Diagnostic Technician - Serology

Texas A&M University System • College Station, TX

22h • $22 • Onsite

About The Position

Texas A&M Veterinary Medical Diagnostic Laboratory (TVMDL) is an integral part of the Texas A&M University System (TAMUS). It consists of four lab locations spread across Texas; two full-service laboratories located in Canyon and College Station and two poultry laboratories in Center and Gonzales. TVMDL is the only state agency entirely dedicated to protecting animal and public health through diagnostic testing. TVMDL is a state-of-the-art veterinary diagnostic laboratory that collects hundreds of data points concerning veterinary diagnostics and population health each day. TVMDL is a state agency under the TAMUS umbrella that serves the veterinary community and is an independent entity from the Texas A&M University College of Veterinary Medicine. Texas A&M System employees are eligible for health, dental, vision, and life insurance programs for employees and their family. Other standard benefits include generous retirement plans, Employee Assistance Program, Employee Wellness Program, flexible spending accounts, as well as paid holiday, sick, and vacation leave. In addition, TVMDL offers its employees opportunities to participate in an educational reimbursement plan; discounted diagnostic testing, veterinary care, and pet supplies; a formal career ladder for advancement; and continuing education opportunities. The Diagnostic Technician works in a fast-paced environment that requires attention to detail, quick problem-solving, strong communication skills, excellent time management abilities, accuracy in mathematical computations, and demonstration of manual dexterity. This position is required to perform both data entry and technical tasks. This role involves the performance of routine, repetitive tasks of straightforward to moderate complexity.

Requirements

• High school graduation or equivalent combination of training 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.

Nice To Haves

• Associate or bachelor’s degree in Biomedical Science, Animal Science, Biology, Biomedical Technology, Biotechnology, or a related field.
• Veterinary medicine/human medicine/clinical or other laboratory experience.
• Knowledge of basic scientific/veterinary/medical terminology.
• Previous experience using laboratory equipment (i.e. centrifuge, pipettors, plate readers, timers, dark-phase or indirect fluorescent microscope).

Responsibilities

• Sample Check-in/Preparation/Disposal: Participates in sample retrieval and processing by ensuring samples are prepped for testing or shipping and are of sufficient quality/quantity for testing. Reviews submission and regulatory forms for completeness and interprets test requests/client instructions. Ensures samples are properly accessioned within TVMDL’s laboratory information management system (LIMS), that all requested section testing, including referral testing, is ordered, and that samples are stored, organized, and properly disposed of after the required retention period.
• Testing: Collects and prepares samples, performs assays, records, and reports results for veterinary diagnostic tests. Performs serological tests following standard procedures using pipettes, centrifuges, microplate readers, dark-phase and/or indirect fluorescent microscopes, and other scientific apparatus. Follows standard operating procedures when conducting routine laboratory test methods, including enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), complement fixation (CF), agar gel immunodiffusion (AGID), and indirect immunofluorescence assay (IFA). Completes proficiency tests for assigned assays. Assists in maintaining laboratory equipment and other scientific apparatus, including refrigerators, freezers, incubators, water baths/heat blocks, plate washers, and pH meters. Performs all work in accordance with validated test methods, standard operating procedures (SOPS), employee training and proficiency, and equipment standards, as applicable. Prepares reagents, buffers, standards, and controls as needed. Generates appropriate forms and test documentation.
• Data Entry, Interpretation, Results: Reads, computes, and records observations, results, and measurements into LIMS. Ensures documentation for all tests performed in the section meets quality assurance requirements.
• Client Communication: Communicates with clients via phone or in writing to clarify test requests, discuss basic testing details, verify sample details or patient history, provide updates on test results, answer general lab questions, and gather information regarding incomplete or discrepant regulatory forms. Ensures confidentiality of correspondence, reports, and client communications are appropriately documented. Enters case modifications as needed. Transfers calls to appropriate staff members when testing consults are required.
• Quality Assurance & Safety: 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, cross-training, and skills development. Performs trainings and testing within established turnaround times. Ensures all assigned trainings/tests are completed by the specified due date. Is responsible for safe handling and disposal of hazardous chemicals.
• SOPs, Procedures, Forms, Other Documentation: Performs, reads, and interprets all tests in accordance with 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.
• Supplies, Stock, Inventory, Equipment: Catalogs incoming supplies and stock inventory. Informs management when supply inventory is low. Assists in maintaining section supplies and within the warehouse. Retrieves supplies from the warehouse when items are needed in the laboratory. Assists with maintenance of quality assurance logs for laboratory equipment.
• Administrative Roles: Files, copies, and scans relevant paperwork, including worksheets, forms, accession forms, regulatory forms, quality assurance and safety documentation, equipment maintenance forms and logbooks, reagent/chemical logbooks, and labels. Assists with maintenance of the shipping log. Abides by agency and state records retention and confidentiality requirements. Fills in for transcription duties as needed.
• Training and Mentorship: Assists in cross-training other technicians as needed. Completes proficiency tests for assigned assays.
• Teamwork & Cooperation: Fosters laboratory teamwork, cooperation, professional standards, and communication. Provides backup to fellow Technicians in case of absence. Works with colleagues in other testing sections and laboratories to coordinate testing for shared samples.
• Other: 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.

Benefits

• Texas A&M System employees are eligible for health, dental, vision, and life insurance programs for employees and their family.
• Other standard benefits include generous retirement plans, Employee Assistance Program, Employee Wellness Program, flexible spending accounts, as well as paid holiday, sick, and vacation leave.
• In addition, TVMDL offers its employees opportunities to participate in an educational reimbursement plan; discounted diagnostic testing, veterinary care, and pet supplies; a formal career ladder for advancement; and continuing education opportunities.

What This Job Offers

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