Accessioner

Laboratory Assistant

SUMMER INTERNSHIP

NO EXPERIENCE NEEDED | Entry Level | Offers Benefits

Job Description

The Specimen Accessioner supports the pre-analytical and post-analytical stages of diagnostic and therapeutic testing by receiving, verifying, and preparing patient specimens for laboratory analysis. This role focuses on accurate sample intake, data entry, labeling, storage, and disposal, ensuring that all specimens are handled correctly and efficiently before and after testing. It offers an excellent entry point for individuals who want to start or grow a career in a laboratory environment, with structured training and clear opportunities for advancement.

Responsibilities

• Receive incoming specimens from couriers arriving from across the United States and internationally, and initiate the tracking process promptly upon arrival.
• Verify that all expected samples have arrived, either manually or through the data system for larger shipments, and inspect specimens and packaging for any signs of damage or irregularities.
• Remove and properly dispose of external packaging materials while maintaining specimen integrity and chain of custody.
• Log specimens into multiple computer software systems, selecting and using the correct system based on specimen type and testing requirements.
• Confirm that patient names and other identifying information on specimens match the corresponding requisitions to ensure accurate identification and processing.
• Handle primarily urine specimens, along with additional specimen types such as blood, serum, plasma, and other body fluids as needed.
• Generate and print specimen labels after data entry, and apply labels accurately to all samples according to established laboratory procedures.
• Perform basic specimen preparation tasks, which may include aliquoting a single specimen into multiple containers, centrifuging samples, or freezing specimens to stabilize them when required.
• Contribute to processing a high daily volume of specimens, with the team handling approximately 5,000 to 11,000 samples per day, while maintaining accuracy and turnaround times.
• Manage the ongoing maintenance of stored specimens, including organizing and tracking samples kept in walk-in refrigerators and freezers at 3, 6, and 12-month intervals.
• Follow laboratory quality control and sample handling procedures to support reliable test results and regulatory compliance.
• Work effectively in a fast-paced, production-driven environment, prioritizing tasks and adjusting to changing workloads.
• Collaborate with team members and communicate clearly to ensure smooth handoff of specimens to laboratory testing personnel.
• Maintain a high standard of accuracy, attention to detail, and consistency in all aspects of specimen accessioning.

Essential Skills

• High school diploma, with a preference for candidates who have completed some science-related coursework.
• Strong desire to grow and advance within the laboratory environment.
• Intermediate computer skills, including proficiency with typing and 10-key data entry.
• Ability to learn and navigate multiple software systems and apply the correct system for different specimen types.
• Demonstrated ability to prioritize and manage multiple tasks in a fast-paced setting.
• Capacity to perform work with a high degree of accuracy and attention to detail.
• Comfort working in a production-focused environment to meet established turnaround times.
• Willingness to learn laboratory processes and adhere to standard operating procedures.
• Experience multitasking in previous roles, such as laboratory work, banking, serving, retail, or other customer service positions.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Prior experience in a laboratory, specimen handling, or sample preparation environment is beneficial but not required.
• Customer service experience, including roles in banking, retail, or hospitality, is valued for the transferable skills in multitasking, accuracy, and communication.
• Interest in pursuing further education in science or related fields, with opportunities for tuition support toward qualifying degrees.
• Motivation to progress into more advanced laboratory roles, such as Technologist positions, upon completion of a relevant bachelor’s degree.
• Reliability and consistent attendance, especially during the first months of employment, to support consideration for long-term or full-time opportunities.

Work Environment

This role is based in a high-volume medical laboratory environment focused on pre-analytical and post-analytical processes for diagnostic and therapeutic testing. As a Specimen Accessioner, you work in a fast-paced, production-type setting where the team processes approximately 5,000 to 11,000 specimens per day. You will spend much of your time at workstations and walk-in refrigerators and freezers, using multiple computer software systems, handling urine and other biological specimens such as blood, serum, plasma, and body fluids. The position includes on-the-job training to help you master specimen intake, data entry, labeling, and storage procedures, and to understand how your work supports accurate test results for patients and clients. The schedule includes second-shift opportunities, with typical hours in the late afternoon to evening and regular workdays from Tuesday through Saturday. The environment emphasizes accuracy, speed, teamwork, and adherence to laboratory protocols. As you grow with the organization, you may access educational benefits, including tuition support for online science degrees, and accrue vacation and holiday time as a full-time employee.

This is a Contract position based out of Saint Paul, MN.

The pay range for this position is $19.52 - $19.52/hr.

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)

This is a fully onsite position in Saint Paul,MN.

This position is anticipated to close on May 1, 2026.

Diversity, Equity & Inclusion

At Actalent, diversity and inclusion are a bridge towards the equity and success of our people. DE&I is embedded into our culture through:

• Hiring diverse talent
• Maintaining an inclusive environment through persistent self-reflection
• Building a culture of care, engagement, and recognition with clear outcomes
• Ensuring growth opportunities for our people

Actalent is an equal opportunity employer.

About Actalent

Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services. For more than 40 years, we’ve helped visionary companies advance their goals. Headquartered in the United States, our teams span 150 offices across North America, EMEA, and APAC—with four delivery centers in India led by 1,000 extraordinary employees who connect their passion with purpose every day.

Our Bangalore, Hyderabad, Pune, and Chennai delivery centers are hubs of engineering expertise, with core capabilities in mechanical and electrical engineering, systems and software, and manufacturing engineering. Our teams deliver work across multiple industries including transportation, consumer and industrial products, and life sciences. We serve more than 4,500 clients, including many Fortune 500 brands. Learn more about how we can work together at actalentservices.com.

Salary : $20