Diagnostic Technician - Clinical Pathology

Job Title

Diagnostic Technician - Clinical Pathology

Agency

Texas A&M Veterinary Medical Diagnostic Laboratory

Department

Canyon - Clinical Pathology

Proposed Minimum Salary

19.00 hourly

Job Location

Canyon, Texas

Job Type

Staff

Job Description

About TVMDL

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 TAMU Vet School.

About the Clinical Pathology Section

This section is characterized by its collaborative approach, with a team of skilled technicians and pathologists working together remotely and in person to deliver exceptional service. With a focus on quality and efficiency, our team adapts to the unique challenges of each day by employing critical thinking and an inquisitive mindset to uncover and interpret diagnostic findings. The Clinical Pathology section values innovation, accuracy, and a passion for problem-solving, making it a vital part of TVMDL's mission to protect animal and public health through diagnostic excellence.

Position Description Summary

This position serves as a Diagnostic Technician in the Clinical Pathology Section. This position's job duties are dynamic and multifaceted and allow you to prepare and analyze samples, run various laboratory instrumentation, perform assays, and report results for various veterinary diagnostic specimens (whole blood, serum, plasma, urine, feces, fluids, and / or aspirates). This role requires performance of routine, repetitive tasks of moderate complexity and the ability to troubleshoot routine procedures with minimal supervision.

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 testing on serum / plasma using a clinical chemistry 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.

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, releases, and publishes accurate results for testing. Recognizes abnormal results 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

Cross trains in duties with other Technicians. Provides backup to fellow Technicians in case of absence. Successfully completes proficiency tests for assigned assays. 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 communication. May participate in flex scheduling, including work prior to 8 AM, after 5 PM, on weekends or on holidays. 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. Maintains open lines of communication between the onsite Clinical Pathology team and team at another TVMDL location.

Other Responsibilities

• 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 other job-related duties as required.

Working at TVMDL

Qualifications

Required Education and Experience :

Preferred Education and Experience :

Preferred Licenses, Certifications, or Registrations :

Required Knowledge, Skills, Abilities :

Preferred Knowledge, Skills, Abilities :

Special Application 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.

Equal Opportunity / Affirmative Action / Veterans / Disability Employer.

Salary : $19