures using technical knowledge. Supports continuous improvement of laboratory services to ensure high quality and timely pathology for quality diagnosis.

Position Key Accountabilities:

  1. Performs tissue processing, embedding in paraffin, cutting, sectioning, and mounting on slides of routine to complex tissues (such as fatty tissues, poorly fixed tissues, etc.), following established departmental protocols, for interpretation by a pathologist.
  2. Performs routine staining on various IHC platforms by following the established departmental protocols. Complies with all departmental SOPs and adheres to all rules and protocols.
  3. Operates vendor software for IHC stainers and internal LIS and workflow software.
  4. Performs QC for reagents and chemicals by using SOPs.
  5. Performs slide QC on routine cases, such as colon and breast panels.
  6. Performs basic troubleshooting of errors associated with instrument failures.
  7. Maintains laboratory in a clean, functional state, as well as cleaning or performing scheduled equipment and instrument maintenance / calibration / certifications, as required.
  8. Performs supportive duties, including slide consolidation, filling bulk fluids on IHC stainers, replenish instrument reagents, logging in cases for various departments, including chain of custody records, etc.
  9. Helps maintain gross tissue storage area and assists in discarding tissue per established policy.
  10. Helps maintain blocks and/or slides files.
  11. Responds to emergency situations. Performs other job duties as assigned.

Certification/Skills:

  • Certified Histotechnologist (HTL(ASCP)) by American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP) required

Minimum Education:

Bachelor's degree.

Minimum Experience:

No Experience required. Previous experience in a laboratory setting preferred.

Physical Requirements:

Exerts up to 50 pounds of force occasionally and/or up to 20 pounds frequently and/or up to 10 pounds constantly to move objects.

Security Sensitive:

This position is a security-sensitive position pursuant to Texas Education Code §51.215 and Texas Government Code §411.094. To the extent that a position requires the holder to research, work on, or have access to critical infrastructure as defined in Texas Business and Commerce Code §117.001(2), the ability to maintain the security or integrity of the infrastructure is a minimum qualification to be hired for and to continue to be employed in that position. Personnel in such positions, and similarly situated state contractors, will be routinely reviewed to determine whether things such as criminal history or continuous connections to the government or political apparatus of a foreign adversary might prevent the applicant, employee, or contractor from being able to maintain the security or integrity of the infrastructure. A foreign adversary is a nation listed in 15 C.F.R. §791.4.

Residency Requirement:

Employees must permanently reside and work in the State of Texas.