JOB DETAILS

SPECIMEN PROCESSING TECHNICIAN (1ST SHIFT)

CompanyUnited States Drug Testing Laboratories
LocationDes Plaines
Work ModeOn Site
PostedApril 15, 2026
About The Company
We are a business to business specialty reference laboratory. We work with businesses that are trying to find better ways to help people successfully recover from substance abuse. We have tests available for any phase of life, for anyone exposed to, or suspected of ingesting, substances of abuse. USDTL provides substance abuse toxicology services worldwide for healthcare facilities, child protection agencies, the Department of Defense, legal services, research, businesses, and analytical and forensic laboratories. We are a specialty laboratory inventing assays for alternate specimens, such as hair, fingernail, umbilical cord and meconium. We push the barriers on traditional tests too, offering up to 17-panel urine assays and the ability to test for ambiguous substances like tramadol, zolpidem, bath salts, synthetic cannabinoids and more. Along with our multiple options for adult testing, we have newborn (perinatal) drug testing that can detect substance abuse exposure in the last 20 weeks of pregnancy by testing a small piece of a newborn’s umbilical cord, potentially creating an opportunity for critical intervention when the mother might be most prone to seeking treatment. The ChildGuard hair test can detect up to 3 months of passive exposure to substances abuse, which could help support advocates seeking a safer environment. Adult drug testing ranges from lower levels of substances very recently ingested -urine- to higher levels of substance ingested 3-6 months prior – nail, hair, and dried blood spot. We are an ISO 170125 internationally accredited forensic laboratory. For a complete list of our certifications, please visit our website: http://www.usdtl.com/about/certifications
About the Role

Description

Forensic toxicology testing is an exciting and expanding field. USDTL is a great company for professional experience and growth. We provide a work environment that promotes learning basic laboratory practices in a production-oriented environment with positive reinforcement of teamwork, communication, and professionalism. Joining our team is making a commitment to our mission of protecting and enriching lives.


USDTL is a global leader in forensic toxicology testing of drug and alcohol exposed newborns and mothers as well as other at-risk populations. We service hospitals, child protection agencies, the Department of Defense, legal services, businesses, and more. USDTL prides itself on cutting edge research and testing. We are the laboratory of choice for umbilical cord testing, fingernail/hair testing, and PEth testing. Providing accurate results that lead to early intervention has significant benefits for children, families, and communities. We seek passionate employees who share our dedication to our mission to protect and enrich lives and who challenge themselves each day to help our teams succeed in achieving these goals in a dynamic fast-paced environment.


The Specimen Processing Technician will be required to:

  • Locate, read, and accurately follow: SOP’s and laboratory safety related to designated job function module(s) in either Initial Aliquoting or Confirmation Aliquoting. Compliance with HIPAA and personal health information standards and SOP’s.
  • Maintain the laboratory and/or work area as a clean, organized, safe environment.
  • Identify and troubleshoot problems/errors, perform corrective actions, notify supervisors and document the event.
  • Understand and follow proper protocol, contact appropriate staff, and perform follow-up for resolving problem specimens and/or forms.
  • Following in-house training, must demonstrate complete competency in all aspects of job function module under supervision of Team Lead and/or Supervisor.
  • Perform all associated computer and worksheet documentation and make appropriate corrective actions when necessary.
  • Complete activities to support job module team goals.
  • Complete initial competency and maintain all necessary competencies associated with appropriate Aliquoting module including pipette competencies.
  • Accurately complete Chain of Custody Worksheets.
  • Be Proficient in sample preparation for downstream testing processes. Know and utilize good laboratory practices for all work.
  • Pipette and weigh aliquots accurately for matrix and test requirements; record appropriate information on worksheets.
  • Maintain Sample Integrity: Ensure that aliquots are appropriately labeled and correctly match original specimen containers. Keep lab apparatus and equipment clean to avoid cross-contamination.
  • Store samples and aliquots appropriately for matrix and test requirements.
  • Prepare blind QC, sample spikes, and negative pool samples.
  • Demonstrate proficiency in general laboratory processes such as performing dilutions, use of volumetric flasks, decanting, centrifugation, sonication, etc. as well as cleaning of laboratory equipment, glassware, benches, etc.
  • Not authorized to perform higher complexity analytical test processes and certify test results unless additional qualification and training requirements are met.

Schedule will be Mon-Fri 9am to 5:30pm

Requirements

Minimum requirements:


Two or more years relevant lab experience or Associate, Medical Technology, or Bachelor degree in Science. Alternatively, a Specimen Accessioning Technician II with one year of experience in role meeting proficiency, competency and professionalism standards.


Preferred:


Bachelor’s degree in Biology, Chemistry, Forensic Science, or like field.


USDTL is an equal opportunity and everify employer along with a drug free workplace


All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, national origin, disability, veteran status, age, marital status, pregnancy, genetic information, or other legally protected status.

Key Skills
Specimen processingPipettingLaboratory safetyChain of custodySample preparationData documentationTroubleshootingCentrifugationSonicationDilutionsHIPAA complianceLaboratory maintenanceQuality controlVolumetric analysis
Categories
Science & ResearchHealthcareAdministrative
Job Information
📋Core Responsibilities
The Specimen Processing Technician is responsible for accurately aliquoting specimens, maintaining laboratory safety, and ensuring compliance with SOPs and HIPAA standards. They must also document all activities, troubleshoot errors, and maintain a clean, organized laboratory environment.
📋Job Type
full time
📊Experience Level
0-2
💼Company Size
124
📊Visa Sponsorship
No
💼Language
English
🏢Working Hours
40 hours
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