Medical Technologist

The Pennsylvania State University•University Park, FL

About The Position

The Penn State Animal Diagnostic Laboratory (ADL) is seeking a Medical Technologist to provide diagnostic support primarily in the receiving section of a veterinary diagnostic laboratory. The laboratory’s purpose is to protect animal and human health and ensure food safety. The role handles blood and other specimens from avian and mammalian animals, evaluates and processes samples delivered to ADL, enters data in the laboratory information management system (LIMS), and prepares diagnostic specimens for shipment to other laboratories. The technologist also helps maintain standard operating procedures and quality assurance and quality control practices, inventory supplies, maintain work areas, and ensure workload coverage. The position includes supporting students’ and visitors’ learning experiences in serology techniques and cross-training in other laboratory areas as needs arise. Duties may shift into related disciplines as diagnostic tests are added or replace currently approved methods. This position is funded for one year. Continuation beyond one year depends on university need, performance, and/or funding availability. Rabies vaccination and biannual titer checks are required and provided and paid for by the University. Employment requires successful completion of background checks, and applicants must be authorized to work in the United States; Penn State does not sponsor staff employment visas.

Requirements

Associate degree; no prior relevant work experience is required, and relevant work experience may be accepted in lieu of education.
Excellent interpersonal, organizational, and verbal and written communication skills.
Attention to detail and good judgment.
Ability to work effectively within a team environment.
Rabies vaccination and biannual titer checks are required; the University provides and pays for them.
Successful completion of required background check(s).
Must be authorized to work in the United States.

Nice To Haves

Associate degree in animal sciences, biology, microbiology, or another related field.
Previous clinical laboratory experience handling hazardous materials.
Knowledge of animal health and animal agriculture.

Responsibilities

Handle blood and other specimens from avian and mammalian animals.
Evaluate and process samples delivered to the Animal Diagnostic Laboratory.
Enter sample data in the laboratory information management system (LIMS).
Prepare diagnostic specimens for shipment to other laboratories.
Assist with maintaining standard operating procedures and quality assurance and quality control practices.
Maintain supplies inventory and work areas.
Help ensure coverage of the workload.
Assist with learning experiences for students and other visitors in serology techniques.
Cross-train in other areas of the diagnostic laboratory as needs arise.
Perform duties in related disciplines as diagnostic tests are added or replace currently approved methods.