Lab Automation Tech
Position Type: Full time 7on/7off, 12pm-1030pm
Job Summary
The Lab Automation Technician is responsible for monitoring, operating, and maintaining automated laboratory systems to ensure accurate and efficient specimen processing. This role involves diagnosing and repairing mechanical or software issues related to the Automated Specimen Handling System, assisting with specimen labeling and routing, and supporting overall lab workflow. The Technician ensures timely specimen delivery and collaborates with laboratory personnel to maintain quality and safety standards.
Essential Functions
- Monitors and operates the Automated Specimen Handling System to ensure efficient and accurate specimen preparation and delivery.
- Diagnoses, troubleshoots, and repairs mechanical and software issues with automated laboratory systems.
- Performs routine maintenance (daily, weekly, monthly) on automation equipment and documents service activity.
- Coordinates with outside service vendors for maintenance, troubleshooting, and repairs when necessary.
- Trains laboratory staff on the operation and basic troubleshooting of the automation system.
- Receives, verifies, and labels specimens, ensuring correct test ordering and priority assignment.
- Accurately enters patient demographic and test order data into the Laboratory Information System (LIS).
- Delivers specimens to appropriate laboratory departments, maintaining established turnaround times.
- Operates pneumatic tube system and documents specimen transfers appropriately.
- Recognizes and addresses specimen or system errors, following quality and incident reporting protocols.
- Ensures compliance with laboratory safety, infection control, and regulatory standards.
- Performs other duties as assigned.
- Maintains regular and reliable attendance.
- Complies with all policies and standards.
Qualifications
- Technical School completion of a formal phlebotomy training program or equivalent coursework preferred
- 0-2 years of laboratory, automation, or phlebotomy experience required
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
- Mechanical and technical aptitude to operate and maintain complex laboratory automation systems
- Understanding of software interfaces and ability to identify and troubleshoot system malfunctions
- Proficiency with Laboratory Information Systems (LIS) for data entry and tracking
- Strong attention to detail and organizational skills to ensure accurate specimen handling
- Effective communication and training skills for working with clinical and technical staff
- Knowledge of laboratory safety practices, infection control, and quality improvement protocols
- Ability to manage multiple tasks in a fast-paced, high-throughput environment
Skills Required
- 0-2 years of laboratory, automation, or phlebotomy experience
- Technical school completion of a formal phlebotomy training program or equivalent coursework
- Mechanical and technical aptitude to operate and maintain complex laboratory automation systems
- Understanding of software interfaces and ability to identify and troubleshoot system malfunctions
- Proficiency with Laboratory Information Systems (LIS) for data entry and tracking
- Ability to receive, verify, label, and route specimens accurately and maintain turnaround times
- Ability to operate pneumatic tube system and document specimen transfers appropriately
- Knowledge of laboratory safety practices, infection control, and quality improvement protocols
- Effective communication and training skills for working with clinical and technical staff
- Ability to manage multiple tasks in a fast-paced, high-throughput environment
What We Do
Community Health Systems, Inc. is one of the nation’s leading operators of general acute care hospitals. The organization’s affiliates own, operate or lease more than 80 hospitals in 16 states with approximately 15,000 licensed beds. Affiliated hospitals are dedicated to providing quality healthcare for local residents and contribute to the economic development of their communities. Based on the unique needs of each community served, these hospitals offer a wide range of diagnostic, medical and surgical services in inpatient and outpatient settings.
