Specimen Processor

IDEXX; Bloemfontein; On-site; ZAR 25 000 - 35 000; Full time

Job summary

A leading veterinary diagnostics company in Bloemfontein, South Africa is seeking a motivated individual to prepare and analyze samples for laboratory testing. The ideal candidate will possess a high school diploma, laboratory skills, and the ability to work both independently and as part of a team. Key responsibilities include preparing samples, maintaining accurate records, and ensuring compliance with safety standards. This role offers valuable experience in a laboratory environment with potential for career growth.

Qualifications

• High School diploma or equivalent combination of education and experience required.
• Basic math, interpretive and analytical skills.
• Fluency in the English language.

Responsibilities

• Receives and prepares samples for laboratory analyses.
• Records information about specimens and enters data into tracking system.
• Packages and ships samples according to shipping regulations.

Skills

Laboratory skills and experience

General science background

Attention to detail

Communication skills

Personal computer skills

Education

High School diploma or equivalent

Job description

PRIMARY DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Receives and prepares samples for laboratory analyses and tests to diagnose various pet and other animal illnesses, injuries and diseases in support of veterinarian animal treatment.
• Removes specimens from transport bags and splits as needed for multiple testing. Places specimens on slides or other testing format. Retrieves and prepares add-on’s and rechecks.
• Records information about specimens. Labels and numbers slides, specimens and submittals. Enters specimen data into tracking system. Make copies of submittals. Matches test slips with incoming specimens. Prepares work lists for each testing department. Verifies accuracy of information.
• Assists other lab personnel with specimen storage and ensuring Turn Around Times (TAT’s) are met.
• Reads, understands and follows applicable Standard Operating Procedures (SOP’s), including safety and quality procedures. Maintains clean and organized work area. Restocks supplies as needed.
• May be responsible for various support activities, including maintaining supply inventory, record-keeping, shipping and receiving, cleaning and other related duties. Checks inventory of supplies, stocks shelves and maintains order in stockroom. Ensures documents are completed according to established SOPs and reflect current manufacturing processes and label claims. May sort incoming specimens for processing track and sort X-Rays, Coggins and other items for delivery and create work orders in system for deliverable items. May assemble equipment as needed. Prepares and ships supplies, including processing related documentation. Performs variety of administrative duties, such as answering and routing incoming calls, maintaining visitor badges and logs and other related activities.
• Reliable and dependable attendance is an essential function of the position. Adherence to attendance-related policies and expectations is critical to this position.
• Packages and ships the samples according to national and international shipping regulations (USDOT, FAA, IATA, ICAO).

EDUCATION:

• High School diploma or equivalent combination of education and experience required. Advanced degree preferred.

REQUIRED SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

• Laboratory skills and experience helpful.
• General science background, including hematology/chemistry helpful.
• Attention to detail.
• Organized with ability to multi-task in a fast paced environment.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Communication skills, both verbal and written.
• Positive, can-do attitude.
• Basic math, interpretive and analytical skills.
• Data entry skills required.
• Supervisory skills, if a lead position.
• Personal computer skills, including strong typing ability and proficient use of Microsoft Office.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

• Extensive sitting, phone and computer use.
• Capable of standing continuously for up to 2 hours. May at times require long hours on your feet while in motion.
• Extend and reach with hands and arms and use hands and fingers.
• Occasionally required to climb, balance, bend, stoop, kneel or crouch.
• May be required to lift, move and carry up to 50 pounds.
• Specific vision abilities required include close vision, color vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.
• Hearing acuity sufficient to effectively communicate with customers and Employees via telephone and in person.
• Ability to communicate verbally on phone and in person.
• Fluency in the English language.
• Extended hours may be required.
• Some travel required.

WORK ENVIRONMENT:

• Laboratory environment with potential biohazards present.
• Potential for exposure to agents known to cause zoonotic disease in humans and use of potentially hazardous chemicals as defined by the National Hazard Communication Standards. A complete list of such chemicals is available from department supervision.

LEVELING GUIDE:

• Receives and prepares samples for laboratory analyses and tests.
• Prepares samples on slides or other testing format, records required information and sends to appropriate specialty lab area.
• Knowledge of medical and laboratory terminology and specimen processing procedures and equipment.
• Work under moderate supervision with latitude for independent judgment.
• May be cross-trained to perform basic Laboratory Technician duties, such as performing less complex tests.
• May consult with senior peers on certain projects.
• Normally receives little instruction on routine work, general instructions on new assignments.
• Moderate specimen processing skills with high proficiency level.
• Applies job skills and lab policies and procedures to complete a wide range of difficult specimen processing tasks.
• Works on specimen processing assignments that are moderately complex in nature where judgment is required in resolving problems and making routine recommendations.
• Performs moderately complex support activities involving application of experience and judgment to complete work. May be assigned project work of longer duration.
• Typically 2-3+ Years Exp.