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. 

Why 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.