Laboratory Technician 2 Microbiology

State of Ohio • Reynoldsburg, OH

7d • Onsite

About The Position

The Molecular Diagnostics & Sequencing section performs PCR-based assays and DNA sequencing to detect, identify, and characterize infectious agents in animal specimens. This position is responsible for preparing samples and specimens for testing and independently conducting basic/routine laboratory test procedures. It supports the General Microbiology and Dairy laboratory to analyze samples from internal and external clients. The role also assists in the laboratory quality control and preventative maintenance programs, maintains documentation, manages inventory, and supports compliance with ISO 17025 standards. The position involves decontaminating infectious waste, cleaning laboratory equipment and areas, data entry into LIMS, and testifying at hearings concerning test procedures and results.

Requirements

• Formal education in arithmetic that included fractions, decimals & percentages & reading, writing & speaking English; 3 courses in high school science (e.g., biology, chemistry, geology, microbiology) which included laboratory testing & use & maintenance of laboratory equipment or 12 months experience in science laboratory preparing specimens & samples for testing, preparing reagents &/or conducting basic/routine laboratory tests.
• 12 months experience as Laboratory Technician 1, 86111.
• Equivalent of Minimum Class Qualifications For Employment noted above.

Responsibilities

• Prepares samples and specimens for testing and independently conducts basic/routine laboratory test procedures (i.e., reagents are ready to mix, prepares laboratory media and reagents as instructed in Media Preparation Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), sample preparation and enrichment of samples, Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA) and/or Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) screening of samples for bacterial pathogens following Consumer Protection Laboratory Standard Operating Procedures (CPL SOPs) Making sure all testing procedures are outlined in a step-by-step manner and test systems are visually evaluated, with all possible results being previously defined as to how they will look and are to be interpreted)
• Supports the General Microbiology and Dairy laboratory to support analysis of samples from the Ohio Department of Agriculture (ODA) internal division clients and external clients
• Assists microbiologists in the laboratory quality control program in performing initiation of quality control testing on all laboratory prepared media
• Assists microbiologists in the preventative maintenance program as per scheduled
• Maintains proper documentation practices of critical laboratory equipment
• Assists microbiologists in the inventory of laboratory supplies and ordering/receiving of such supplies
• Supports laboratory compliance with International Organization for Standardization (ISO) 17025 standards by adhering to internal SOPs
• Decontaminates infectious waste in accordance with departmental SOP's & properly disposes of all autoclaved waste
• Assists in cleaning all glassware & media utensils required in the laboratory
• Assists in the laboratory quality control program in performing initiation of quality control testing on all laboratory prepared media
• Assist in the preventive maintenance program as scheduled along with documentation (e.g. cleaning of incubators, refrigerators, freezers, monthly balance checks)
• Assists in inventory of laboratory supplies & ordering /receiving of such supplies
• Notifies the supervisor as to the need to order supplies
• Assists with data entry into the laboratory information management system (LIMS) & assists in filing of documents & laboratory data worksheets
• Cleans & maintains lab equipment, instruments & laboratory area (e.g. operates automatic dishwasher, hand washing of laboratory glassware, cleans sinks, benches & other laboratory areas)
• Testifies at hearings concerning test procedures & results
• Confers with appropriate staff regarding positive test results
• Maintains all necessary records of examination, tests & quality control procedures
• Maintains records of all preventative maintenance performed
• Participates in laboratory certification & check sample programs
• Performs other duties as assigned

Benefits

• Medical Coverage
• Dental, Vision and Basic Life Insurance premiums are free after one year of continuous service.
• Paid time off, including vacation, personal, and sick leave
• 11 paid holidays per year
• Childbirth/Adoption leave
• Ohio Public Employees Retirement System (OPERS)
• Deferred Compensation
• Expanded maternity health care benefits available to state employees enrolled in the Ohio Med PPO and Ohio Med NN (narrow network) medical plan options.
• Several prenatal, childbirth, and post-childbirth services are provided at no out-of-pocket cost to employees utilizing network providers.
• Medications prescribed for both antepartum and postpartum conditions (e.g., morning sickness, postpartum depression).
• Prescription drugs that are directly related to maternity care are covered with no copay.
• Education and Development Opportunities (Employee Development Funds, Public Service Loan Forgiveness, and more)
• Public Retirement Systems ( such as OPERS, STRS, SERS, and HPRS ) & Optional Deferred Compensation ( Ohio Deferred Compensation )

What This Job Offers

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