Laboratory Assistant I

Your Opportunity:

The successful candidate will be responsible for performing a wide range of laboratory support functions at the University of Alberta Hospital, ensuring the efficient and accurate processing of patient specimens throughout the pre-analytical phase of testing. Key responsibilities include receiving, accessioning, troubleshooting, and distributing patient specimens to the appropriate testing areas, referral benches, or external reference laboratories. The role also includes performing urinalysis procedures as required under the direction of MLA II and MLT II staff. Primary duties involve the accurate receipt and registration of specimens in the Laboratory Information System (LIS), verification of patient and specimen information, and assessment of specimen acceptability based on established laboratory criteria, including specimen stability, integrity, labeling, and collection requirements. The incumbent is responsible for resolving specimen-related issues, communicating with clinical areas when clarification or corrective action is required, and ensuring timely delivery of specimens to designated testing departments or storage locations.

Description:

As a Medical Laboratory Assistant I, you will provide high quality service to clients of the clinical laboratory in an effective, efficient and safe manner. You will be responsible for a variety of laboratory functions including procurement, handling, processing, dispatching and testing of specimens, performing procedures and reporting results.

• Classification:
Laboratory Assistant I
• Union:
HSAA FAC PROF/TECH
• Unit and Program:
Specimen Receiving, Urinalysis and ESO
• Primary Location:
U of A Hospital
• Location Details:
As Per Location
• Multi-Site:
Not Applicable
• FTE:
1.00
• Posting End Date:
12-NOV-2026
• Employee Class:
Regular Full Time
• Date Available:
30-NOV-2026
• Hours per Shift:
7.75
• Length of Shift in weeks:
2
• Shifts per cycle:
10
• Shift Pattern:
Days, Evenings, Nights, Weekends
• Days Off:
As Per Rotation
• Minimum Salary:
$25.91
• Maximum Salary:
$32.30
• Vehicle Requirement:
Not Applicable

Completion of an accredited Medical Laboratory Assistant program or equivalent.

Additional responsibilities include preparing and maintaining packing lists and shipment documentation, accessioning requisitions for referred-in specimens, receiving and processing referral samples from external sites, and coordinating the send-out of specimens to reference laboratories. The successful candidate will also support workflow by distributing specimens within the laboratory, monitoring sample tracking processes, maintaining accurate records, and adhering to all laboratory quality, safety, and regulatory standards. Strong organizational, communication, and problem-solving skills are essential to effectively prioritize workload and ensure high-quality patient care through accurate specimen management.

Experience in Urinalysis and/or relevant courses in Urinalysis is an asset. Knowledge of medical terminology is an asset. Previous experience working in the Urinalysis/Specimen Control Department in the past 5 years. Recent experience with using Epic Beaker-CP.