Laboratory Operations Specialist I

Caris Life Sciences - Phoenix, AZ

Full-time

Phoenix, AZ

Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services

About the position

The Laboratory Operations Specialist I plays a crucial role in the laboratory testing process by facilitating the movement of patient samples. This position encompasses a variety of clerical and ancillary duties that are essential for the smooth operation of the laboratory. Responsibilities include activating cases, printing slides for microtomy, labeling and triaging slides to the Molecular and Immunohistochemistry (IHC) departments, and preparing complete cases for distribution to the Pathology department. Additionally, the specialist is tasked with filing stained and unstained slides for long-term storage, ensuring that all processes adhere to standard laboratory procedures and policies. In this role, the Laboratory Operations Specialist I will operate, maintain, and troubleshoot various laboratory equipment, including automated H&E and NFR stainers, Whole Slide Scanners, slide printers, and label printers. The position requires a high level of attention to detail and the ability to work cross-functionally with different departments, including Accessioning, IHC, PA, Laboratory Operations, Molecular, and Pathologists. The specialist will also be responsible for monitoring the department email inbox, addressing inquiries, and documenting case activities within the Laboratory Information System (LIS) and SharePoint database as necessary. The position is supervised by the Laboratory Operations Supervisor and requires adherence to safety protocols, including the proper disposal of hazardous waste. The Laboratory Operations Specialist I must be prepared to assist with other related duties and special projects as needed to support the laboratory's operations.

Responsibilities

• Perform Video Receipt of incoming specimens, organizing specimens and associated documents for clinical processing.
• Activate cases, print slides for microtomy, and order H&E tests.
• Transport cases between departments as needed, including Accessioning, IHC, PA, Laboratory Operations, Molecular, and Pathologists.
• File cases in proper accession number and/or activation date order at various staging areas throughout the laboratory.
• Label slides based on ordered tests and triage slides to the Molecular and IHC departments for testing.
• Match stained H&Es with their corresponding IHCs, NFRs, and unstained slides, verify sample labeling, and distribute materials to the IHC and Pathology departments.
• File glass slides in proper accession number order after IHC/ISH interpretation by a Pathologist.
• Retrieve slides from storage for clinical and/or research testing.
• Monitor the department email inbox and address inquiries in a timely manner.
• Thoroughly document case activities within the Laboratory Information System (LIS) and SharePoint database when necessary.
• Operate, maintain, and troubleshoot laboratory equipment including automated H&E and NFR stainers, Whole Slide Scanners, slide printers, label printers, and basic office equipment.
• Properly and safely dispose of hazardous waste.
• Work cross-functionally with various departments including IHC, Lab Operations, Accessioning, PAs, and Pathologists.
• Routinely ensure quality by confirming sample labeling and documentation match the Laboratory Information System (LIS) at all workstations.
• Assist as needed to perform other related duties and special projects to support the laboratory as required.

Requirements

• High School diploma or equivalent.
• Successful completion of the pre-employment process, including criminal background check, drug screening, and reference verification.

Nice-to-haves

• Previous medical field or laboratory experience.