Histology Laboratory Assistant – 2nd Shift

IDEXX; Elmhurst (IL); On-site; USD 24,000 - 34,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health / Dental / Vision Benefits Day

Annual cash bonus

401k matching

Pet insurance & more

Job summary

IDEXX in Elmhurst, IL is seeking a Laboratory Assistant to support the Histology department. You will input sample data, stock materials, and prepare tissue samples for histology technicians, while maintaining VM systems and ensuring image quality for pathologists.

Excellent day-one benefits accompany a full-time schedule. Prior histology experience is a plus, and training is provided to help you grow with the team.

Qualifications

• High School diploma or equivalent required.
• Experience in a histology lab is a plus.
• Ability to follow SOPs and safety procedures.
• Comfort with computers and data entry.

Responsibilities

• Input sample information into the laboratory database.
• Stock benches with materials for technicians.
• Run equipment to prep histology samples.
• Pack samples for storage.
• Ensure timely delivery of cases to remote pathologists.
• Maintain and troubleshoot VM systems for digital slide viewing.
• Organize and archive VM cases.
• Track VM system errors and assist with issues.
• Assist with administrative tasks as needed.

Skills

Attention to detail

Multitask

Data entry

Customer service

Computer literacy

Education

High School diploma or equivalent

Tools

VM systems

Job description

As a Laboratory Assistant in the Histology department at IDEXX, you will be assisting with some of the many tasks vital to the running of the histology laboratories within our network of veterinary diagnostic reference labs. We receive thousands of tissue samples every day from Veterinary Clinics, and transform those tissue samples into a slide for a pathologist to review to help veterinarians identify what might be wrong with someone's pet. In this role, you will be helping to sort, and prepare tissue samples for histology technicians/technologists; and be responsible for maintaining IDEXX’s whole slide scanners, assuring digital slide and patient requisition image quality for the Pathology team. Every sample you help to move along quickly and accurately in the process means we are one step closer to finding out how or why the pet might be sick. Thanks to you, someone's very beloved pet will get the treatment plan they need - how great is that?

We offer extensive training for this role so, whether you’ve worked in a lab before or this would be your first lab job, we hope you’ll consider applying and discover the good you can do for pets as part of our team.

(This is a full-time position with excellent day-one benefits.)

If you’d like more information about histology jobs at IDEXX before applying, you can explore our histology careers web page: https://careers.idexx.com/us/en/histology

Why This Role Matters

IDEXX reference laboratories is a global network united by a shared commitment to enhancing pet care where the true strength in our name is the people behind it, including this role. Our reference laboratories make it possible for our customers to discover more with our unrelenting commitment to innovation, personalized support, guidance, and expertise, while providing the most complete and advanced menu of diagnostic tests along with technology and tools. The focus on enhancing the lives of people and pets, starts with our own employees and empowering them to achieve their goals, focusing on continuous improvement, and supporting the strong collaboration and inclusiveness that exist in our team.

In This Role

• You will be Inputting sample information in the laboratory database.
• You will be stocking benches with necessary materials to make sure the technicians have everything they need.
• You may be running special equipment to prep samples for the histology technicians/technologists.
• You will be packing samples for storage.
• You will assure accurate and timely delivery of casework (and collateral materials) to remote pathologists.
• You will be responsible for maintaining and troubleshooting virtual microscopy (VM) systems which provide remote viewing & digital slide analysis capability to pathologists.
• You will organize and archive pending and completed VM cases.
• You will track VM system errors.
• You will troubleshoot VM system problems with pathologists, labs, vendors, IT and others.
• You will also be assisting with various administrative tasks and other duties as required.

What You'll Need To Succeed

• You possess a High School diploma or equivalent combination of education and experience is required.
• It is not required to work in our lab, but if you had prior experience working in a histology lab, this experience would be a plus.
• An ability to consistently work the schedule listed in the section below.
• To be someone who thrives in a fast-paced, high-volume work environment
• A willingness to work with and around veterinary samples, including tissue samples.
• Ability to read, understand and follow Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), including safety and quality procedures.
• Familiarity and comfort with using computers for data entry (data entry experience is preferred).
• Ability to prioritize, multitask, and work reliably and precisely; excellent attention to detail on the job.
• Top-notch customer service skills
• Ability to meet the physical requirements that go with working in a lab – standing and sitting for extended periods of time, phone and computer use, extended reach, lifting up to 50 lbs., and specific vision ability – close, color, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus.
• This is a laboratory, so there is potential exposure to biohazards, agents known to cause zoonotic diseases, and hazardous chemicals

What You Can Expect From Us

• Hourly rates targeting: $21.00 / hr.
• Opportunity for shift differential: $3.00 / hr.
• Health / Dental / Vision Benefits Day - One
• Opportunity for annual cash bonus and merit pay increase consideration.
• 5% matching 401k
• Additional benefits including but not limited to financial support, pet insurance, mental health resources, volunteer paid days off, employee stock program, foundation donation matching, and much more!
• Opportunity to do meaningful work where you positively impact the lives of people and pets all over the world

Schedule

• The hours for this position are Tuesday - Saturday, 2:00 PM – 10:30 PM
• The shifts and hours may vary slightly depending on business needs.
• Reliable and dependable attendance is an essential function of the position.

Why IDEXX?

We’re proud of the work we do, because our work matters. An innovation leader in every industry we serve since 1983, our team members help pet owners worldwide keep their companion animals healthy and happy, ensure safe drinking water for billions, and help farmers protect livestock and poultry from disease.

We have customers in over 175 countries and a collaborative global workforce. Our culture is one that embraces challenges and encourages learning and discovery. At IDEXX, you’ll be supported by competitive compensation, incentives, and benefits while enjoying purposeful work that drives improvement.

Knowing our work makes a meaningful impact on the health and well-being of pets and people is what motivates us every day. If meaningful work and a sense of purpose are at the top of your list, you’ll find it here.

Let’s pursue what matters together.

IDEXX values a diverse workforce and workplace and strongly encourages women, people of color, LGBTQ+ individuals, people with disabilities, members of ethnic minorities, foreign-born residents, and veterans to apply.

IDEXX is an equal opportunity employer. Applicants will not be discriminated against because of race, color, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, religion, national origin, citizenship status, disability, ancestry, marital status, veteran status, medical condition, or any protected category prohibited by local, state, or federal laws.

Applicants must be authorized to work for ANY employer in the U.S. We are unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment visa for this role.

As a Histology Laboratory Assistant you will work on site in our Elmhurst, IL location.