About the Job

The Specimen Return Lead is responsible for the day to day operation of FMI’s Specimen Return
process. The role ensures timely and accurate movement of specimens exiting the laboratory and
leverages a more advanced understanding of the laboratory and specimens to act independently, ensure
optimal process, identify and problem solve issues, and handle related projects of increasing complexity
as needed. This role helps to drive production within the Specimen Return department and assists in
maintaining the daily operations within the production laboratory, ensuring schedules are maintained and
deadlines are met.

This is a regulated position and additional information may be available from FMI Quality Assurance
regarding regulatory guidelines.

Regular onsite work at a designated FMI location is an essential function of this role

Key Responsibilities
• Support in collecting and maintaining the Specimen Return daily, weekly and monthly metrics.
• Perform weekly communication huddles with the Specimen Return Team by providing updates
and feedback when necessary.
• Follow-up with Client Services or Clinical Operations regarding the resolution of complaints and
providing feedback to the Specimen Return team.
• Oversee the management of standard operating procedures (SOPs), both new SOPs plus
updates and upgrades to existing standard operating procedures.
• Interview and participate in hiring of Specimen Return Specialists.
• Guide and mentor Specimen Return Specialists in laboratory operations and procedures,
providing best practice information to the team.
• Identify and inform supervisor of any issues that need to be escalated.
• Assist with schedule changes if requested by a supervisor, including occasional weekend or offhours work availability.
• Create and assign the weekly task schedule for the department.
• Represent the Specimen Return department in meetings and project groups.
• Collaborate with other departments and colleagues for problem solving.
• Generate FedEx shipping labels utilizing daily pull-sheet or utilize queues within internal systems.
• Quality check address information provided daily to generate shipping labels. For Biopharma
Specimen Return, quality check the physical specimen information provided to generate shipping
labels.
• Process address information provided daily to generate shipping labels.
• Pull blocks and slides (if applicable) for associated reports.
• Sort and file routed FFPE blocks from the Histology area into block storage in chronological order.
• Assemble packages containing the supplied report, block, and shipping label for shipment. Affix
proper postage to each package in preparation for shipping.
• Update sample tracking system as required.
• Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Basic Qualifications
• High School Diploma or General Education Degree
• 4+ years of data entry or data review experience
• 4+ years of block procurement or shipping and receiving experience

Preferred Qualifications
• Bachelor’s Degree or other advanced education
• 5+ years of experience working in a Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments (CLIA)
laboratory, clinical lab environment or other clinical diagnostics setting
• Experience with accessioning and/or anatomic pathology, shipping and receiving and working in a
regulated environment (such as CLIA, Food and Drug Administration (FDA), or College of
American Pathologists (CAP))
• Demonstrated attention to detail
• Ability to handle multiple tasks at once and work in a fast-paced environment
• Ability to work in laboratory environment in the presence of chemicals and reagents
• Strong organizational and documentation skills
• Advanced computer skills and experience with Microsoft Word, Excel, and Outlook
• Effective verbal and written communication skills, ability to interact constructively with
peers/teams, and ability to seek outside resources as needed
• Understanding of HIPAA and importance of privacy of patient data
• Commitment to reflect FMI's values: passion, patients, innovation, and collaboration.