Description

Lab Technical Assistant

US-OR-Portland

Requisition ID: 2026-37635
Position Category: Laboratory
Job Type: AFSCME union represented
Position Type: Regular Part-Time
Posting Department: Core Laboratory
Posting Salary Range: $25.08 - $33.92/hr per hour with offer based on experience, education, and internal equity
Posting FTE: 0.80
Posting Schedule: Monday - Friday
Posting Hours: 10:00am - 4:30pm
HR Mission: Healthcare
Drug Testable: Yes

Department Overview

This position provides technical support in the Core Laboratory to complete laboratory testing for OHSU hospital and clinic patients. Testing is performed in the following areas: microbiology, serological and urinalysis. Specimen processing, test performance, and result reporting is performed independently after appropriate training. Supervisory review of results is required in the case of unusual/complex results, procedural problems, or when dictated by policy or procedure. The person filling this position will be of professional demeanor and perform their duties with an attitude, which will best serve the clients of the department.

Function/Duties of Position

Performs data entry and sample processing for samples received for testing

• Checks accuracy of specimens, requisitions, labels
• Performs computer entry in EPIC, and Beaker systems
• Accurately labels samples, requisitions, and appropriate specimen containers
• Ensures that all samples are logged in to the lab and triaged in a timely manner
• Centrifuges samples and transfers to appropriately labeled containers
• Directs samples to technologists and testing areas.

Laboratory Testing Duties

• Performs urine dipsticks and centrifuges urines for microscopy. 
• Performs kit testing for example, strep A, urine hCG, Rapid HIV, C-Diff, Occult Blood. Performs testing with accuracy, speed, and efficiency, using the IRIS instrument, Cephied, Biofire and Virtuo instrumentation.
• Follows written procedures and policies.
• Other laboratory duties as needed

Answers multi-line telephone and performs client services duties

• Provides a pleasant and professional telephone manner as frontline representative of the laboratory
• Assists needs of callers in all aspects of laboratory operations
• Transfers or refers calls or confers with other areas of lab or hospital as needed
• Follows up on all client questions and problems within the same working day
• Records phone calls and resolution of problems according to lab procedures
• Performs other client services duties such as: phoning results, generating and faxing reports, reporting results for interpretive tests, mailing reports, etc.
• Does whatever is necessary to meet needs of customers

Miscellaneous duties

• Prioritizes work according to established procedures
• Maintains inventory of supplies, orders, picks up, and stores supplies according to established procedures
• Trains new employees, students, and other personnel in job duties
• Attends staff meetings, provides input, and fully participates in planning and feedback in work group
• Follows all safety procedures when carrying out duties
• Performs duties as assigned by supervisor for special studies and projects
• Performs requirements for Staff Members as outlined in Compliance Roles and Responsibilities in OHSU Hospitals and Clinics and understands and complies with the Code of Conduct, OHSU and departmental policies and procedures, and other applicable procedures, rules and regulations.

Miscellaneous duties

• Prioritizes work according to established procedures
• Maintains inventory of supplies, orders, picks up, and stores supplies according to established procedures
• Trains new employees, students, and other personnel in job duties
• Attends staff meetings, provides input, and fully participates in planning and feedback in work group
• Follows all safety procedures when carrying out duties
• Performs duties as assigned by supervisor for special studies and projects
• Performs requirements for Staff Members as outlined in Compliance Roles and Responsibilities in OHSU Hospitals and Clinics and understands and complies with the Code of Conduct, OHSU and departmental policies and procedures, and other applicable procedures, rules and regulations.

Required Qualifications

• A Certificate or Associate Degree from an accredited Medical Laboratory Technician training program; OR 
• Completion of a certified Laboratory Assistant training program which includes 45 credit hours in chemistry or biological science, plus one year experience in a clinical laboratory; Medical Lab Assistant certification preferred (CLMA(AMT)or equivalent); OR 
• Forty-five credit hours of college level chemical or biological courses and two years of  experience as a Laboratory Assistant in a clinical laboratory; Medical Lab Assistant certification preferred (CLMA(AMT) or equivalent);

Preferred Qualifications

• General knowledge of laboratory terminology, equipment, materials and techniques, and safety.
• Has demonstrated exceptional customer service and telephone communication skills.
• Skill in handling of laboratory specimens (including microbiological specimens), record keeping, sterile technique, and laboratory equipment.
• Skill in using several different computer programs including: WordPerfect, Quattro Pro, Access, or other similar applications, dedicated LIS, SMS, including Order Entry and results retrieval on LCR, etc.
• Ability to follow written and oral instructions accurately and operate and maintain standard lab equipment.
• Ability to initiate procedures and policies to improve workflow and work accuracy in the section.
• Ability to demonstrate performance of job duties to trainees.
• Ability to communicate clearly and effectively with a variety of clients including doctors, nurses, laboratory staff and patients, and maintain a customer service focus at all times.
• Ability to work independently within established guidelines, to adjust to rapidly changing priorities, to communicate and work effectively within a group

Additional Details

• Positions in the laboratory and environs may require working flexible schedules including nights weekends and holidays; working at multiple laboratory or hospital sites; traveling between laboratories and sites by stairs, elevator, tram, shuttle or other means; exposure to blood and body fluids, chemical hazards, radiation; working in a somewhat noisy and crowded environment;   wearing gloves and other Personal Protective Equipment for long periods of time; experiencing occasional temperature control problems in building.
• Positions in laboratory departments require the ability to carry and lift up to 30 lbs.; ability to stand or sit for 4-8 hours depending on the tasks assigned; ability to bend, reach, and carry as required for assigned tasks; ability to utilize simple and complicated laboratory equipment and computers; ability to utilize multi-line phones, pagers, dictation equipment, and office equipment.

 

All are welcome
Oregon Health & Science University values a diverse and culturally competent workforce. We are proud of our commitment to being an equal opportunity, affirmative action organization that does not discriminate against applicants on the basis of any protected class status, including disability status and protected veteran status. Individuals with diverse backgrounds and those who promote diversity and a culture of inclusion are encouraged to apply. To request reasonable accommodation contact the Affirmative Action and Equal Opportunity Department at 503-494-5148 or aaeo@ohsu.edu.

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