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Reference Lab Jobs in Minnesota (NOW HIRING)

The hospital lab at Fairview Range provides 24/7 support for Fairview Range Medical Center and the ... Processes specimens prior to testing or sending to reference labs * Performs daily quality control ...

The hospital lab at Fairview Range provides 24/7 support for Fairview Range Medical Center and the ... Processes specimens prior to testing or sending to reference labs * Performs daily quality control ...

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Reference Lab information

What are some typical challenges faced by professionals working in a reference laboratory, and how can they be addressed?

Professionals in a reference laboratory often encounter challenges such as managing high sample volumes, meeting strict turnaround times, and ensuring accuracy across a diverse range of tests. Effective communication with clinical teams and meticulous attention to detail are essential to maintain workflow efficiency and minimize errors. Continuous training and familiarity with evolving technologies also help staff stay current with best practices and regulatory requirements, ensuring high-quality results and patient safety.

What is a Reference Lab?

A reference lab is a specialized medical laboratory that performs high-complexity or specialized diagnostic testing, often on samples sent from hospitals, clinics, or other medical facilities. These labs have advanced equipment and expertise to conduct tests that are not typically available in smaller or local labs. Reference labs play a crucial role in providing accurate results for rare, complex, or high-volume tests, supporting physicians in diagnosing and treating patients. They may also offer consultation on test interpretation and guidance on appropriate testing strategies.

What does a reference laboratory do?

A reference laboratory performs specialized testing and analysis on biological samples to confirm diagnoses, support patient care, and ensure test accuracy. These labs often handle complex or high-volume tests and require skilled technicians and quality control procedures.

What is the highest paid lab job?

In a reference laboratory, the highest paid roles are often senior pathologists or laboratory directors, who typically hold medical degrees and board certifications. These positions require extensive experience, leadership skills, and often involve overseeing laboratory operations and ensuring compliance, with salaries frequently exceeding six figures annually.

What is the highest-paying career in a laboratory?

In a laboratory setting, the highest-paying careers are often senior roles such as Laboratory Directors or Chief Scientific Officers, who oversee operations and research. These positions typically require advanced degrees, extensive experience, and leadership skills, and they can earn six-figure salaries depending on the organization and location.

What is the difference between Reference Lab vs Medical Laboratory Technician?

AspectReference LabMedical Laboratory Technician
CredentialsVaries; often specialized certifications or licensure depending on tests performedAssociate's degree in medical laboratory technology; certification often required
Work EnvironmentLarge laboratories, hospitals, or diagnostic centers; handling high volume testingHospital labs, clinics, or diagnostic facilities; performing routine tests under supervision
Employer & Industry UsageUsed by diagnostic companies and hospitals for specialized testingCommonly employed in healthcare settings for sample analysis

Reference Labs and Medical Laboratory Technicians both work in laboratory settings, but Reference Labs typically handle high-volume, specialized testing often for multiple clients, while Medical Laboratory Technicians perform routine testing under supervision. Understanding these differences helps in choosing the right career path or job search focus.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Reference Laboratory Technician, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Reference Laboratory Technician, you need a solid background in laboratory science, attention to detail, and typically an associate's or bachelor's degree in medical technology or a related field. Familiarity with laboratory information systems (LIS), automated analyzers, and quality control procedures is essential, along with certifications like ASCP or AMT being highly valued. Strong organizational skills, effective communication, and the ability to work independently under strict deadlines are crucial soft skills. These competencies ensure accurate test processing, reliable results, and efficient lab operations critical for patient diagnosis and care.

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

In the healthcare and laboratory fields, senior roles such as laboratory directors, chief medical officers, or specialized pathologists can earn $300,000 or more annually. These positions typically require advanced degrees, extensive experience, and often certification or licensing, with salaries influenced by location, employer size, and responsibilities.
What are popular job titles related to Reference Lab jobs in Minnesota? For Reference Lab jobs in Minnesota, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Reference Lab jobs in Minnesota look for? The top searched job categories for Reference Lab jobs in Minnesota are:
What cities in Minnesota are hiring for Reference Lab jobs? Cities in Minnesota with the most Reference Lab job openings:
Infographic showing various Reference Lab job openings in Minnesota as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 3% As Needed, 78% Full Time, 16% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution.
7/70 Medical Laboratory Scientist

7/70 Medical Laboratory Scientist

Fairview Health Services

Minneapolis, MN • On-site

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

This job post has expired today. Applications are no longer accepted.


Fairview Health Services rating

7.6

Company rating: 7.6 out of 10

Based on 243 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

189th of 880 rated healthcare providers


Job description

Job Overview

Fairview is looking for a full time, night shift Medical Laboratory Scientist/Medical Technologist (MLS/MT) for the Infectious Diseases Diagnostic Laboratory (IDDL) located in the Mayo building at M Health Fairview University of Minnesota Medical Center-East Bank. This is a 10-hour night shift (8:30 pm to 7:00 am) with every other weekend and rotating holidays.  Seven days on and seven days off (Wednesday-Tuesday)  Schedule may change to meet the requirements of the department.  Phlebotomy is not required for this position. 

This position is eligible for a Sign On Bonus of up to $5,500 (bonus is pro-rated based on FTE).

IDDL performs over 800,000 Microbiology and Virology tests annually. We span the spectrum from manual reading of bacteriology cultures to state of the art PCR testing. IDDL offers expertise in the following areas: Bacteriology, Mycology, Parasitology, and Virology.

The Medical Laboratory Scientist (MLS) functions independently in performing all major work responsibilities of professional laboratory practice. The MLS performs a wide variety of complex diagnostic and therapeutic testing, and acts as a resource for problem resolution and interpretation of results. The MLS correlates data based on clinical knowledge, technical expertise, and other conditions affecting test results. The MLS collaborates with the customers of the laboratory to promote customer satisfaction. The MLS participates in laboratory performance improvement activities. Hours worked in this role will normally be documented as seven consecutive shifts of 10 hours in a two-week period, paid as 80 hours of work.
Responsibilities

  • Follows established guidelines to obtain specimens and prioritize work.
  • Obtains specimens from patients of all ages and degrees of physical and/or mental disability.
  • Properly verifies patient identity.
  • Assesses integrity of all specimens for testing.
  • Verifies correct identification of specimens before testing.
  • Follows established guidelines for determining priority of specimen testing and procurement.
  • Performs a wide variety of complex diagnostic and therapeutic testing.
  • Performs waived, moderate or high complexity testing as defined by CLIA ’88.
  • Functions independently in performing all major work responsibilities of professional laboratory practice.
  • Operates laboratory instrumentation and information systems according to procedure.
  • Completes specified maintenance on instruments.
  • Recognizes problems and takes appropriate measures to resolve them.
  • Acts as a resource for problem solving, action steps and troubleshooting for lab procedures and unexpected events in lab operations.
  • Initiates proper safety or emergency responses.
  • Consults with supervisor if unable to resolve issues.
  • Exercises critical thinking to maintain and improve department productivity and efficiencies.
  • Evaluates testing results for accuracy and appropriate intervention.
  • Determines if test results fall within normal parameters and reporting protocols. Recognizes age-specific reference ranges.
  • Correlates data based on clinical knowledge, technical expertise and other conditions affecting test results.
  • Takes appropriate action to recheck abnormal, discrepant, or unexpected results.
  • Directly communicates abnormal and critical results to care giver.
  • Obtains information from caregivers to resolve reasons for incongruent results (physiologic or methodologic).
  • Demonstrates understanding of and commitment to Laboratory Quality Assurance, Performance Improvement and Laboratory Compliance Programs.
  • Documents deviations and action taken.
  • Documents reagent, test kit and calibrator checks.
  • Recognizes and communicates values and trends that exceed the QC decision levels. Takes action to resolve and consults with supervisor as needed.
  • Participates in the lab performance improvement program by collecting data, reviewing the results, and implementing action step recommendations.
  • Documents compliance with regulations of governmental or voluntary regulatory agencies.
  • Collaborates with the customers of the laboratory to promote customer satisfaction.
  • Orients and mentors’ new employees and students.
  • Participates in orienting individuals in routine and complex testing methodology, instrumentation, and information systems.
  • Ability to assess needs and progress of trainee.
  • Checks work prior to release.
  • Completes training checklists and evaluations as appropriate.
  • Reports progress and problems to supervisor/manager.


Required Qualifications

  • Baccalaureate or higher degree from an accredited college/university in a related laboratory field including the related lab practicum or equivalent routes meeting qualifications as high complexity testing personnel as specified in CLIA ’88.
  • Baccalaureate degree from an accredited college/university in chemical, biological, clinical or medical laboratory science, or medical technology from an accredited institution. • Diploma with field of study listed or transcript must be provided. or
  • Baccalaureate degree from an accredited college/university with 16 semester hours in biology including one semester in microbiology and 16 semester hours in chemistry including one semester in organic or biochemistry. • Transcript must be provided. or
  • A transcript evaluation verifying equivalency to a U.S. Baccalaureate degree from an accredited college/university. • Equivalency verification documentation must be provided. or
  • Completion of a 50-week U.S. military medical laboratory training course and a Baccalaureate degree from an accredited college/university with 16 semester hours in biology including one semester in microbiology and 16 semester hours in chemistry including one semester in organic or biochemistry. • Transcript must be provided. or
  • Master’s degree from an accredited college/university in molecular biology, biotechnology, chemistry, biology, cytology, immunology, immunohematology, microbiology, allied health, medical laboratory science, or an appropriately related field. • Diploma with field of study listed or transcript must be provided.
  • Applicant should possess or be eligible to receive appropriate Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) approved laboratory certification. • ASCP, ASCPi, or AMT – MLS (Medical Laboratory Scientist) or MT (Medical Technologist) within 1 Year or
  • HEW Medical Technologist certification may be considered.

Benefit Overview

Fairview offers a generous benefit package including but not limited to medical, dental, vision plans, life insurance, short-term and long-term disability insurance, PTO and Sick and Safe Time, tuition reimbursement, retirement, early access to earned wages, and more! Please follow this link foradditional information: https://www.fairview.org/careers/benefits/noncontract


Compensation Disclaimer
An individual's pay rate within the posted range may be determined by various factors, including skills, knowledge, relevant education, experience, and market conditions. Additionally, our organization prioritizes pay equity and considers internal team equity when making any offer. Hiring at the maximum of the range is not typical. If your role is eligible for a sign-on bonus, the bonus program that is approved and in place at the time of offer, is what will be honored.
EEO Statement
EEO/Vet/Disabled: All qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to any lawfully protected statusQualifications:$39.57- $57.16 HourlyEducation:UNAVAILABLEEmployment Type: UNAVAILABLE

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About Fairview Health Services

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Fairview Health Services is an industry-leading, award-winning nonprofit that offers an entire network of healthcare services. Fairview is one part of M Health Fairview, a partnership between the University of Minnesota, M Physicians and Fairview Health Services. Together, we combine the University's deep history of clinical innovation and training with Fairview's extensive roots in community medicine. Our care portfolio includes community hospitals, academic hospitals, primary and specialty care clinics, senior facilities, facilitated living centers, rehabilitation centers, home health care services, counseling, pharmacies and benefit management services.

Industry

Health care and social assistance

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Minneapolis, MN, US