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Complex Specimen Processor Jobs in Portland, OR (NOW HIRING)

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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 14, 2026, the average hourly pay for complex specimen processor in Portland, OR is $19.11, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.83 and $19.38 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 Portland, OR? For Complex Specimen Processor jobs in Portland, OR, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Complex Specimen Processor jobs in Portland, OR look for? The top searched job categories for Complex Specimen Processor jobs in Portland, OR are:
Laboratory Section Lead

Laboratory Section Lead

Hillsboro Medical Center

Hillsboro, OR • On-site

$41.50 - $60.19/hr

Other

Posted 15 days ago


Job description

Summary of Duties

Pay Range: $41.50/hr.  to $60.19/hr. 

Position Summary

The Laboratory Section Lead will provide day-to-day technical support for the testing performed in the Core Laboratory in the individual departments they are assigned responsibility for. This will ensure that high quality work is generated for use by physicians in the diagnosis and treatment of patients. They will work closely with the Core Lab Manager and Director of the Laboratory to assist with client relations, troubleshooting, and personnel issues. In addition to the listed duties, this person must be capable of performing the key responsibilities and performance standards as listed in the 70223 MLS II position description. Contributes to a positive work environment that promotes HMC values.

The Microbiology Lead has technical responsibilities over the Microbiology section, systems, supplies, and all manual microbiology processes.

The Heamtology.Coag Lead has technical responsibilities over the hematology and coagulation section, systems, supplies, and manual hematology slide bench processes.

The Chemistry Lead has technical responsibilities over the chemistry section, systems, supplies, and manual bench top instruments and processes.

The Blood Bank Lead has technical responsibilities over the Blood Bank section, systems, supplies, instrumentation, and all blood bank manual backup systems and processes.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

Job Duties & Responsibilities

Technologist Duties. Representative duties and responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

  • Performs and evaluates quality control testing following departmental policies and procedures.
  • Completes competency testing through proficiency surveys from the College of American Pathologists (CAP) and/or Q.C. performance, including peer observation of technique annually in all scheduled areas.
  • Maintains work center. Keeps area clean and well stocked. Prepares or replaces reagents as required. Includes receipt, log-in and stocking of supplies.
  • Prioritizes and evaluates results prior to verification; this includes, but is not limited to, assessment of critical limits, delta checks, linearity of method being used, and believability of results. Follow up with documentation when necessary.
  • Communicates with physicians or nurses to inform them of results that require immediate or prompt attention. Follows up with the pathologist in a timely fashion.
  • Logs specimens into the LIS system when necessary, evaluates specimen for acceptability and resolves problems associated with unacceptable or improperly labeled specimens.

Department Procedure and Instrumentation Support. Representative duties and responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

  • Responsible for keeping up-to-date on policy and procedure changes for work area; provides input/directly reviews and updates new procedures for final review by Medical and Lab Directors.
  • Creates operating, maintenance, calibration and troubleshooting procedures for laboratory tests.
  • Trains employees to perform maintenance, calibration and troubleshooting.
  • Performs in-depth troubleshooting procedures; determines extent of problems and takes appropriate action to ensure workflow and quality of results.
  • Calls for technical assistance or emergency instrument repair as needed and schedules routine maintenance as needed.
  • Assists with assay development procedures for new assays to meet CLIA regulations. Organizes and presents completed development data to lab manager for review.
  • Ensures that safety regulations are met.
  • Performs preliminary instrument evaluations and assists lab manager on new equipment proposals.

Team lead and support. Representative duties and responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

  • Guides and trains team members, provides support and feedback to help them improve their skills and performance.
  • Organizes and assigns daily tasks, ensures smooth workflow and efficient use of resources within the team.
  • Addresses team issues and challenges and participates in facilitating solutions and escalates complex problems when necessary.
  • Fosters open communications within the team and with other departments, facilitating collaboration and teamwork.
  • Communicates overall status of the lab to the lab manager daily and keeps lab manager informed of any problems and consults on necessary actions as needed.
  • Monitors quality of work performed in the lab.
  • Responsible for QC review and proficiency testing activities.
  • Leads can support other Leads as needed and lab areas as assigned.

Performs other related duties and special projects, as assigned.

  •  
  • Hiring Competencies

    Minimum Qualifications

    Education & Experience

    REQUIRED: 

    • Bachelor's degree or higher in Medical Technology, chemical, physical, biological science, business management or related field, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
    • 6+ years of experience in a clinical laboratory performing a variety of standard testing procedures with increasing responsibilities and involvement in complex projects.

    Licenses & Certifications

    REQUIRED:           

    • MLS(ASCP), MT(ASCP) or equivalent

    Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

    Knowledge of:

    • Laboratory terminology, equipment, materials and techniques, regulations and safety.

    Skill in:

    • Handling of laboratory specimens, record keeping and laboratory equipment.
    • Identifying cells and cell morphology.
    • Using several different computer systems, including but not limited to: word processing, dedicated LIS/HIS, etc.
    • Effective verbal and written communication, active listening, and interpersonal skills.
    • Time management, prioritization, attention to detail, and multitasking.

    Ability to:

    • Maintain Certification, and depending on date of training, different continuing education requirements will apply.
    • Follow written and oral instructions accurately, operate and maintain standard laboratory equipment.
    • Work independently within established guidelines, to adjust to rapidly changing priorities, and apply problem solving skills.
    • Demonstrate performance of job duties to trainees.
    • Work in a multi-tasking environment and display technical skills at various workstations throughout the laboratory.
    • Collaborate effectively with healthcare team members.
    Additional Posting InformationHillsboro Medical Center believes in providing equal employment opportunities for all qualified individuals. Recruitment, hiring, promotions, transfers, working conditions, training, and compensation will be based on qualifications without regard to race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, age, creed, national origin, marital status, family relationship, veteran status, genetic information, physical or mental disability, or any other status or characteristic protected by applicable law. We further commit ourselves to continuing the practical application of this policy in our daily business conduct.Employment Type: OTHER