Receiving And Accessioning Technician

Job Description

Job DescriptionJob Title: Receiving and Sample Technician
Job Description

The Receiving and Sample Technician plays a key role in ensuring accurate, timely, and compliant handling of all incoming specimens and samples. This position focuses on specimen receipt, data entry, quality control, sample preparation, and customer support throughout the laboratory testing process. You will work closely with laboratory staff and program teams to maintain chain of custody, uphold regulatory standards, and deliver a high level of service to internal and external customers.

Responsibilities

• Receive and log incoming specimens and samples accurately and promptly.
• Verify specimen information against intake documents and manifests to ensure completeness and accuracy.
• Confirm that all specimens are correctly labeled and meet submission criteria before processing.
• Enter specimen and quality control data both manually and electronically into laboratory systems.
• Identify and resolve sample and documentation discrepancies by collaborating with team members and collecting necessary information.
• Prepare specimens for laboratory testing according to standard operating procedures.
• Accurately enter specimen information into laboratory documentation management solutions, including LIMS and scanning tools.
• Assign unique accession numbers to each specimen and ensure proper labeling for testing and shipment.
• Route specimens to the appropriate workflows and laboratory areas for downstream testing.
• Maintain up-to-date logs that accurately represent all samples currently in process for testing.
• Inspect specimens for proper collection, labeling, and packaging in accordance with laboratory requirements.
• Identify, document, and escalate any discrepancies or issues related to specimens.
• Communicate with program management or client services to resolve specimen-related issues promptly.
• Perform quality checks on all deliverables to customers and partner with colleagues to ensure a second QC check when required.
• Centrifuge, aliquot, and prepare samples as required for testing.
• Ensure appropriate storage conditions for different specimen types, including plant, blood, and tumor samples, to maintain integrity.
• Maintain chain of custody for all specimens throughout the lifecycle of receipt, processing, and shipment.
• Prepare and/or quality check shipments going to external sites, ensuring proper documentation and packaging.
• Maintain accurate and complete records of specimen receipt, processing, and disposition.
• Adhere to all laboratory safety, quality control protocols, and regulatory requirements.
• Comply with standard operating procedures (SOPs) and contribute to a culture of quality and compliance.
• Liaise with laboratory staff to provide updates on specimen status and resolve issues.
• Provide assistance and support to laboratory personnel as needed to ensure smooth workflow.
• Serve as a primary customer contact for laboratory tests and clinical trial testing activities.
• Ensure customer needs are met from sample delivery through final reporting and completion of testing deliverables.
• Support customer satisfaction by maintaining clear communication and timely follow-up throughout laboratory processing.
• Ensure that policies and procedures in the area of responsibility reflect current practice and are consistently followed.
• Monitor and manage inventory of supplies related to specimen receiving and processing.
• Order and restock supplies as necessary to support uninterrupted laboratory operations.
• Participate in training and continuing education to stay current with laboratory practices, regulations, and systems.
• Train other personnel in specimen receipt, data entry, quality control, and related processes as required.
• Contribute to process improvement initiatives within the laboratory by sharing ideas and supporting implementation.
• Demonstrate a positive, flexible approach to working in a fast-paced and evolving environment.

Essential Skills

• High school diploma required; an Associate’s (AA or AS) degree is strongly preferred.
• At least 1 year of experience in a role equivalent to a Receiving and Sample Technician or a closely related field, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Minimum of 2 years of customer service experience.
• Demonstrated proficiency in computer skills, including Microsoft Word and Excel.
• Experience with sample registration, sample preparation, and sample management.
• Ability to accurately enter data into laboratory information management systems (LIMS) and related documentation tools.
• Strong understanding of regulatory compliance requirements, including HIPAA.
• Familiarity with medical terminology relevant to specimen and laboratory work.
• Knowledge and experience working with potentially biohazardous specimens.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills for interaction with internal teams and external customers.
• Strong attention to detail and ability to maintain accurate records and logs.
• Ability to follow standard operating procedures and laboratory safety protocols.
• Proven ability to identify and resolve discrepancies in specimens and documentation.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Associate’s (AA or AS) degree in a scientific or related discipline is strongly preferred.
• Experience handling plant, blood, and tumor samples or other biological specimens.
• Prior experience in a clinical, research, or diagnostic laboratory environment.
• Experience with chain-of-custody processes and documentation.
• Comfort working with laboratory documentation management solutions and scanning tools.
• Demonstrated ability to train and mentor other team members.
• Positive, can-do attitude with the ability to adapt to changing priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Strong organizational skills and the ability to manage multiple tasks simultaneously.
• Interest in participating in continuous improvement and process optimization initiatives.

Work Environment

This role operates in a laboratory and sample receiving environment that handles a variety of specimens, including plant, blood, and tumor samples, some of which may be potentially biohazardous. You will work with laboratory information management systems (LIMS), documentation management solutions, and standard office applications such as Microsoft Word and Excel. The position involves frequent interaction with laboratory staff, program teams, and client services, as well as direct communication with customers regarding laboratory tests and clinical trial testing. The team currently consists of a small group that includes full-time and contract staff, fostering a collaborative and supportive setting. The work is fast-paced and evolving, requiring flexibility, attention to detail, and adherence to safety protocols, standard operating procedures, and regulatory requirements. Hours and shifts may align with standard laboratory operating times, with a focus on maintaining continuous support for specimen receipt, processing, and shipment. Dress expectations typically align with a professional laboratory environment, including appropriate protective equipment and attire as required by safety and compliance standards.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract position based out of West Sacramento, CA.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $21.00 - $21.00/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)

Workplace Type

This is a fully onsite position in West Sacramento,CA.

Application Deadline

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

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 actalentaccommodation@actalentservices.com 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.