LAB TECHNICAL SPECIALIST
Company : Covenant Health
Location : Knoxville, TN, 37916
Job Type : Full Time
Date Posted : 10 January 2026
Overview
Laboratory Technical Specialist
Full Time, 80 Hours Per Pay Period, Day Shift
Will cover multiple TOG locations, travel required
Thompson Oncology Group Overview:
As a member of Covenant Health and Thompson Cancer Survival Center, Thompson Oncology Group is part of the region’s largest cancer-fighting network, with more imaging centers, more board-certified physicians and surgeons, and more cancer and radiation centers closer to where you call home. All Thompson Oncology Group practices are committed to excellence and ongoing quality improvement.
Thompson Oncology Group (TOG) is a leader in medical oncology services and provides patients access to all proven, drug-based treatments and the latest clinical trial medicines. Our team of board-certified, fellowship-trained medical oncologists and certified advanced practice providers deliver on-site care and treatment, including chemotherapy, immunotherapy, targeted therapy, and hormone therapy, at affiliated infusion centers throughout our region.
Position Summary:
Responsible for technical and scientific oversight of his/her specialty or section within the laboratory. Provides guidance in problem-solving and troubleshooting in organization, implementation, and technical performance of diagnostic procedures within the section. Must also meet job requirements of either the Medical Technologist or Laboratory Technologist.
Recruiter: Jennifer Gordon || apply@covhlth.com
Responsibilities
- Selects test methodology appropriate for the clinical use of test results. These decisions are made in conjunction with the Laboratory Manager and Medical Director.
- Schedules and coordinates work activities of employees working in respective area.
- Prepares documentation for discipline or commendation for review by Lab Manager.
- Verifies test procedures performed and establishes the test performance characteristics, including the precision and accuracy of each test and system.
- Enrolls and participates in an approved proficiency testing program commensurate with the services offered. Maintains proficiency testing records and ensures that proficiency testing samples are tested in the same manner as patient specimens.
- In conjunction with Laboratory Manager and Medical Director, establishes a quality control program appropriate for the tests performed and establishes the parameters for acceptable levels of analytic performance. Ensures that these levels are maintained throughout the entire testing process.
- Implements and adheres to the Laboratory quality control policies, documents all quality control activities, instrument and procedural calibrations and maintenance performance. Reviews and evaluates data on a routine basis. Prepares monthly QC report for pathologist review. Performs correlation and comparison studies.
- Ensures that patient results are not reported until all corrective actions have been taken and the test system is functioning properly.
- Identifies training needs and assures that each individual performing tests receives appropriate, regular in-service training.
- Resolves technical problems and ensures that remedial actions are taken whenever test systems deviate from the laboratory’s established performance specifications, and documents all actions. Operates, maintains and troubleshoots department equipment.
- Evaluates the competency of all testing personnel and assures that competency is maintained, including direct observation, monitoring of test results, review of intermediate records, assessment of test performance and problem-solving skills, etc.
- Oversees and assists with the training of all employees and students in respective departments.
- Performs all responsibilities of testing personnel in his/her section as required.
- Composes new procedures and, performs annual review/revision of sections technical procedural manuals. Has Laboratory Medical Director approve changes.
- Provides clinical consultation and/or evaluation pertaining to interpretation and clinical evaluation of laboratory tests and procedures.
- Ensures an adequate inventory of supplies and reagents necessary for timely performance of all required testing.
- Performs review and interpretation for tests sent to reference laboratories.
- Prepares and submits new test formats, and changes to existing tests to the LIS specialist.
- Performs other related duties as assigned or requested by Laboratory Manager or Pathologists, i.e. relieves and assists with daily operational duties of department.
- Follows policies, procedures, and safety standards. Completes required education assignments annually. Works toward achieving goals and objectives, and participates in quality improvement initiatives as requested.
Qualifications
Minimum Education:
None specified; however, must be sufficient to meet the standards for achievement of the below indicated license and/or certification as required by the issuing authority.
Minimum Experience:
None
Licensure Requirement:
Must be licensed as a Medical Technologist by the State of Tennessee.
Physical Requirements:
Must successfully pass color blindness test
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Frequently asked questions
In Knoxville, credentials like the Medical Laboratory Scientist (MLS) license recognized by Tennessee and specialized certifications in oncology lab procedures boost employability. These validate expertise in lab diagnostics and quality control, aligning with regional healthcare standards and improving career prospects in facilities like Covenant Health.
Knoxville’s growing healthcare sector, including Covenant Health’s expansions, leads to steady hiring for lab technical specialists. The demand for skilled professionals in clinical and oncology labs remains high due to increased cancer treatment services, providing favorable job opportunities in this region.
Lab Technical Specialists focus on overseeing technical accuracy, troubleshooting complex diagnostic procedures, and developing quality control programs. Unlike general lab technicians, they often guide teams, implement advanced testing protocols, and ensure compliance with medical standards, especially in specialized oncology settings.
Proficiency in clinical test validation, quality assurance, and equipment calibration stands out. Mastery of problem-solving in lab processes and strong communication for training personnel are crucial. These skills enable specialists to maintain high diagnostic accuracy and adapt to evolving laboratory technologies.
Daily activities include verifying test accuracy, maintaining quality control logs, troubleshooting instrumentation, and coordinating team workflows. Specialists also review test results critically, oversee proficiency testing, and update procedural manuals to support precise cancer treatment diagnostics.
Covenant Health promotes continuous education through regular in-service training, quality improvement initiatives, and collaboration with board-certified oncologists. This environment encourages specialists to refine technical expertise while contributing to cutting-edge cancer diagnostics and patient care advancements.
At Covenant Health, specialists engage with comprehensive oncology diagnostics, including chemotherapy and immunotherapy testing protocols. The role demands travel across multiple infusion centers, offering diverse exposure and involvement in a leading cancer-fighting network unique to this Tennessee region.
Lab Technical Specialists in Knoxville typically earn between $55,000 and $70,000 annually, reflecting local market rates for clinical laboratory experts. Factors influencing pay include certification status, experience in oncology labs, and the employing organization’s scale, such as Covenant Health’s network.
One challenge is adapting to frequent procedural updates due to advancements in oncology testing. Additionally, specialists must manage inter-site coordination across multiple locations, balancing travel demands with maintaining consistent quality standards in a competitive regional healthcare market.