Specimen Processor Jobs in Silver Spring, MD (NOW HIRING)

Job Title: Specimen Processor

Location: Baltimore, MD

Hourly Pay Range: $19-22/HR

Schedule: M-F 8:30am - 5:00pm, weekend rotation as required

About Pharmaron

Pharmaron is a global contract research and manufacturing organization (CRO/CDMO) helping pharma and biotech companies bring new therapies to life. With over 25,000 employees worldwide across 28 locations in the US, UK, China, and Singapore, we support drug discovery through to manufacturing with fully integrated high-quality services.

We're proud of the impact we make and just last year, we supported 887 discovery projects, 1,100+ CMC programs, and 1,397 clinical trials across all phases. Our teams are involved in everything from small molecules, ADC's, biologics, and gene therapies and we work with more than 3,300 global customers. To learn more, visit www.pharmaron.com.

Job Summary

Are you detail-oriented, organized, and passionate about laboratory operations? We are seeking a Specimen Processor to join our clinical research team. In this role, you will be responsible for the collection, processing, documentation, and storage of valuable clinical research specimens that support critical studies and drug development programs.

Working alongside clinical research and laboratory professionals, you'll ensure specimens are handled with the highest standards of quality, accuracy, and regulatory compliance while contributing to meaningful medical research.

What You'll Do

As a Specimen Processor, you'll play a critical role in preserving the integrity of clinical research specimens from collection through storage and shipment.

Key Responsibilities

• Collect and process clinical research specimens, including blood, urine, saliva, emesis, and stool, according to study protocols.
• Receive, sort, centrifuge, aliquot, label, rack, and store specimens following protocol-specific laboratory manuals and regulatory requirements.
• Maintain specimen integrity through accurate handling, processing, storage, and documentation.
• Operate laboratory equipment including pipettes, centrifuges, balances, pH meters, and related instrumentation.
• Utilize electronic laboratory systems to document specimen collection, processing, storage, and shipment activities.
• Prepare study-specific laboratory supplies and materials to support protocol activities.
• Prepare laboratory solutions, perform dilutions, and complete calculations as required.
• Identify and promptly report specimen discrepancies, processing issues, or conditions that may impact study quality or specimen viability.
• Maintain complete and accurate documentation throughout every stage of specimen processing.
• Follow Good Clinical Practice (GCP), Good Laboratory Practice (GLP), laboratory safety procedures, and chemical hygiene standards at all times.
• Collaborate with Project Managers, Clinical Research Coordinators, Medical Laboratory Technologists, Principal Investigators, sponsors, and laboratory staff to support successful study execution.

Qualifications

Required

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Basic laboratory or specimen handling knowledge.
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to quality.
• Excellent organizational and documentation skills.
• Ability to follow detailed protocols and standard operating procedures.
• Comfortable working in a fast-paced laboratory environment.
• Strong communication and teamwork skills.

Preferred

• Associate degree in Biology, Chemistry, Life Sciences, Medical Laboratory Technology, or a related scientific discipline.
• Medical Laboratory Technician (MLT) certification or relevant laboratory experience.
• Experience processing clinical research or diagnostic laboratory specimens.
• Working knowledge of Good Clinical Practice (GCP) and Good Laboratory Practice (GLP).

What Makes You Successful

We're looking for someone who:

• Takes pride in accuracy and maintaining specimen integrity.
• Thrives in a collaborative, fast-paced laboratory environment.
• Learns quickly and adapts to new technologies and study protocols.
• Demonstrates exceptional organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Communicates effectively with laboratory staff and cross-functional teams.
• Maintains the highest standards of safety, quality, and regulatory compliance.

Work Environment

This position is based in a temperature-controlled clinical laboratory where employees work with biological specimens, chemicals, and laboratory equipment. Appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) is provided, and strict laboratory safety procedures are followed.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to stand, walk, bend, reach, lift, and perform repetitive hand movements throughout the workday.
• Ability to lift up to 50 pounds occasionally.
• Comfortable working with dry ice, ultra-low temperature storage systems, and biological and chemical materials.
• Ability to perform close visual inspection of specimens, labels, and laboratory equipment.

Schedule

• Full-time (32–40+ hours per week) or PRN opportunities available.
• Flexibility to work day, evening, weekend, and holiday shifts based on operational needs.
• No travel required.

Why Pharmaron?

Pharmaron is a premier service provider for the life sciences industry. Founded in 2004, Pharmaron has invested in its people and facilities and established a broad spectrum of research, development, and manufacturing service capabilities throughout the entire drug discovery, preclinical, and clinical development process across multiple therapeutic modalities, including small molecules, biologics, and CGT products. With over 21,000 employees and operations in the U.S., the U.K. and China. Pharmaron has an excellent track record in delivering R&D solutions to its partners in North America, Europe, Japan, and China.

Collaborative Culture: You will thrive in our inclusive and collaborative environment, where teamwork and innovation go hand in hand. Here, your voice matters, and your contributions make a real impact. "Employees Number One" and "Clients Centered" are the core cultural values at Pharmaron. Our culture, which sets Pharmaron apart from other organizations, has evolved from our deep commitment to our employees, partners, and collaborators.

Benefits: As part of our commitment to your well-being, we offer a comprehensive benefits package:

• Insurance including Medical, Dental & Vision with significant employer contributions
• Employer-funded Health Reimbursement Account
• Healthcare & Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts
• 100% Employer-paid Employee Life and AD&D Insurance, Short- and Long-Term Disability Insurance
• 401k plan with generous employer match
• Access to an Employee Assistance Program

How to Apply:

Ready to seize this incredible opportunity? Join us at Pharmaron and be part of a dynamic team driving innovation and excellence in biopharmaceutical research and development. Apply online today!

As an Equal Employment Opportunity and Affirmative Action employer, Pharmaron values diversity and inclusion in the workplace, fostering an environment where all individuals are empowered to succeed. Join us in our mission to make a difference in the world of life sciences.

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