Specimen Accessioner (Part-time)

Job Description

About the role

We are looking for a detail-oriented and reliable Specimen Accessioner to join our clinical laboratory team on a part-time basis. As the first point of contact for incoming specimens, the Accessioner plays a critical role in ensuring that every sample entering our New York State Department of Health CLIA/CLEP clinical laboratory is properly identified, documented, and prepared for testing. This position requires strong attention to detail, accuracy, and a commitment to maintaining specimen integrity and traceability from receipt through distribution to the appropriate laboratory section.

The Specimen Accessioner reports to the Laboratory Manager and the CLIA Supervising Technologist. This is a part-time, on-site position at the Biotia laboratory in Long Island City, New York. Hours are scheduled based on laboratory operational needs and specimen receiving volume. We are currently looking for coverage of a 2:30 PM–6:30 PM shift, Monday through Friday, approximately 20 hours per week.

What you'll do

• Receive specimens from clinics, hospitals, collection sites, and directly from patients.
• Verify patient information and specimen labeling.
• Enter patient and specimen data into the Laboratory Information System (LIS).
• Check specimens for acceptability, including proper container, volume, labeling, and transport conditions.
• Reject and document unsuitable specimens according to laboratory policies.
• Sort and distribute specimens to the appropriate laboratory sections.
• Maintain specimen storage and retrieval when needed.
• Answer phone calls and assist with specimen status inquiries.
• Handle clinical and infectious disease specimens in accordance with biohazard safety and universal precautions, using appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE).
• Prepare and ship outgoing specimens and packages, including transporting packages to designated mail and courier drop-off locations.
• Maintain patient confidentiality and handle protected health information (PHI) in accordance with HIPAA.
• Ensure accurate documentation, specimen integrity, and traceability.

What you bring

• Bachelor's degree in a scientific field or a related discipline. No professional license is required for this role.
• Strong attention to detail and accuracy in specimen handling and data entry.
• Basic computer proficiency and accurate data-entry skills.
• Ability to work efficiently and maintain composure in a fast-paced, high-volume laboratory environment.
• Good communication and customer service skills, including proper telephone etiquette.

Nice to have

• Prior experience in a clinical laboratory setting.
• Familiarity with Laboratory Information Systems (LIS).
• Basic understanding of specimen handling, chain-of-custody procedures, and CLIA regulatory requirements.

Compensation and benefits

Compensation is $20-$23 per hour, commensurate with experience. This is a part-time, on-site position.

Equal opportunity

Biotia is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to building a team that reflects the patients and communities we serve. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. We are committed to providing reasonable accommodations for qualified applicants and employees with disabilities.

About Biotia

Biotia is a health tech company advancing infectious disease diagnostics for challenging infections. We pair clinical metagenomics and artificial intelligence to develop diagnostic and software solutions for patients, clinicians, health systems, and researchers working at the front line of infectious disease.