Job Title Diagnostic Technician - Serology Agency Texas A&M Veterinary Medical Diagnostic Laboratory Department College Station - Serology Proposed Minimum Salary $19.00 hourly Job Location College Station, Texas Job Type Staff Job Description Job Description Summary The Diagnostic Technician - Serology collects and prepares samples, performs assays, records and reports results for diagnostic specimens submitted from the public. Testing performed aids in diagnosis of animal conditions or disease. Responsibilities Sample Check-in/Preparation/Disposal: Participates in sample retrieval and processing by ensuring 1) samples are prepped for testing or shipping and are of sufficient quality/quantity for testing; 2) review of submission and regulatory forms for completeness and interpreting test requests/client instructions; 3) samples are properly accessioned within TVMDL’s laboratory information management system (LIMS) and all requested Section testing, including referral testing is ordered; 4) samples are stored and organized and properly disposed of after the required retention period. Testing: Collects and prepares samples, performs assays, records and reports results for various veterinary diagnostic tests. Performs serological tests following standard procedures using pipettes, centrifuges, microplate readers, dark-phase and/or indirect fluorescent microscopes, and other scientific apparatus. Follows standard procedures in conducting or assists in conducting routine laboratory test methods, including but not limited to Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), complement fixation (CF), agar gel immunodiffusion (AGID), and indirect immunofluorescence assay (IFA) . Must be able to complete proficiency tests for assigned assays. Assists in maintaining laboratory equipment and other scientific apparatus including but not limited to refrigerators, freezers, incubators, water baths/heat blocks, plate washers, pH meters. Performs all work in accordance with validated test methods, SOPs, procedures, employee training and proficiency, and equipment standards, as applicable. Prepares reagents, buffers, standards and controls as needed. Generates appropriate forms and test documentation. 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. Client Communication: Communicates with clients via phone or in writing to clarify test requests, discuss basic testing details, verify sample details or patient history, provide updates on test results, answer general lab questions, and gather information regarding incomplete or discrepant regulatory forms . Ensures confidentiality of correspondence and reports and ensures client communications are appropriately documented and enters case modifications as needed. Transfers calls to appropriate staff members when testing consults are needed. Quality Assurance & Safety: Ensures documentation for all tests performed in the section meets quality assurance. Ensures adherence and compliance with the TVMDL Quality Assurance Manual and associated quality assurance procedures and safety programs. Assists in identifying incidents of non-conformance and noncompliance. Actively participates in quality assurance and safety programs, cross-training, and skill development as applicable. Performs trainings and testing within established turnaround times . Ensures all assigned trainings/tests are completed by the specified due date. Responsible for safe handling and disposal of hazardous chemicals. All work shall be performed in such a way as to not expose others or self to hazards that are avoidable by reasonable and approved methods. SOPs, Procedures, Forms, Other Documentation: Performs, reads, and interprets 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. Generates forms and test documentation and files according to SOPs. Supplies, Stock, Inventory, Equipment: Catalogs incoming supplies and stock inventory. Informs management when supply inventory is low. Assists in maintaining supplies in the Section and within the warehouse. Retrieves supplies from the warehouse when items are needed in the laboratory. Assists with maintaining the QA logs for laboratory equipment. Administrative Roles: Files, copies and/or scans relevant paperwork, including but not limited to worksheets, forms, accession forms, regulatory forms, quality assurance and safety documentation, equipment maintenance forms and logbooks, reagent/chemical logbooks and labels. Assists with maintaining shipping log. Abides by agency and state records retention and confidentiality requirements. Fills in for MRT duties as needed. Training and Mentorship: Assists in cross-training other technicians as needed. Successfully completes proficiency tests for assigned assays. Teamwork & Cooperation: Fosters laboratory teamwork, cooperation, professional standards and communication. Provides backup to fellow Technicians in case of absence. Works with colleagues in other testing sections and laboratories to coordinate testing for shared samples. Other: Other job duties as assigned. Work shall be performed with adherence to federal, state, Texas A&M University System, and TVMDL safety rules, regulations, policies and procedures. 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. Additional Position Details: + This position is required to work onsite during normal business hours M-F 8 AM to 5 PM. + This position is enrolled in TVMDL’s Salary Step Program, guaranteeing two pay increases in the first 18 months of employment for satisfactory performance. + TVMDL is located on the campus of Texas A&M University (TAMU). Parking permits are available from TAMU at the expense of the employee. + Incumbent will be required to take a pre-exposure rabies vaccination series; TVMDL will cover all costs. + 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. Qualifications Required Education and Experience: + High School graduation or equivalent combination of training and experience. Required Knowledge, Skills and Abilities: + 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 Education and Experience: + Associate’s or bachelor’s degree in biomedical science, animal science, biology, biomedical technology , biotechnology, or related field. + Veterinary medicine/human medicine/clinical or other laboratory experience. Preferred Knowledge, Skills and Abilities: + Basic scientific/veterinary/medical terminology. + Performing repetitive tasks efficiently and accurately by prioritizing tasks to meet deadlines. + Use of laboratory equipment (i.e. centrifuge, pipettors, plate readers, timers, dark-phase or indirect fluorescent microscope) and computer equipment. 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/Veterans/Disability Employer.