Diagnostic Technician - Clinical Pathology

Texas A&M Veterinary Medical Diagnostic Laboratory; College Station (TX); On-site; USD 25,000 - 35,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

Life insurance

Retirement programs

Employee Assistance Program

Flexible Spending Accounts

Paid holidays, vacation, and sick time

Compensatory time

Job summary

Texas A&M Veterinary Medical Diagnostic Laboratory (TVMDL) in College Station is seeking a Diagnostic Technician – Clinical Pathology. This role performs sample preparation, cytology, hematology, chemistry and immunoassay testing, and client communication in a high-volume clinical pathology lab.

You will maintain QA standards, operate automated analyzers, document results, and assist in training fellow technicians.

Qualifications

• High school graduation or equivalent.
• Associate’s or bachelor’s degree preferred in a related field.
• Laboratory experience and ability to multitask in a fast-paced environment.

Responsibilities

• Prepare samples and catalog for testing in TVMDL’s LIMS and route to appropriate clinical pathology station.
• Perform hematology, chemistry, immunoassay, urinalysis, parasitology tests and document results.
• Read and release results, ensure QA compliance and communicate with clients as needed.

Skills

Attention to detail

Multitasking

Verbal and written communication

Teamwork

Laboratory knowledge

Education

Associate’s degree or bachelor’s degree in a related field

High school diploma or equivalent

Tools

LIMS

Microsoft Office

Job description

Job TitleDiagnostic Technician - Clinical Pathology Agency Texas A&M Veterinary Medical Diagnostic Laboratory Department College Station - Clinical Pathology Proposed Minimum Salary$21.88 hourly Job LocationCollege Station, Texas Job TypeStaff

Job Description

About Texas A&M Veterinary Medical Diagnostic Laboratory (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 College of Veterinary Medicine. Texas A&M System employees are eligible for health, dental, vision, and life insurance programs for employees and their family. Other standard benefits include generous retirement plans, Employee Assistance Program, Employee Wellness Program, flexible spending accounts, as well as paid holiday, sick, and vacation leave. In addition, TVMDL offers its employees opportunities to participate in an educational reimbursement plan; discounted diagnostic testing, veterinary care, and pet supplies; a formal career ladder for advancement; and continuing education opportunities.

Position Information

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 non-conformance and noncompliance. Reviews quality assurance documents (Standard Operating Procedures, forms, etc.) to ensure clarity of instructions and performs 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 Works in conjunction with Diagnostic Services and Marketing to actively promote new or modified tests, TVMDL services or other client-education topics by writing and/or editing copy, speaking at conferences or meetings, or participating in TVMDL-sponsored exhibit shows. Assists/hosts/leads programs for 4-H students, career fairs, student tours and other lab guests. 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.

Additional Position Details:

This position is enrolled in TVMDL’s Salary Step Program, guaranteeing two pay increases in the first 18 months of employment for satisfactory performance. Incumbent will be required to take a pre-exposure rabies vaccination series; TVMDL will cover all costs. TVMDL is located on the campus of Texas A&M University (TAMU). Parking permits are available from TAMU at the expense of the employee. Participate in flex scheduling by working 9am to 6pm Upon adequate training, technicians in this section are required to participate in a Saturday rotation with fellow staff members. TVMDL is considered an essential component of the Texas A&M University System (TAMUS) and remains operational for several “open holidays” in which overtime or compensatory time may be earned. For information on TVMDL’s holiday schedule, visit our website.

Required Qualifications:

• High school graduation or equivalent combination of training and experience.
• Knowledge of laboratory equipment, scientific apparatus, and computer equipment.
• Ensures attention to detail.
• Able to multitask and work cooperatively with others.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.

Preferred Qualifications:

• 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).
• Understanding of veterinary and/or medical terminology and anatomic locations.
• Ability to use laboratory equipment, microscopes, pipettes, and computer software.
• Works well in a team; communicates with colleagues and clients; prioritizes tasks and manages competing responsibilities; and meets deadlines.
• Licensed veterinary technician (LVT) or medical laboratory technician (MLT) certification.

Equal Opportunity/Veterans/Disability Employer. TVMDL is a member of The Texas A&M University System and Texas A&M AgriLife and includes four diagnostic laboratories serving veterinarians, livestock producers, and government agencies. TVMDL performs an average of 1 million tests per year on submissions from Texas, neighboring states, and around the world. TVMDL has proudly served Texas as the state veterinary diagnostic laboratory for over 50 years. Our work in diagnostic testing, veterinary medicine, and disease surveillance promotes animal health and protects agricultural, companion animal and public health in Texas and beyond. We invite you to explore our agency and discover what a career at TVMDL has to offer you. TVMDL professionals work with specimens from almost all mammalian and avian species. Staff work alongside some of the foremost veterinary diagnostic specialists in the world and have the opportunity to perform advanced diagnostic techniques as well as the tried-and-true classical test methods.

Benefits options include:

• Health, dental, vision, and life insurance
• Retirement programs
• Employee Assistance Program
• Flexible Spending Accounts
• Wellness Release Program
• Paid holidays, vacation, and sick leave
• Opportunities to earn compensatory time

TVMDL employee programs include:

• Formal career ladder
• Salary Step Program
• Educational Reimbursement Program
• Discounted diagnostic testing, veterinary care, and pet supplies
• Complimentary onsite fitness center, fitness classes, and showers at TVMDL - College Station