Diagnostic Technician - Analytical Chemistry

Texas A&M University System•College Station, TX

1d•Onsite

About The Position

The Diagnostic Technician works in TVMDL’s fast-paced, high-volume Analytical Chemistry Section, which conducts more than 200 diagnostic tests and panels daily on animal samples submitted by veterinarians and animal owners. The position prepares and analyzes veterinary diagnostic specimens—including whole blood, serum, plasma, urine, feces, fluids, and tissues—and environmental samples such as soil and water. It operates laboratory instrumentation, performs assays, and reports results. The work consists of routine, repetitive tasks of moderate complexity and requires troubleshooting routine procedures with considerable supervision. The technician processes and catalogs samples, performs testing and data entry, communicates with clients and colleagues, and supports quality assurance, safety, documentation, research, supplies and equipment, and training. The position follows standard operating procedures and applicable agency, state, Texas A&M University System, and TVMDL requirements. It is an onsite position during normal business hours, Monday through Friday, with possible flex scheduling. Occasional Sunday instrument-status checks may be requested, typically once every 12 weeks and for less than two hours. Staff may also be asked to travel in urgent scenarios. The incumbent must complete a pre-exposure rabies vaccination series, with costs covered by TVMDL.

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.
Ability to work onsite during normal business hours, Monday through Friday; occasional Sunday instrument-status checks may be requested.
Ability to complete a pre-exposure rabies vaccination series; TVMDL covers the cost.

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 in fast-paced, high-volume environments.
Experience with Microsoft Excel, Word, Outlook, and Teams, and with a Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS).
Knowledge of laboratory quality assurance and safety programs.
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, process, and catalog samples; enter appropriate testing orders in the laboratory information management system (LIMS); check sample suitability; distribute samples to the appropriate analytical station or personnel; interpret submission forms and client instructions; and archive samples or diagnostic materials as needed.
Perform liquid-liquid and solid-phase extractions from biological or environmental matrices, and conduct additional 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, answering basic questions about tests and results.
Enter, 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 sources or locations, and discuss inappropriate sample 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 and noncompliance; review quality assurance documents for clarity; and complete related 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 developing new test methods as needed.
Catalog incoming supplies and stock inventory; alert management when supplies are low, inadequate, or expired; and perform and document laboratory equipment calibration and maintenance when trained and under maintenance coordinator supervision.
File and scan relevant paperwork into the internal document management system, including worksheets, forms, accession and regulatory forms, quality assurance and safety documentation, equipment maintenance forms, and logbooks; comply with records retention and confidentiality requirements.
Under leadership direction, mentor and train new technicians in accordance with SOPs, communicate training progress to section leadership, and document that progress.
Follow applicable federal, state, Texas A&M University System, and TVMDL safety rules, regulations, policies, and procedures, and perform work in ways that avoid 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.
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 pay increases during the first 18 months under the Salary Step Program, contingent on satisfactory performance.
Pre-exposure rabies vaccination series costs covered by TVMDL.
Overtime or compensatory time may be earned for work during certain open holidays.