Laboratory Assistant
Durham, North Carolina
Duke University Clinical Laboratory

Job Opportunity: Laboratory Assistant (Travel/Contract)

Location: Durham, North Carolina
Specialty: Laboratory
Employment Type: Travel/Contract
Contract Length: 12 weeks

Schedule

• Monday to Friday, 3:00 PM – 11:30 PM
• No weekend requirement

Experience & Qualifications

• Minimum 1 year of experience in Laboratory specialty
• First-time travelers not accepted (prior travel experience required)
• Local candidates within 75 miles considered

Required Certifications

• BLS (Basic Life Support) - AHA only
• Flu vaccination required (no exemptions or declinations accepted)

Required Licenses & Verifications

• License requirement specific to Laboratory Assistant role (if applicable)
• Background checks including:

  • SSN Trace, County, Alias, Nationwide, Sex Offender, International (if applicable)
  • EPLS/GSA/SAM, HHS/OIG
  • Education verification as applicable
• Drug testing: Negative 10-panel within 30 days of start (no instant tests)
• Physical exam within 12 months of start
• Immunizations and health documents:

  • Negative TB test or chest X-ray within 12 months
  • Tetanus/Diphtheria/Tdap every 10 years
  • Measles, Mumps, Rubella vaccinations or positive titers (no exemptions)
  • Hepatitis B titer, vaccine series, or declination
  • Varicella vaccination or positive titer (boosters required if low/equivocal)
  • Seasonal flu vaccine for 2025-26 season (mandatory for new candidates starting Oct-Mar)
  • Polio vaccine or attestation

Orientation & Training

• Bi-weekly orientation sessions
• Unit-specific competency exam required
• Pass/fail testing on basic tech knowledge during orientation (minimum 80% to pass)
• Crisis Prevention Institute (CPI) training provided during orientation (valid for 2 years)

Additional Requirements

• Must set up a Duke Guest Account prior to clearance for access to orientation and work systems
• Two professional references required from employment within the last 12 months (one must be a supervisor)
• Employment application and skills checklist must be completed and updated annually
• Completion of facility-specific online modules prior to orientation
• Compliance with facility-specific competency checklists (CBOs) within 3 weeks of start date
• Color blind testing required for phlebotomists (not disqualifying if not passed)

Important Notes

• Candidates must complete all required documentation and clearances prior to start
• No exemptions or declinations accepted for required vaccinations
• Candidates with less than a 30-day gap between previous assignments may have some document requirements waived or accepted on file

This position is ideal for experienced Laboratory Assistants with prior travel contract experience who can commit to a 12-week assignment with a consistent evening schedule.