Entry Level Lab Jobs in Portland, OR (NOW HIRING)

Job Title: Accessioner

Job Description

The Accessioner plays a key role in the laboratory by receiving, verifying, and processing a high volume of biological specimens for diagnostic testing. This position focuses on accurate data entry, specimen accessioning, and proper sample handling to ensure timely and reliable test results. You will work in a fast-paced, high-throughput lab environment, collaborating with a team while also performing independent tasks that require strong attention to detail and organizational skills.

Responsibilities

• Receive, unpack, and verify incoming specimen packages for completeness, accuracy, and proper documentation.
• Prepare and process biological samples, including blood, urine, saliva, stool, and tissue, for laboratory testing.
• Perform aliquoting of specimens by transferring portions into secondary containers for analysis according to established procedures.
• Accession specimens into the internal laboratory system by scanning or manually entering patient and test information.
• Perform heavy data entry and scanning with a high level of accuracy and attention to detail.
• Verify that demographic information and test requisition details match submitted specimens and correct any discrepancies as needed.
• Identify and label specimens accurately using strong eye-hand coordination to ensure traceability throughout the testing process.
• Organize specimens into designated bins based on category, laboratory codes, or assay type.
• Route samples to appropriate staging areas or testing facilities, and pack and ship specimens when necessary.
• Conduct audits for samples that were not pulled, promptly investigate issues, and resolve or document problem specimens.
• Properly prepare, store, and manage excess specimen samples according to laboratory protocols.
• Handle and dispose of medical and chemical waste in compliance with environmental health and safety procedures.
• Operate automated laboratory instrumentation under supervision when required.
• Lift up to 30–40 pounds and perform tasks while sitting or standing for extended periods.
• Use appropriate protective equipment and follow all safety guidelines while working with biological and chemical materials.
• Work both independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced, high-volume laboratory setting.
• Communicate clearly and professionally with team members and other departments using strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Demonstrate effective problem-solving skills to address specimen, data entry, and workflow issues.
• Maintain reliable attendance and consistently meet performance metrics and productivity goals.

Essential Skills

• High School Diploma or GED.
• Experience with specimen processing, accessioning, and specimen receiving in a laboratory or similar environment.
• Proficiency in high-volume data entry with strong accuracy and attention to detail.
• Experience with scanning, sorting, and organizing specimens or similar materials.
• Ability to work with a variety of biological samples, including serum, plasma, blood, urine, and other biological specimens.
• Strong organizational skills to manage multiple tasks and large volumes of samples.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team in a fast-paced environment.
• Proven reliability and positive attendance history.
• Ability to lift 30–40 pounds and sit or stand for extended periods.
• Ability to follow detailed procedures and safety protocols for handling and disposing of medical and chemical waste.
• Coachable mindset with the ability to accept and apply feedback.
• High level of attention to detail in verifying demographic and test information.
• Strong work ethic with motivation to meet performance metrics and productivity targets.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Previous experience as an Accessioner, Specimen Processor, or in specimen accessioning is highly beneficial.
• Prior laboratory experience, including working with inventory and specimen organization, is an advantage.
• Familiarity with laboratory information systems and internal accessioning platforms is helpful.
• Experience in a fast-paced, high-throughput diagnostic laboratory environment is preferred.
• Demonstrated ability to take initiative, maintain a positive attitude, and work well with others.
• Comfort working on overnight or late evening shifts.
• Interest in long-term career growth within a large diagnostic laboratory organization, with potential movement into areas such as laboratory operations, sales, or client services.
• Access to a comprehensive benefits package, which may include medical, dental, vision, life insurance, short-term and long-term disability, retirement savings options, transportation benefits, and employee assistance programs, subject to plan eligibility.
• Opportunity for contract extension and potential conversion to a direct role based on business needs and individual performance and attendance, though not guaranteed.

Work Environment

This role is based in a very large, central diagnostic laboratory that processes patient samples from a broad regional area. The environment is fast-paced and high-throughput, with a particularly busy third shift as most samples are processed overnight to meet a 24–48 hour turnaround time. The schedule is on 3rd shift with options such as Monday through Friday, 8:00 p.m. to 4:30 a.m., or Monday through Friday, 10:00 p.m. to 6:30 a.m., depending on current openings. The position is initially offered as a 3‑month contract, with the possibility of multiple extensions, often averaging 6–9 months, and potential (but not guaranteed) conversion to a direct role based on business needs and performance. You will work in a large laboratory space that uses automated instrumentation and follows strict specimen collection, handling, and safety protocols. The role requires wearing appropriate protective equipment and adhering to environmental health and safety standards while handling biological and chemical materials. The lab promotes a strong team culture with long employee tenure and offers opportunities for growth and movement into different departments over time. Dress is typical for a clinical laboratory setting, with an emphasis on safety, professionalism, and the use of required protective gear.

#LI-SC1

This is a Contract position based out of Portland, OR.

The pay range for this position is $20.20 - $20.20/hr.

Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following:
• Medical, dental & vision
• Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital
• 401(k) Retirement Plan – Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available
• Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents)
• Short and long-term disability
• Health Spending Account (HSA)
• Transportation benefits
• Employee Assistance Program
• Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)

This is a fully onsite position in Portland,OR.

This position is anticipated to close on Jun 29, 2026.

About Actalent

Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services and talent solutions. We help visionary companies advance their engineering and science initiatives through access to specialized experts who drive scale, innovation and speed to market. With a network of almost 20,000 consultants and 5,000 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500. We are proud to be an Engineering News-Record (ENR) Top 500 Design Firm for our engineering design services and a ClearlyRated Best of Staffing® winner for both client and talent service.

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.

If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or adjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability, please email actalentaccommodation@actalentservices.com for other accommodation options.

San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance: Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

Massachusetts Lie Detector: It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI): We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.