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Research Lab Assistant I
Career Insights for Laboratory Specimen Processor
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Based on Pennsylvania data
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What they do
A Laboratory Specimen Processor catalogs specimens in a medical laboratory for use by other health care workers, including laboratory technicians, nurses, and physicians. Specimens can include blood samples, bacteria cultures, and even organs. Receives specimens, enters specimen data into a computer system, prepares samples for further laboratory analysis, and transports specimens to other labs and clinical departments.
$39,659 / year median in Pennsylvania
+8% projected growth
Job Description
Research Lab Assistant I Children's Hospital of Philadelphia $21.05
•$26.35 Hourly United States, Pennsylvania, Philadelphia Sep 02, 2026
SHIFT:
Day (United States of America) Seeking Breakthrough Makers Children's Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP) offers countless ways to change lives. Our diverse community of more than 20,000 Breakthrough Makers will inspire you to pursue passions, develop expertise, and drive innovation. At CHOP, your experience is valued; your voice is heard; and your contributions make a difference for patients and families. Join us as we build on our promise to advance pediatric care-and your career. CHOP does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, sex, national origin, religion, or any other legally protected categories in any employment, training, or vendor decisions or programs. CHOP recognizes the critical importance of a workforce rich in varied backgrounds and experiences and engages in ongoing efforts to achieve that through equally varied and non-discriminatory means. A Brief Overview Under general supervision, this role is responsible for the introductory operations of specimen collection/processing and lab including processes incoming specimens, handling research lab specimens, including data entry and transport as necessary per the research protocol and supervisor's instructions. Participates in a planned research project by performing basic research protocols. Responsible for organization and tracking of samples in freezer storage using electronic database; Performs quality control and quality assurance functions and inventory control. What you will do Responsible for lab specimens collected or delivered
Organize and track of samples in freezer storage using electronic database
Assist quality control and quality assurance functions and inventory control
Process all appropriate specimen types per protocol guidelines including blood, urine, saliva, etc; responsible for spinning in centrifuge, separation of plasma and/or serum, freezing sample, shipping sample or carrying to appropriate lab
Collaborates with Outpatient Unit specimen identification and tracking. Serves as resource for other staff for specimen processing and tracking issues
Organizes freezer and tracking of specimens using appropriate software system (LIMS, LDMS)
Proficient in the operation of the laboratory information management systems
Assists in special processing procedures (e.g. isolation of PBMCs)
Reviews specimen requirements and processing procedures for protocols
Provides assistance to all staff in properly preparing for new study visits including identifying correct draw tubes and identifying amounts of blood required per test
Assists in designing study sheets and specimen processing procedures for new studies
Follows appropriate processing, storage and delivery procedures for protocols
Reviews that all specimens are properly labeled and processed
Prepares tubes and aliquots for staff needing to process in off-hours or out of the main space
Sends the correct sample to the appropriate lab or storage freezer as directed
Register specimens in the automated systems that arrive from outside clients
Delivers specimens to the specific labs where testing is performed as directed
Manages inventory control of research lab; orders necessary items, informs supervisor of any inventory problems.
Maintains certification and appropriate lab technician training
Prepares laboratory reagents and maintenance of inventory.
Performs routine calculations and maintains appropriate log books and lab notebooks
Maintains laboratory equipment and records
Maintains laboratory safety procedures and compliance records
Process all specimens and ships to outside laboratories as needed.
Must be familiar with the different processing requirements for all of the research protocols.
Follows lab procedures for each research protocols and follows up to ensure all shipping is handled timely and accurately
Works with a Courier service to schedule and ship specimens and/or paperwork to various locations.
Service Excellence
Maintain record management, ensuring that all records are stored according to established policies.
Must always use appropriate and proper documentation
Disseminates reports to teams and leadership as per standard procedure
Must be flexible in scheduling and cooperation in performing all assigned tasks
Responsible for working flexible schedule when necessary
Universal Precautions
Follows all safety and infection control rules Lab coats and gloves are consistently worn as required
Uses eye protection devices as required
Follows universal precautions for handling all biological specimens Education Qualifications High School Diploma / GED Required Experience Qualifications Previous research or laboratory experience Required
At least one (1) year of research or laboratory experience Preferred Skills and Abilities Basic proficiency with office software (Microsoft Office)
Strong verbal and written communications skills
Solid customer service skills
Solid interpersonal skills
Solid organizational skills
Ability to gather, analyze and make recommendations/decisions based on data
Ability to maintain confidentiality and professionalism
Ability to collaborate with stakeholders at all levels To carry out its mission, CHOP is committed to supporting the health of our patients, families, workforce, and global community. As a condition of employment, CHOP employees who work in patient care buildings or who have patient facing responsibilities must receive an annual influenza vaccine. Learn more.
EEO / VEVRAA
Federal Contractor | Tobacco Statement
SALARY RANGE
$21.05
•$26.35 Hourly Salary ranges are shown for full-time jobs. If you're working part-time, your pay will be adjusted accordingly.
•At CHOP, we are committed to fair and transparent pay practices. Factors such as skills and experience could result in an offer above the salary range noted in this job posting. Click here for more information regarding CHOP's Compensation and Benefits.