Diagnostic Technician - Analytical Chemistry

Texas A&M Veterinary Medical Diagnostic Laboratory•College Station, TX

1d•Onsite

About The Position

This position serves as a Diagnostic Technician in the Analytical Chemistry Section, a fast-paced, high-volume laboratory that conducts over 200 diagnostic tests and panels daily on animal samples submitted by veterinarians and animal owners. The technician prepares and analyzes veterinary diagnostic specimens—including whole blood, serum, plasma, urine, feces, fluids, and tissues—and environmental samples such as soil and water. The role includes operating laboratory instruments, performing assays, and reporting results. It involves routine, repetitive tasks of moderate complexity and troubleshooting routine procedures with considerable supervision. The position is onsite during normal business hours, Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., with possible flex schedules of 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. or 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. No travel is normally required, but staff may be asked to travel in urgent scenarios. The section is closed for weekend testing, though staff may occasionally be asked to verify instrument status, typically one Sunday every 12 weeks for less than two hours. Staff may be required to work on certain open holidays; overtime or compensatory time may be earned. The position is enrolled in a salary step program that guarantees two pay increases in the first 18 months for satisfactory performance. The employee must take a pre-exposure rabies vaccination series, with costs covered by TVMDL. Parking permits are available at the employee’s expense.

Requirements

High school graduation or an equivalent combination of training and experience.
Knowledge of laboratory equipment, scientific apparatus, and computer equipment.
Attention to detail.
Ability to multitask and work cooperatively with others.
Excellent verbal and written communication skills.

Nice To Haves

Associate’s or bachelor’s degree in a related field, or an equivalent combination of training and experience.
Clinical laboratory, diagnostic laboratory, or veterinary experience; professional laboratory or technician experience is preferred.
Experience working in fast-paced, high-volume environments.
Experience with Microsoft Excel, Word, Outlook, and Teams, and with a Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS).
Knowledge of quality assurance and safety programs in a laboratory setting.
Understanding of veterinary and/or medical terminology and anatomic locations.
Ability to work well in a team, communicate with colleagues and clients, prioritize tasks, manage competing responsibilities, and meet deadlines.
Licensed veterinary technician (LVT) or medical laboratory technician (MLT) certification.

Responsibilities

Retrieve and process samples, order appropriate tests in the laboratory information management system (LIMS), assess sample suitability, and distribute samples to the appropriate analytical station or personnel.
Review submittal forms and interpret test requests and client instructions; file or catalog samples and diagnostic materials for archival purposes when needed.
Perform liquid-liquid and solid-phase extractions from biological or environmental matrices, along with testing such as calculus identification, bromide quantitation for therapeutic drug monitoring, and nitrate toxicity testing.
Process complex legal cases with considerable supervision and serve as a section contact for colleagues from other sections by answering basic questions about tests and results.
Read, compute, and record observations, results, and measurements in LIMS; ensure test documentation meets quality assurance requirements and identify abnormal values for further review.
Contact clients to clarify basic test requests, verify unclear sample sources or locations, and discuss inappropriate submissions; refer cases to senior staff or a Veterinary Diagnostician when consultation is needed.
Follow quality assurance and safety programs and procedures, help identify nonconformance or noncompliance, and review quality assurance documents for clarity; complete training and testing in a timely manner.
Handle and dispose of hazardous chemicals safely when relevant.
Read, interpret, and perform tests according to standard operating procedures (SOPs); review and recommend improvements to SOPs, forms, and other section documentation.
Assist with research, cataloging reference materials, and development of new test methods as needed.
Catalog incoming supplies and inventory, notify management when supplies are low, inadequate, or expired, and perform and document laboratory equipment calibration and maintenance as trained and supervised.
File and scan relevant paperwork into the internal document management system and comply with agency and state records retention and confidentiality requirements.
Mentor and train new technicians under leadership direction, follow SOP-compliant training processes, communicate progress to section leadership, and document training.
Follow applicable federal, state, Texas A&M University System, and TVMDL safety rules, regulations, policies, and procedures; perform work in a manner that avoids preventable hazards to oneself and others.
Perform other job-related duties as required.

Benefits

Health, dental, vision, life, and long-term disability insurance, with AgriLife contributing to premiums.
12–15 annual paid holidays.
Up to 8 hours per month of sick leave and at least 8 hours per month of vacation leave.
Automatic enrollment in the Teacher Retirement System of Texas.
Employee Wellness Initiative.
Ongoing professional development and training through Aspire, LinkedIn Learning, and internally developed programs.
Educational reimbursement plan.
Discounted diagnostic testing, veterinary care, and pet supplies.
Formal career ladder for advancement.
Continuing education opportunities.
Two guaranteed pay increases during the first 18 months for satisfactory performance under the Salary Step Program.
Employee Assistance Program.
Flexible spending accounts.
Generous retirement plans.