Diagnostic Laboratory Accessioner - Bozeman

State of Montana•Bozeman, MT

1d•Onsite

About The Position

This position provides laboratory support to the Montana Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory (MVDL), a bureau of the Montana Department of Livestock. The MVDL is the only accredited, full-service veterinary diagnostic laboratory in Montana, serving a diverse caseload of domestic and non-domestic species. The laboratory performs approximately 200,000 diagnostic tests annually for regional veterinarians and livestock producers in various disciplines. The role involves overseeing the daily accessioning process, receiving and accessioning clinical specimens, performing data entry and quality control, and answering client inquiries. Additionally, the position handles laboratory shipping and receiving duties, including processing and shipping supplies, unpacking, inventory, acceptance, organization, accessioning, labeling, and distribution of veterinary specimens.

Requirements

Good working knowledge of general laboratory principles, practices, and techniques.
Knowledge of potential hazards in laboratory work, including biological and chemical hazards.
Ability to enter data quickly and accurately.
Strong computer and electronic skills, including experience entering data into selected software systems.
Effective time management and organization skills.
Strong attention to detail and observation skills.
Strong troubleshooting skills.
Ability to use reason and logic to identify and solve problems.
Ability to facilitate collaboration and cooperation with others.
Ability to plan, organize and prioritize work activities without direct supervision.
Strong communication and customer service skills.
Comfort with handling samples that are biological in nature.
High school diploma or its equivalent.
One year of job-related work experience in a clinical, veterinary, research laboratory or other related industry.
On-the-job training and certification for approved shipper compliance is required, e.g., Division 6.2 Materials.

Nice To Haves

Associate degree in chemistry, biology, or biological science.
Additional degrees (BS, BA, MT, VT, HT, HTL).
A valid driver’s license.

Responsibilities

Conducts laboratory accessioning processes, including sorting clinical specimens according to the laboratory section and properly labels specimen tubes and paperwork.
Cleans and disinfects accessioning area, including countertops and gathers and disposes of biohazardous waste.
Processes blood, serum, tissue, or other biological samples using specified, established protocols.
Compiles and enters subject data into a database and ensures data integrity.
Records information about biological specimens, such as labeling, weight, size, submitter information, and physical condition.
Procures and organizes equipment and supplies used in the lab.
Performs quality control processes, such as ensuring specimen integrity was not compromised during transport, matching required data on specimen collection tube to the paperwork submitted, and identifying and troubleshooting discrepancies.
Follows appropriate policies/procedures for sample processing, including handling specimens, including compromised specimens.
Provides support and services for equipment and in lab related activities.
Receives and opens shipments of clinical specimens sent to laboratory for testing.
Unpacks items to be stocked on shelves in stockrooms or storage areas.
Packs, seals, labels, and affixes postage to prepare lab and other materials for shipping.
Counts stock items, and records data manually or on computer.
Arranges pickups, transportation, and delivery of lab materials and equipment.
Scans paperwork into software and releases online orders that have been electronically entered into the Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS).
Verifies all data was scanned properly into the software, corrects any identified errors and releases patient information and test into the LIMS.
Assures all test orders have been processed and researches any missing samples or orders.
Responsible for sample storage and discarding samples in compliance with established laboratory procedures.
Serves as a resource to testing sections by assisting with testing send-outs.
Follows proper packaging and shipping procedures for sending biological samples to external reference laboratories.
Fields questions from providers regarding sample testing status, allowable collection methods, and supply orders.
May write and review policies and procedures for section specific processes.