What are the responsibilities and job description for the Diagnostic Technician - Clinical Pathology position at Texas A&M AgriLife?
Job Title
Diagnostic Technician - Clinical Pathology
Agency
Texas A&M Veterinary Medical Diagnostic Laboratory
Department
College Station - Clinical Pathology
Proposed Minimum Salary
$19.00 hourly
Job Location
College Station, Texas
Job Type
Staff
Job Description
Job Description Summary
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.
Responsibilities
Sample Preparation, Sample Cataloging: 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.
Testing: 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).
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. Reviews and releases accurate results. Recognizes abnormal values to be further reviewed.
Client Communication: Contacts clients to clarify basic test requests, verify sources/locations for cytologic specimens, and discuss inappropriate sample submissions.
Quality Assurance & Safety: 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.
SOPs, Procedures, Forms, Other Documentation: 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.
Research, Reference Materials, Test Development: Assists in research, cataloging reference materials, and development of new test methods as needed.
Supplies, Stock, Inventory, Equipment: 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.
Administrative Roles: 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.
Training and Mentorship: 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.
Teamwork & Cooperation: 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.
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 as to not expose others or the employee to hazards that are avoidable by reasonable and approved methods.
Performs work in such a way as to not expose myself or others to hazards that are avoidable by reasonable and approved methods.
Performs other job-related duties as required.
Qualifications
Required Education and Experience:
- High school graduation or equivalent combination of training and experience.
Required Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:
- Knowledge of laboratory equipment, scientific apparatus, and computer equipment.
- Ensure attention to detail.
- Ability to multitask and work cooperatively with others.
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
Preferred Education and Experience:
- 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).
Preferred Licenses/Certifications:
- Licensed veterinary technician (LVT) or medical laboratory technician (MLT) certification.
Preferred Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:
- Understanding of veterinary and/or medical terminology and anatomic locations.
- Ability to use laboratory equipment, microscopes, pipettes, and computer software.
- Attention to detail; work well in a team; communicate with colleagues and clients; prioritize tasks and manage competing responsibilities; and meet deadlines.
Special Instructions
A cover letter, resume/CV, and contact information for three professional references (to include at least one previous supervisor) are required to successfully apply for this position. You may upload all three on the application under CV/Resume, pre-populate the online application using a LinkedIn profile, or attach the documents. Failure to provide all job application data or a complete resume could result in an invalid submission and a rejected application.
Upon invitation to interview, candidates will be asked for 2-3 professional recommendations (to include at least one previous supervisor). Closed-toed shoes and long pants are required attire for the Laboratory environment.
All positions are security-sensitive. Applicants are subject to a criminal history investigation, and employment is contingent upon the institution’s verification of credentials and/or other information required by the institution’s procedures, including the completion of the criminal history check.
All positions are security-sensitive. Applicants are subject to a criminal history investigation, and employment is contingent upon the institution’s verification of credentials and/or other information required by the institution’s procedures, including the completion of the criminal history check.
Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action/Veterans/Disability Employer.
Salary : $19
