Specimen Management Technician - Referral Lab

In a healthcare system where many clinical decisions are driven by laboratory data, this role is a critical force behind timely, accurate diagnosis. As a Specimen Management Technician within the Referral Lab, you are the essential link connecting patients, providers, and advanced diagnostic testing happening across the country.

This is a high-impact, operationally vital position supporting specialized testing including genetics, oncology, and complex diagnostics that extend beyond in-house laboratory capabilities. If you are detail-driven, thrive in structured environments, and want your work to directly support life-changing clinical decisions, this role offers both purpose and stability in a collaborative setting.

** The Role*
* As a Specimen Management Technician, you will operate at the center of a fast-paced referral laboratory, ensuring that critical specimens move seamlessly from collection to result reporting. You will balance precision, urgency, and communication while managing a high volume of send-out testing across multiple reference laboratories.

On a typical day, you will:

+ Review incoming emails, voicemails, and specimen queues to prioritize time-sensitive work

+ Prepare and package a wide variety of specimens including blood, tissue, plasma, slides, and bone marrow

+ Ensure compliance with complex, lab-specific shipping requirements including temperature control and dry ice handling

+ Track outgoing specimens and confirm receipt and result turnaround

+ Process incoming results through automated EMR integration or manual Epic entry when necessary

+ Communicate directly with providers to resolve missing information, clarify test requirements, and support ordering workflows

+ Maintain detailed logs, binders, and tracking systems to ensure full specimen accountability

+ Close out the day with follow-ups, issue resolution, and clear handoffs to maintain continuity

** Why UVA Health*
* UVA Health is an  
** integrated academic health system
** recognized for advancing patient care through innovation, research, and clinical excellence.

As part of the laboratory and pathology team, you are directly contributing to a system where cutting-edge diagnostics and collaboration with physicians and researchers are part of everyday work.

This role offers the opportunity to be part of a mission-driven organization while gaining exposure to specialized and advanced testing workflows.

+  
** Academic Medical Center Excellence*
* + Work within a nationally recognized health system that includes a Level I trauma center and an NCI-designated Comprehensive Cancer Center

+ Contribute to diagnostic processes that support leading-edge care in oncology, genomics, and specialized medicine

+  
** Meaningful Impact on Patient Care*
* + Laboratory testing informs many clinical decisions, making your work foundational to treatment and diagnosis

+ Serve as a key operational link ensuring accurate, timely results that providers depend on

+  
** Specialized Laboratory Exposure*
* + Engage with complex send-out testing across a wide network of reference laboratories

+ Build expertise in specimen handling, logistics, and advanced diagnostic workflows

+  
** Supportive, Team-Oriented Environment*
* + Small, close-knit team with direct access to leadership

+ Collaborative culture that values communication, reliability, and continuous learning

+  
** Professional Growth and Stability*
* + Structured training and onboarding with clear performance milestones

+ Opportunities to contribute to process improvement and workflow optimization

+  
** Work-Life Balance*
* + Day shift schedule

+ No weekends

+ No holiday shifts

** Relocation*
* ** assistance*
* ** may be available for qualified candidates.*
* ** W*
* ** hy People Love Living in Charlottesville*
* Charlottesville offers an exceptional quality of life, combining the energy of a vibrant university town with the natural beauty of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Residents enjoy access to hiking, wineries, and outdoor recreation alongside a thriving food and arts scene, including a nationally recognized downtown pedestrian mall. With a strong sense of community, highly rated schools, and a balance of urban and rural living options, the area provides an ideal setting for healthcare professionals seeking both career fulfillment and personal well-being.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS

Education:

High School Graduate or Equivalent

Experience:

No experience required

Licensure:
None required

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

Job requires sitting, standing for prolonged periods, frequently traveling, and reaching (overhead, extensive, repetitive);
Repetitive motion: computer data entry. Proficient communicative, auditory and visual skills;
Attention to detail and ability to write legibly;
Ability to lift/push/pull 20 - 50lbs. May be exposed to fumes, chemicals, heat, cold, noise, blood/body fluids and infectious disease.

The pay range for this role is $18.37 - $28.47 hourly. Individual compensation will be determined by the selected candidate's qualifications, previous work…