Laboratory Support Technician

Join a Team Advancing Life-Changing Medicine

UPMC Magee-Womens Hospital is seeking a full-time Laboratory Support Technician to join our cutting-edge UPMC Cytogenetic Laboratory (UCL). This entry-level role offers the opportunity to work in a state-of-the-art environment dedicated to delivering answers that truly make a difference for patients and families. The position follows a Tuesday–Saturday schedule, 8:30 a.m.–5:00 p.m.

At the UCL, you'll support a laboratory recognized for its advanced diagnostic capabilities, utilizing both traditional cytogenetic methods and molecular techniques—including fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) and genome-wide array comparative genomic hybridization (aCGH). You'll be part of a team that performs chromosome studies on diverse specimen types, contributing directly to meaningful, life-impacting discoveries.

Responsibilities:

• Answers phone inquiries.
• Investigates specimen status and report disposition. Directs callers to additional resources as needed.
• Receives, sorts, prepares and delivers testing-ready specimens for analysis to work areas.
• Demonstrates service orientation approach by conveying courtesy, respect, enthusiasm and a positive attitude in work situations.
• Performs routine and basic instrument maintenance according to established protocols. Records temperatures if required.
• Assists with restocking supplies to maintain an optimal inventory. Maintains clean and orderly storage spaces for room temperature, refrigerated, and frozen supplies.
• Prepares and replenishes instrument reagents and consumables as needed.
• Performs QA / QC procedures as assigned.
• Assists with specimen/slide storage and retrieval.
• Checks pending work lists. Investigates and resolves any unprocessed work.
• Decontaminates work area, keeping a neat and clean working environment.
• Keeps any glassware clean and dry, including tests for residue removal as needed.
• Tests and cleans emergency eyewashes and showers as assigned.
• Sorts laboratory waste as needed and ensures that proper disposal occurs.
• Transports specimens off-site and delivers supplies where required.
• Prepares specimens at workstations for testing. Includes building worklists, checking specimens for acceptability (clots, QNS), aliquoting specimens, loading/unloading specimens onto instruments.

• Prepares microscopic slides and plants specimens in microbiologic growth media where required.

• High School diploma or equivalent, and at least 2 years' experience as a Specimen Processor (or equivalent) required in a clinical lab, OR

• Associate degree (with biology and chemistry courses) and at least 1 year of experience as a Specimen Processor (or equivalent) in a clinical lab, OR
• Phlebotomy or Medical Assistant certification and 1 year of experience as a Specimen Processor (or equivalent) in a clinical lab, OR
• Successful completion of a 50 week U.S. military medical laboratory training course, OR
• B.S. degree from an accredited institution with a major in a biological or clinical laboratory science OR
• Currently enrolled in a MLS (Medical Laboratory Scientist) or equivalent training program, with 3 yrs college credits required.
• Bachelor's degree preferred.

Licensure, Certifications, and Clearances:
- Medical Laboratory Assistant MLA (ASCP) or equivalent certification preferred.
- Valid driver's license if one is departmentally required.
- Act 34

UPMC is an Equal Opportunity Employer/Disability/Veteran