Specimen Processing Services Specialist I

Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center is an independent, nonprofit organization providing adult cancer treatment and groundbreaking research focused on cancer and infectious diseases. Based in Seattle, Fred Hutch is the only National Cancer Institute-designated cancer center in Washington.

With a track record of global leadership in bone marrow transplantation, HIV/AIDS prevention, immunotherapy and COVID-19 vaccines, Fred Hutch has earned a reputation as one of the world's leading cancer, infectious disease and biomedical research centers. Fred Hutch operates eight clinical care sites that provide medical oncology, infusion, radiation, proton therapy and related services, and network affiliations with hospitals in five states. Together, our fully integrated research and clinical care teams seek to discover new cures to the world's deadliest diseases and make life beyond cancer a reality.

At Fred Hutch we value collaboration, compassion, determination, excellence, innovation, integrity and respect. These values are grounded in and expressed through the principles of diversity, equity and inclusion. Our mission is directly tied to the humanity, dignity and inherent value of each employee, patient, community member and supporter. Our commitment to learning across our differences and similarities make us stronger. We seek employees who bring different and innovative ways of seeing the world and solving problems. Fred Hutch is in pursuit of becoming an anti-racist organization. We are committed to ensuring that all candidates hired share our commitment to diversity, anti-racism and inclusion.

The Specimen Processing Services Specialist I - Pathology accessions specimens, prepares bone marrow aspirate smears, and prepares samples for delivery to offsite laboratories. Additional laboratory procedures and related tasks such as preparing specimens, performing calculations and routine tests; maintaining specimen inventory and databases; mixing chemicals; and operating and performing maintenance on laboratory equipment may be assigned.

The work schedule for this position is 12:00 PM - 8:30 PM, Monday through Friday. Regular attendance and punctuality are essential functions of this job in order to carry out the primary responsibilities.

Receive, accession, and process various specimens according to protocol and in a timely manner
• Correctly identify testing location for specimens
• Perform tasks related to bone marrow aspirate smears, touch preps, and peripheral blood smears, including preparation, staining, and quality check
• Perform slide scanning tasks, including cleaning slides, loading slides on the scanner, importing data into a database, accurately labeling image files.
• Perform laboratory procedures and related tasks such as preparing specimens, mixing chemicals, and operating and performing maintenance on laboratory equipment
• Monitor and maintain equipment such as refrigerators, freezers, centrifuges, and water baths
• Record variances of standard policies and procedures in Safety Net accurately and where required
• Triage phone calls
• Load tissue processors and complete daily laboratory shut down activities
• Consult with technologists, supervisor and/or manager regarding problematic samples
• As assigned, performs other duties/ tasks delegated by lead, supervisor, manager, or director
• May assist with laboratory projects

Required

• High school graduation or the equivalent.
• Computer/keyboard proficiency
• Attention to detail
• Ability to communicate verbally in person, on the phone and in writing in a clear, concise, and professional manner
• Knowledge of basic medical terminology
• Ability to lift 25 lbs.
• Proficient in the use of email, and data entry in a Windows-based environment
• Must be able to differentiate between colors and pass a standardized color vision screen to perform this role

Preferred

• Some College course work emphasizing laboratory science
• Preferred specimen handling and processing experience including accessioning
• Proficiency in laboratory information systems, answering phones/handling phone inquiries from patients and staff

A statement describing your commitment and contributions toward greater diversity, equity, inclusion, and antiracism in your career or that will be made through your work at Fred Hutch is requested of all finalists.

The hourly pay range for this position is from $24.02 to $34.19 and pay offered will be based on experience and qualifications.

Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center offers employees a comprehensive benefits package designed to enhance health, well-being, and financial security. Benefits include medical/vision, dental, flexible spending accounts, life, disability, retirement, family life support, employee assistance program, onsite health clinic, tuition reimbursement, paid vacation (12-22 days per year), paid sick leave (12-25 days per year), paid holidays (13 days per year), paid parental leave (up to 4 weeks), and partially paid sabbatical leave (up to 6 months).