Diagnostic Technician - Clinical Pathology

Texas A&M University System • College Station, TX

1d • $22 • Onsite

About The Position

This position serves as a Diagnostic Technician in the Clinical Pathology Section, a fast paced, high-volume laboratory that conducts over 300 diagnostic tests and panels daily on animal samples submitted by veterinarians and animal owners. This position’s job duties are multifaceted and will allow you to prepare and analyze samples, run various laboratory instrumentation, perform assays, and report results for various veterinary diagnostic specimens (whole blood, serum, plasma, urine, feces, fluids, and/or aspirates). This role requires performance of routine, repetitive tasks of moderate complexity and the ability to troubleshoot routine procedures with considerable supervision.

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’s degree or bachelor’s degree in a related field or any equivalent combination of training and experience.
• Clinical lab or veterinary experience, with preference given to professional lab or technician experience.
• Experience working in fast paced/high volume environments.
• Experience with Microsoft software (Excel, Word, Outlook, Teams), Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS).
• Understanding of veterinary and/or medical terminology and anatomic locations.
• Ability to use laboratory equipment, microscopes, pipettes, and computer software.
• Ensure attention to detail; work well in a team; communicate with colleagues and clients; prioritize tasks and manage competing responsibilities; and meet deadlines
• Licensed veterinary technician (LVT) or medical laboratory technician (MLT) certification.

Responsibilities

• Participates in sample processing by retrieving samples, ordering appropriate testing in TVMDL’s laboratory information management system (LIMS), ensuring samples are fit for purpose of test, and distributing samples to appropriate clinical pathology station.
• Reviews submittal forms and interprets test requests/client instruction(s).
• May file and/or catalog samples, slides, specimens or other diagnostic material for archival purposes.
• Prepares cytological samples for pathologists.
• Performs hematological analysis of whole blood on an automated analyzer and manual microscopy.
• Performs clinical chemistry and immunoassay testing on serum/plasma using a clinical chemistry and immunoassay analyzer.
• Performs and documents required analyzer maintenance.
• Prepares reagents and calibrators using calibrated pipets.
• Verifies analyzer(s) accuracy by running known control samples and analyzing control data via Levey-Jennings charts.
• Performs urinalysis using manual methods and microscopy.
• Processes and performs testing on various parasitology samples.
• Performs simple enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) techniques and radioimmunoassay’s (RIAs).
• Reads, computes and records observations, results and measurements into LIMS.
• Ensures documentation for all tests performed in the section meets quality assurance requirements.
• Reviews and releases accurate results.
• Recognizes abnormal values to be further reviewed.
• Contacts clients to clarify basic test requests, verifies sources/locations for cytologic specimens, and discusses inappropriate sample submissions.
• Adheres and conforms to quality assurance, safety programs, and procedures.
• Assists in identifying incidents of nonconformance and noncompliance.
• Reviews quality assurance documents (Standard Operating Procedures, forms, etc.) to ensure clarity of instructions and perform trainings and testing within a timely manner.
• 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.
• Assists in research, cataloging reference materials, and development of new test methods as needed.
• Catalogs incoming supplies and stock inventory.
• Recognizes and informs management when supply inventory is low, inadequate, or expired in a timely manner.
• Performs and documents calibration and maintenance of laboratory equipment as trained.
• Files and scans relevant paperwork into internal document management system as needed (including, but not limited to: 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.
• On proficient stations, mentors and trains new technicians by providing guidance, advice, feedback, and support.
• Maintains high levels of communication with Section leadership on training and mentorship progression.
• Fosters laboratory teamwork, cooperation, professional standards, and respectful communication.
• Participates in cross training with fellow technicians in sections throughout the laboratory.
• Provides support to fellow technicians in case of absences or high case load.
• Works in conjunction with Diagnostic Services and Marketing to actively promote new or modified tests, TVMDL services or other client-education topics by writing and/or editing copy, speaking at conferences or meetings, or participating in TVMDL-sponsored exhibit shows.
• Assists/hosts/leads programs for 4-H students, career fairs, student tours and other lab guests.
• Performs work with adherence to federal, state, Texas A&M University System, and TVMDL safety rules, regulations, policies and procedures.
• Performs work in such a way as to not expose others or the employee to hazards that are avoidable by reasonable and approved methods.
• Performs other job-related duties as required.

Benefits

• This position is enrolled in TVMDL’s Salary Step Program, guaranteeing two pay increases in the first 18 months of employment for satisfactory performance.
• This position is required to work onsite during normal business hours M-F 8 am to 5 pm, and will participate in flex scheduling by working M-F 9am to 6pm and occasional weekends.
• TVMDL is located on the campus of Texas A&M University (TAMU).
• Parking permits are available from TAMU at the expense of the employee.
• Incumbent will be required to take a pre-exposure rabies vaccination series; TVMDL will cover all costs.
• TVMDL is considered an essential component of the Texas A&M University System (TAMUS) and remains operational for several “open holidays” in which overtime or compensatory time may be earned.

What This Job Offers

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