Oregon Health & Science University Hiring for Specimen Processing Specialist 1 Job at Portland, OR Full Time

Department Overview:

OHSU Knight Cancer Institute, known as one of the pioneers in personalized cancer medicine, is an international leader in research and cancer treatment. Driven by its mission to end cancer as we know it, the institute is building upon its expertise in targeted treatments to advance the early detection of cancer when the disease is most treatable.

With decades of academic laboratory experience in pathology and genetics, the Knight Diagnostic Laboratories deliver advanced diagnostic testing to make personalized medicine a reality. Specializing in oncology, rare genetic disorders, and infectious disease, the laboratories are CLIA certified and CAP accredited. Our Medical Directors and seasoned technical staff have many years of experience in clinical testing and test development and are dedicated to providing the best quality service for physicians and their patients. Through our close partnership with the Knight BioLibrary and Histopathology Shared Resource Laboratories, research investigators can gain access to human biological specimens, histology, and immunohistochemistry services.

Function/Duties of Position:

This position is an integral part of Knight Diagnostic Laboratories (KDL) front office team, and is primarily responsible for pre-analytic processes including receiving and accessioning specimens, and facilitating specimen acquisition and return logistics. Professional and friendly verbal and written communication and telephone skills are applied to all contact with both internal and external clients of KDL, as well as KDL lab staff and other OHSU stakeholders. The position follows standard operating procedures to unpack incoming samples, check for completeness of information, accession tests into LIS, affix labels to containers, and distribute incoming workload to lab sections. Additional responsibilities include resolving problems with incoming specimens (e.g., missing, mislabeled, or otherwise discrepant specimens, requisitions and paperwork) and accessioning requests for “add-on” tests. The position prepares and provides shipping supplies, requisitions and reports to clients as needed, and participates in team efforts and cross training to improve processes for effective and efficient accessioning and client services activities.

Duties will include:

• We act BOLDLY—Breakthroughs require pushing the boundaries of science, exploring new frontiers, and thinking differently
• We SUPPORT each other—Respect leads to trust, which leads to excellence
• We work as a CONNECTED team — We must leverage our collective brain power to conquer cancer because no one individual can do it alone

Required Qualifications:

Education & Experience:

• High school diploma and at least two years of college lab science courses, plus one year of college math or computer courses
• OR High school diploma and two years of clinical lab experience
• OR High school diploma and successful completion of a Lab Assistant Training Program including clinical lab experience

Job Related Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (Competencies):

• Ability to prioritize multiple tasks at one time
• Must have excellent communication, analytical and organizational skills: both written and verbal
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team while being collaborative in resolving problems
• Must be proficient with computers running Windows and PC applications e.g. MS Excel, Oracle, Access, Word and PowerPoint)
• Must have demonstrated excellent customer service skills both on the phone and in person.
• Must possess energy and drive to coordinate multiple projects simultaneously
• Ability to use tact and diplomacy to maintain effective working relationships

Preferred Qualifications:

Education & Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree in a science field
• 1-2 years of biology or clinical lab work; responsibilities in a fast paced, multidisciplinary lab environment
• Lab or hospital computer experience

Additional Details:

Please submit a resume and cover letter for your application to be considered.

Please note: As of Oct. 18, 2021, all OHSU employees are required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19. Fully vaccinated means you have received both doses of a two-dose, or one dose of a single-dose, FDA- or WHO-authorized COVID-19 vaccine and at least 14 days have passed since your final dose of COVID-19 vaccine. If you apply for and are offered a position, you must be fully vaccinated prior to starting work.

If the position you are offered does not require direct, in-person patient care contact, you may request an exception to the vaccine policy for medical or religious reasons. OHSU uses very narrow criteria under the law to allow an exception and very few requests are being approved.

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 [email protected].

As an organization devoted to the health and well-being of people in Oregon and beyond, OHSU requires its employees to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19.