Specimen Processing Clerk

Job Title: Specimen Processing Clerk Job Description
The Specimen Processing Clerk is an entry-level role responsible for receiving, processing, and routing laboratory specimens in a fast-paced, high-volume environment. This position supports core laboratory operations by loading samples onto automation lines, accurately registering specimens in laboratory information systems, answering phones, and providing professional customer service to internal and external stakeholders.
Responsibilities
- Receive, verify, and process incoming laboratory specimens according to established standard operating procedures.
- Load samples onto the automation line to ensure timely and accurate processing.
- Register specimens accurately in laboratory information systems, including EMD and Sunquest.
- Handle and organize outpatient sample paperwork to ensure proper documentation and routing.
- Answer phones promptly and provide courteous, professional customer service support to callers.
- Manage difficult or escalated calls with professionalism and composure.
- Perform data entry and accessioning tasks with a high level of accuracy and attention to detail.
- Follow all safety procedures and laboratory SOPs to maintain a safe and compliant work environment.
- Participate in daily endorsements and follow-ups to ensure smooth handoffs between shifts and continuity of workflow.
- Support high-volume workflows by multitasking and prioritizing tasks effectively.
- Collaborate with team members and laboratory staff to resolve specimen-related issues and improve processes.
Essential Skills
- Entry-level candidates are acceptable; prior specimen processing or laboratory experience is preferred but not required.
- Strong attention to detail with the ability to maintain accuracy in a high-volume environment.
- Demonstrated ability to multitask and manage multiple responsibilities simultaneously.
- Customer service skills with the ability to communicate clearly and professionally.
- Ability to handle difficult callers and challenging situations with patience and professionalism.
- Willingness and ability to quickly learn and use laboratory information systems, particularly EMD and Sunquest.
- Comfort with data entry and accessioning tasks, including accurate typing and documentation.
- Interest in or current enrollment in science or lab-related fields is common and beneficial.
Additional Skills & Qualifications
- Familiarity with specimen processing workflows in a clinical or laboratory setting.
- Experience using laboratory information systems such as EMD and Sunquest.
- Background or coursework in science, healthcare, or laboratory-related disciplines.
- Ability to follow detailed SOPs and safety protocols consistently.
- Strong organizational skills for managing paperwork and specimen tracking.
- Adaptability and flexibility to adjust to changing priorities and workflow demands.
Work Environment
This is a full-time position in a clinical laboratory environment with variable shifts and rotating weekend and holiday coverage. The schedule includes weekend mornings and afternoon/evening shifts, with typical AM hours from 5:00 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. and PM shift start times at 1:30 p.m., 2:30 p.m., and 3:30 p.m. Team members must be flexible with scheduling and shift variability to meet operational needs. The role involves working in a high-volume, fast-paced setting with frequent interaction via phone and laboratory information systems such as EMD and Sunquest. Employees follow established safety procedures and standard operating protocols while working around automated laboratory equipment and specimen handling areas.
Job Type & Location
This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Whittier, CA.
Pay and Benefits
The pay range for this position is $18.00 - $20.00/hr. Individual compensation offered for this position within this range will depend on many factors, including qualifications, skills, relevant experience, job knowledge, geographic location, internal equity, and other pertinent job-related factors. Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job
classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be
subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits
available for this temporary role may include the following:

Medical, dental & vision
Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital
401(k) Retirement Plan Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available
Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents)
Short and long-term disability
Health Spending Account (HSA)
Transportation benefits
Employee Assistance Program
Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)
Job Type & Location
This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Whittier, CA.
Application Deadline
This position is anticipated to close on Oct 29, 2026.
Workplace Type
This is a fully onsite position in Whittier,CA. About Actalent

Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services and talent solutions. We help visionary companies advance their engineering and science initiatives through access to specialized experts who drive scale, innovation and speed to market. With a network of almost 20,000 consultants and 5,000 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500. We are proud to be an Engineering News-Record (ENR) Top 500 Design Firm for our engineering design services and a ClearlyRated Best of Staffing® winner for both client and talent service.

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without
regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability,
sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected
by law.

If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or
adjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability,
please email [email protected] for other accommodation options.

San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance:
Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the
city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants
with arrest and conviction records.

Massachusetts Lie Detector:
It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a
condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law
shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI):
We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process,
including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications
and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you
acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.