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Complex Specimen Processor Jobs in Seattle, WA (NOW HIRING)

Process tissue on automated processors; monitor schedules, reagents, and run logs. * Embed tissues ... Communicate specimen or QC issues promptly to lead techs/pathologists. * Support turnaround time ...

Process tissue on automated processors; monitor schedules, reagents, and run logs. * Embed tissues ... Communicate specimen or QC issues promptly to lead techs/pathologists. * Support turnaround time ...

Non-Registered Gross Tech

Seattle, WA · On-site

$25.85 - $41.07/hr

Process tissue on automated processors; monitor schedules, reagents, and run logs. * Embed tissues ... Communicate specimen or QC issues promptly to lead techs/pathologists. * Support turnaround time ...

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Complex Specimen Processor information

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How much do complex specimen processor jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 16, 2026, the average hourly pay for complex specimen processor in Seattle, WA is $20.50, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $18.08 and $20.77 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 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 is the highest paying laboratory job?

In laboratory settings, senior roles such as Laboratory Directors or Medical Laboratory Managers tend to have the highest salaries. These positions often require advanced degrees, extensive experience, and certification, and they oversee laboratory operations and compliance, leading to higher compensation compared to other laboratory roles like Complex Specimen Processors.

What is a complex specimen processor?

A complex specimen processor is a laboratory professional responsible for preparing and processing challenging or unusual biological samples for testing. This role often requires knowledge of laboratory procedures, attention to detail, and familiarity with specialized equipment and safety protocols.

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 job makes $10,000 a month without a degree?

A Complex Specimen Processor typically earns less than $10,000 per month, as this role usually offers moderate wages. High-paying jobs that can reach $10,000 monthly without a degree often include specialized trades like commercial pilot, real estate broker, or sales manager, which require experience, certifications, or licenses rather than a traditional degree.
What are popular job titles related to Complex Specimen Processor jobs in Seattle, WA? For Complex Specimen Processor jobs in Seattle, WA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Complex Specimen Processor jobs in Seattle, WA look for? The top searched job categories for Complex Specimen Processor jobs in Seattle, WA are:
What cities near Seattle, WA are hiring for Complex Specimen Processor jobs? Cities near Seattle, WA with the most Complex Specimen Processor job openings:

Cancer Genomics Technical Specialist

Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center

Seattle, WA • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 10 days ago


Job description

Overview
Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center is an independent, nonprofit organization providing adult cancer treatment and groundbreaking research focused on cancer and infectious diseases. Based in Seattle, Fred Hutch is the only National Cancer Institute-designated cancer center in Washington.
With a track record of global leadership in bone marrow transplantation, HIV/AIDS prevention, immunotherapy and COVID-19 vaccines, Fred Hutch has earned a reputation as one of the world's leading cancer, infectious disease and biomedical research centers. Fred Hutch operates eight clinical care sites that provide medical oncology, infusion, radiation, proton therapy and related services, and network affiliations with hospitals in five states. Together, our fully integrated research and clinical care teams seek to discover new cures to the world's deadliest diseases and make life beyond cancer a reality.
At Fred Hutch we value collaboration, compassion, determination, excellence, innovation, integrity and respect. Our mission is directly tied to the humanity, dignity and inherent value of each employee, patient, community member and supporter. Our commitment to learning across our differences and similarities make us stronger. We seek employees who bring different and innovative ways of seeing the world and solving problems.
Perform cancer genomic laboratory procedures leading to the formation of accurate clinical reports using the International System for Cytogenomics Nomenclature.
Works under the direction of the Technical Supervisor (or section director as defined in CAP.GEN.53400/CYG.50000) with supervision from the lab operational leadership team to ensure lab accomplishes complex initiatives. Works independently with routine and non-routine tasks, exercising excellent judgment and strong decision-making skills.
At Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, all employees are expected to demonstrate a commitment to our values of collaboration, compassion, determination, excellence, innovation, integrity, and respect.
This position will be 1.0FTE/full-time day shift, routine Saturday and/or Sunday shift required.
Responsibilities
  • Perform benchwork, analysis, and reporting of genetic or genomic assays consistently with a high level of accuracy and efficiency
  • Perform pre-director tech checking of straightforward and complex cases and reports in areas of high competency
  • Contribute significantly to operations beyond routine testing (quality management, methods development, revising or writing SOPs, variance review).
  • Assist with design and implement validation efforts or improved processes in area
  • Work with members of lab management to improve operations, investigate and implement new technologies, streamline workflow strategies, organize, and evaluate QM records
  • Assist with daily planning to handle workload according to available resources; make solid decisions regarding workflow in the absence of lead
  • Be a primary resource for complicated technical issues and processes within area of expertise; be able to offer guidance to proceed. For areas outside personal expertise, provide solid guidance and identify additional resources
  • Troubleshoot routine and non-routine equipment or assays issues with minimal assistance. Assure troubleshooting methods employed by others are thorough and sound
  • With minimal assistance, frequently gather and analyze data for lab use or for potential publication
  • Instruct clinicians and staff in cancer genomic techniques, history and clinical relevance, and the genetic and chemical basis for lab procedures
  • Contribute to the continuing education of staff either through directly presenting material or investigating other resources
  • Assist with orientation and training of lab staff

Perform as assigned:
  • Document training or competency assessments of other techs to assure all are properly trained and perform to a consistent standard
  • Represent the lab at Fred Hutch meetings to address interdepartmental issues, especially technical issues
  • Review specimen preparation and testing plans, communicate with clinicians regarding testing recommendation and determine compliance with Pathways algorithms
  • Provide input to supervisors regarding staff performance and development

Qualifications
Required:
  • Bachelor's degree in a chemical, biological, clinical or medical laboratory science, or medical technology from an accredited institution or a Bachelor's degree and equivalent education and training as defined in 42CFR493.1489(b)(3)(ii).Must meet the CLIA education requirements for a high complexity general supervisor in Cytogenetics and/or Molecular Pathology.
  • 8 years' experience in a Cytogenetics/genomics lab OR completion of a formal certified training program in Cytogenetics/genomics and 7 years' work experience which must include:
    Cytogenetics: Minimum of two years of experience in clinical cytogenetics under a qualified director. Must meet the CLIA training and experience requirements for a high complexity general supervisor in Cytogenetics and/or Molecular Pathology: Minimum of four years of experience (including two years in high complexity testing, one of which in molecular pathology methods) under a qualified section director. Must meet the CLIA training and experience requirements for a high complexity general supervisor in Molecular Pathology. Proof of laboratory training or experience must be furnished within 90 days of hire and must be generated by an individual other than the person attempting to meet CLIA personnel qualification requirements.
  • Certification as CG(ASCP)CM or MB(ASCP)CM or international equivalent with on-going documentation of CE comparable to ASCP programs
  • Applied knowledge of CAP guidelines
  • Advanced knowledge of Cancer Genomics of hematological disorders, related diagnostic testing, and the biology of cancer
  • Expert Troubleshooting Skills
  • Strict Attention to Detail
  • Strong Computer Skills
  • Ability to apply general guidelines and knowledge to unique situations to make sound decisions
  • Ability to inspect/critique other's work
  • Strong Communication Skills, including Presentation Skills
  • Mature Judgment
  • Works independently on routine and non-routine tasks
  • Strong ability to apply general guidelines and knowledge to unique situations to make sound decisions
  • Demonstrates initiative
  • Solid background knowledge of all areas of the lab (though may not have advanced technical proficiency in all areas)
  • Solid knowledge of and the appropriate application of techniques required for translational clinical assay development
  • Ability to identify, triage, and escalate issues appropriately
  • Solid mentoring skills
  • Strong knowledge of and the appropriate application of techniques required for translational clinical assay development
  • Strong ability to synthesize large amounts of data, draw appropriate conclusions and effectively communicate findings and recommendations
  • Independently follows through on commitments and consistently holds themselves accountable to deadlines. Takes accountability for their quality of work and the impact on the lab
  • Perform effectively amidst stress, continuous change, and ambiguity
  • Must be able to differentiate between colors and pass a standardized color vision screen to perform this role

Preferred:
  • Master's degree or formal post-bac education in related fields beneficial
  • Dual certification as CG(ASCP)CM and MB(ASCP)CM
  • Working knowledge of relevant broader organizational resources and operations

The hourly pay range for this position is from $47.03 to $70.52 and pay offered will be based on experience and qualifications.
This position may be eligible for relocation assistance.
Although Fred Hutch is not sponsoring most H-1B visas at this time, candidates who already hold an H-1B sponsored by another organization and are currently in the U.S. may be eligible for this position.
Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center offers employees a comprehensive benefits package designed to enhance health, well-being, and financial security. Benefits include medical/vision, dental, flexible spending accounts, life, disability, retirement, family life support, employee assistance program, onsite health clinic, tuition reimbursement, paid vacation (12-22 days per year), paid sick leave (12-25 days per year), paid holidays (13 days per year), paid parental leave (up to 4 weeks).
Additional Information
We are proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) and Vietnam Era Veterans Readjustment Assistance Act (VEVRAA) Employer. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, creed, ancestry, national origin, sex, age, disability (physical or mental), marital or veteran status, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity, political ideology, or membership in any other legally protected class. We desire priority referrals of protected veterans. If due to a disability you need assistance/and or a reasonable accommodation during the application or recruiting process, please send a request to Human Resources at hrops@fredhutch.org or by calling 206-667-4700.