Diagnostic Technician - Bacteriology

Texas A&M University System • College Station, TX

2d • Onsite

About The Position

The Diagnostic Technician, under general supervision, in the Bacteriology section of the College Station Laboratory prepares and tests blood, urine, feces, tissue, and bacterial isolates for diagnostic purposes. Techniques include bacterial and fungal cultures, antimicrobial susceptibility testing, and mass spectrometry microbial identification. This role requires the performance of routine, repetitive tasks of straightforward to moderate complexity and the ability to troubleshoot routine procedures with considerable supervision. The Bacteriology Section is a high-volume laboratory that conducts hundreds of tests daily on animal samples submitted by veterinarians and animal owners. Timeliness, accuracy, and the ability to remain focused in a high-volume work environment are vital in this position, as well as a service mindset and strong work ethic.

Requirements

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

Nice To Haves

• Associate degree.
• Experience in a clinical lab, veterinary diagnostic lab, veterinary clinic, or other animal-related occupation.
• Experience providing customer service to internal or external clients.
• Knowledge of basic scientific, veterinary, or medical terminology.
• Skilled in the use of laboratory and computer equipment.
• Ability to perform repetitive tasks efficiently and accurately.
• Previous experience performing sterile techniques.
• Ability to comfortably work with animal tissues and bodily fluids, maintain focus under pressure, and meet deadlines.

Responsibilities

• Retrieves samples, visually analyzes samples for quality, orders appropriate tests in TVMDL’s computer-based laboratory information management system (LIMS), and distributes samples to the appropriate testing station.
• Reviews submittal forms and interprets test requests and client instructions.
• May file and catalog samples, slides, specimens, or other diagnostic material for archival purposes.
• Utilizes standard laboratory equipment, including centrifuge, biosafety cabinet, vortex, heat block, autoclave, and media sterilizer.
• Visually analyzes samples for quality and follows standard operating procedures to conduct routine laboratory test methods, including setting bacterial and fungal cultures, performing antimicrobial susceptibility testing, performing mass spectrometry microbial identification, and using microscopes to examine slides and cultures.
• Prepares reagents, buffers, standards, controls, and microbial culture media as needed.
• Completes proficiency tests and verifies ongoing competency for assigned assays.
• Reads, computes, and records observations, results, and measurements into LIMS.
• Ensures documentation for all tests meets quality assurance requirements.
• Reviews, releases, and publishes accurate results.
• Recognizes abnormal results requiring further review.
• Ensures confidentiality of correspondence and reports.
• Communicates with clients via phone or writing to clarify test requests, discuss basic testing capabilities, and verify sample details or patient history.
• Adheres to and conforms to quality assurance, safety programs, and procedures.
• Assists in identifying incidents of nonconformance and noncompliance.
• Ensures documentation for all testing meets quality assurance standards.
• Performs training and testing within established turnaround times.
• Is responsible for safe handling and disposal of hazardous chemicals when relevant.
• Reads, interprets, and performs all tests in accordance with standard operating procedures (SOPs).
• Reviews and recommends changes or improvements to section SOPs, forms, or other documentation related to section protocols.
• Generates forms and test documentation and files according to SOPs.
• Catalogs incoming supplies and stock inventory.
• Informs management when supply inventory is low, inadequate, or expired.
• Verifies instrument accuracy by running known control samples and analyzing control data.
• May assist in monitoring, calibrating, and verifying laboratory equipment.
• Files electronic paperwork in a timely manner, including worksheets, forms, accession forms, regulatory forms, quality assurance and safety documentation, equipment maintenance forms, and logbooks.
• Abides by agency and state records retention and confidentiality requirements.
• Works with colleagues in other testing sections and laboratories to coordinate testing for shared samples.
• Assists in training fellow technicians as needed.
• Fosters laboratory teamwork, cooperation, professional standards, and communication.
• Participates in cross-training with fellow Technicians in sections throughout the laboratory.
• Performs other job related duties as assigned.
• Performs work with adherence to federal, state, Texas A&M University System, and TVMDL safety rules, regulations, policies, and procedures.
• Performs work to avoid exposing oneself or others to avoidable hazards by reasonable and approved methods.

Benefits

• Health, dental, vision, life and long-term disability insurance with Texas A&M AgriLife contributing to employee health and basic life premiums
• 12-15 days of annual paid holidays
• Up to eight hours of paid sick leave and at least eight hours of paid vacation each month
• Automatic enrollment in the Teacher Retirement System of Texas
• Employee Wellness Initiative for Texas A&M AgriLife

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: High school or GED