Diagnostic Technician - Necropsy

Texas A&M University System•College Station, TX

3d•Onsite

About The Position

The Diagnostic Technician, under general supervision, assists with necropsy procedures, collects and prepares samples, performs assays, and records and reports results for various diagnostic specimens. This work involves performing general duties necessary to assist the duty pathologist, including dissection of animal carcasses, brain removal, spinal cord removal, procurement of Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD), and rabies samples; performing routine maintenance, calibration, and clean-up of equipment, floor, tools, autoclave, refrigerated spaces and tables in the necropsy floor; and sterilizing biohazard waste as necessary and properly dispose of waste following established safety guidelines. This role requires the performance of routine, repetitive tasks of straightforward to moderate complexity with considerable technical supervision and the ability to troubleshoot routine procedures with supervision.

Requirements

High school diploma or equivalent combination of education and experience.
Knowledge of laboratory equipment, scientific apparatus, and computer equipment.
Ensures attention to detail.
Ability to multitask and work cooperatively with others.
Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
Must have a valid Texas motor vehicle operator’s license or ability to obtain within 30 days of employment.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor’s degree in a related field or any equivalent combination of training and experience.
Two years of related experience.
Experience working in a veterinary hospital or clinic.
Experience with necropsy and/or animal dissections.
Experience in a laboratory setting.
Basic knowledge of mammalian and/or avian anatomy.
Ability to lift 50 lbs.

Responsibilities

Participates in sample processing by retrieving samples, ensuring samples are properly accessioned, entering case data into TVMDL’s laboratory information management system (LIMS), and ensuring samples are fit for testing.
Reviews submittal forms and interprets test requests/client instructions.
Assists the duty pathologist or lead technician in proper sample identification and cataloging.
Follows TVMDL guidelines and communicate with other testing sections within the laboratory for proper routing and storage of testing samples.
Files and catalogs samples.
Mixes formalin and disinfectants.
Follows standard procedures in conducting laboratory test methods, including aiding the duty pathologist with tissue collection on necropsies.
Generates appropriate forms and test documentation.
Uses and maintains laboratory equipment and other scientific apparatus.
Performs all work in accordance with validated test methods, SOPs, procedures, employee training and proficiency, and equipment standards, as applicable.
Prepares reagents, standards, and controls as needed.
Reads, computes, and records observations, results, and measurements into LIMS.
Ensures documentation for all tests performed in the section meets quality assurance requirements.
Communicates with clients requesting basic testing details and capabilities.
Contacts clients for clarification of tests requested or to obtain additional information about the samples submitted to necropsy.
Adheres and conforms to quality assurance and safety programs and procedures.
Assists in identifying incidents of nonconformance and noncompliance.
Actively participates in quality assurance and safety programs.
Reviews quality assurance documents to ensure clarity of instructions for entry level Technicians.
Assists in general research, cataloging reference materials, and researching new test methods.
Catalogs incoming supplies and stock inventory.
Informs management when supply inventory is low.
Operates hoist and winch to unload large animal carcasses.
Ensures that equipment (i.e. hoist, coolers and scales) in the necropsy floor are in working order and help coordinate necessary repairs.
Stocks supplies as needed.
Files, copies, and scans relevant paperwork, including worksheets, forms, accession forms, regulatory forms, quality assurance and safety documentation, equipment maintenance forms, and logbooks.
Cross-trains in duties with other Technicians.
Provides backup to fellow Technicians in case of absence.
Completes proficiency tests for assigned assays.
Helps train new employees who will participate in necropsy work, which may include employees in other sections and individuals who require after-hours duty training.
Fosters laboratory teamwork, cooperation, professional standards, and communications.
Participates in cross-training with fellow Technicians in sections throughout the laboratory.
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 to avoid exposing others or oneself to hazards that are avoidable by reasonable and approved methods.
May perform other duties as assigned.