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Sample Processing Associate - 2nd Shift

Abbott · WI · $14.85–$29.65 an hour · Full time

Posted Oct 1, 2026 · We last checked this listing on Oct 6, 2026

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Likely interview questions for this role

Written from this job description, not a generic list. Each one notes what the interviewer is really checking.

About your past

This is a Tuesday through Friday shift running until 11:30 at night. How have you handled late shifts before?

What they are checking: Whether they can stay reliable and alert on a second shift, which the lab depends on to clear the day's volume.

Tell me about a job where you had to keep a fast pace and still follow every step.

What they are checking: Whether they can meet productivity goals without cutting corners on procedure.

How do you feel about repetitive work, and how do you stay sharp doing it for a full shift?

What they are checking: Whether they are honest about the nature of the job and have ways to avoid the mistakes that come with routine.

Tell me about a time you made a mistake at work. How did you handle it?

What they are checking: Whether they report their own errors right away, which matters more in a lab than never making one.

What would you do

You find a sample with a damaged label or a leaking container. What do you do?

What they are checking: Whether they stop and follow the exception process instead of guessing or setting it aside.

Your supervisor asks you to move to a different station mid-shift because another area is backed up. How do you respond?

What they are checking: Whether they are flexible and team minded when the department's workload shifts.

About the work

Accessioning, racking and processing all depend on getting each sample matched to the right record. How do you make sure you never mix up two samples?

What they are checking: Whether they have concrete habits for positive identification, since a swapped sample means a wrong cancer screening result.

What experience do you have working with automation or lab equipment, and what do you do when a machine jams?

What they are checking: Whether they can keep the line moving safely and know when to call for help rather than force a fix.

Lab cleaning and maintenance are part of this job. Why do you think those tasks matter in a testing lab?

What they are checking: Whether they understand that contamination and dirty equipment can affect results, not just appearances.

How do you make sure the data you enter is accurate when you are entering a lot of it?

What they are checking: Whether they check their own work, since the posting stresses accurate data reporting.

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The full job description

As published by Abbott.

Abbott is a global healthcare leader that helps people live more fully at all stages of life. Our portfolio of life-changing technologies spans the spectrum of healthcare, with leading businesses and products in diagnostics, medical devices, nutritionals and branded generic medicines. Our 122,000 colleagues serve people in more than 160 countries. JOB DESCRIPTION: Position Overview The Clinical Lab Associate I, Specimen Processing is responsible for performing the day-to-day operations of the Specimen Processing Department including, but not limited to, lab productivity and process line support, such as: accessioning, processing, automation usage, sample racking, lab maintenance, and lab cleaning, as well as other lab support tasks. The Clinical Lab Associate I, Specimen Processing follows all Laboratory policies and procedures and maintains accurate data reporting practices to ensure consistent and diligent execution of Specimen Processing. This role supports the mission and vision of Abbott Cancer Diagnostics and shares the responsibility of ensuring the Specimen Processing department operates effectively. The function of this position is performed under the guided direction of the Specimen Processing Supervisor or designee. Shift: Tues - Fri, 2p-1130p Essential Duties include but are not limited to the following: • Perform primary responsibilities listed below completely, timely and accurately: • Support and comply with the company’s Quality Management System policies and procedures. • Maintain documentation of problems and problem resolutions following Good Documentation Practices (GDP). • Support department goals that align with organizational priorities. • Work with leadership to identify and progress on individual development goals that align with organizational priorities. • Support operational initiatives including, but not limited to, quality and process improvements, SOP development, department inspections and audits. • Complete all mandatory training assignments and annual competencies within established timelines. • Handle and dispose of all specimens following standard precautions and applicable safety policies. • Understand and comply with all lab and safety regulations. • Support employee engagement initiatives and activities to maintain and improve team morale. • Meet performance and behavior expectations listed below: • Exemplify the core values of Integrity, Teamwork, Accountability, Quality, and Innovation at all times. • Self-motivation with a results-driven approach. • Maintain a high level of professionalism in written and verbal communications. • Act with an inclusion mindset and model these behaviors for the organization. • Maintain regular and reliable attendance. • Demonstrate the necessary skills and abilities: • Ability to work in a fast-paced team environment, adapt to changing workload and circumstances effectively and respond to new information quickly. • Strong critical thinking skills with the ability to make decisions in a fast-paced environment. • Ability to communicate effectively with all levels of the organization through both verbal and written communication. • High level of listening skills and attention to detail with strong organizational and prioritization skills. • Ability to flex hours and work nights and/or weekends as needed to support the success of Abbott Cancer Diagnostics Labs. • Ability to work overtime, as needed. • Ability to lift and move up to 40 pounds for approximately 25% of a typical working day. • Ability to work seated for approximately 50% of a typical working day. • Ability to work standing for approximately 50% of a typical working day. • Ability to work on a mobile device, tablet, or in front of a computer screen and/or perform typing for approximately 75% of a typical working day. • Ability to grasp with both hands; pinch with thumb and forefinger; turn with hand/arm; reach above shoulder height. • Ability to comply with any applicable personal protective equipment requirements. • Ability to perform repetitive motions. • Understand potential exposure to hazardous materials, tissue specimens and instruments with moving parts, heating and freezing elements. • Tolerate the handling of bodily fluids and solids (e.g., blood, urine and feces). • Ability and means to travel to and work at all other sites within the same city, as needed. Minimum Qualifications • High School Degree/General Education Diploma. • Must be 18 years of age or older. • Experience using computers to include Internet navigation, email, Microsoft Office Suite. • Demonstrated ability to perform the Essential Duties of the position with or without accommodation. • Legal authorization to work in the country of employment without current or future sponsorship. Preferred Qualifications • Associate degree or Bachelor’s degree in Life Sciences, Physical Sciences, or field related to the essential duties of the job. • Experience in a laboratory or similar environment with maintaining sample integrity, following procedures and protocols, and sample collecting/handling. • Knowledge and understanding of CAP, GLP, GDP, CLIA, New York State Department of Health (NYSDOH), and HIPAA. • Experience in troubleshooting automation and performing instrument maintenance. • Lean experience (Kaizen, Kanban, root cause analysis, countermeasure implementation, etc.). The base pay for this position is $14.85 – $29.65/hour In specific locations, the pay range may vary from the range posted. JOB FAMILY: Operations Quality DIVISION: ONCO Cancer Diagnostics LOCATION: United States > Madison : 650 Forward Dr ADDITIONAL LOCATIONS: WORK SHIFT: Standard TRAVEL: Not specified MEDICAL SURVEILLANCE: No SIGNIFICANT WORK ACTIVITIES: Continuous standing for prolonged periods (more than 2 consecutive hours in an 8 hour day) Abbott is an Equal Opportunity Employer of Minorities/Women/Individuals with Disabilities/Protected Veterans. EEO is the Law link - English: http://webstorage.abbott.com/common/External/EEO_English.pdf EEO is the Law link - Espanol: http://webstorage.abbott.com/common/External/EEO_Spanish.pdf

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