ARBOVIRUS ASSISTANT

Performs basic laboratory operations for Arboviruses, West Nile Virus (WNV), and Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE) at the Public Health Laboratories during the peak workload summer period by assisting with preparation of mosquito pools for testing.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

Receives specimens for arbovirus testing, verifies information and tracks down missing information from submitters. Examines specimens to determine acceptability for testing.

Enters mosquito demographic data into the PHL’s Laboratory Information Management System.

Prepares specimens for the testing process according to current protocols. Follows strict safety rules during this process.

Performs routine basic lab functions to support Arbovirus testing.

Weighs and dispenses materials and solutions accurately to prepare media and reagents from chemical ingredients. Practices aseptic technique in dispensing sterile materials to avoid contamination of sterile substances.

Assists with routine care and maintenance of laboratory equipment (autoclaves, dishwashers, etc.) to ensure proper cleaning, sterilization and decontamination.

Packages biohazardous waste for disposal. Maintains safety and quality activities as required.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

YOUR EXPERIENCE COUNTS : Each additional year of approved formal education may be substituted for one year of required work experience and/or each additional year of approved work experience may be substituted for one year of required formal education.

Education: High School Diploma or GED or equivalent

Experience: No experience required

License/Certification: None required

Special Requirements:

Physical condition must allow for the administration of vaccines and/or necessary diagnostic tests. Superior manual dexterity and coordination is required. Must be willing and able to handle unpleasant and/or hazardous specimens such as feces, sputum, blood, vomitus, urine and other samples/specimens know to contain infectious organisms and toxic chemicals such as carcinogens, and asbestos. Must be willing to receive Hepatitis vaccine.

Must be willing to undergo pre-exposure immunizations as necessary.

DISCLAIMER STATEMENT: The supplemental job description lists the essential functions of the position and is not intended to include every job duty and responsibility specific to the position. An employee may be required to perform other related duties not listed on the supplemental job description provided that such duties are characteristic of that classification.