Sr Technician- Lab Svcs (RV1086)

Opportunity at a Glance
  The candidate will apply their experience of scientific laboratory settings to support the growing diagnostic and research activities in the Laboratories. This technical position is critical to the RUSVM strategic plan priorities.

Responsibilities

• The successful applicant will ideally have experience in microbiology parasitology and clinical pathology and must 1) be able to perform routine and standardized biological and biochemical examinations; 2) have the capability to learn and perform specialized analytical examinations and procedures. The laboratory technician will be required to perform any additional work related to the various laboratory disciplines. The individual must be willing to work safely with potentially pathogenic organisms and materials; as well as toxic volatile and corrosive chemicals and potentially carcinogenic substances.

• The successful candidate will ideally have some teaching experience and be able to communicate effectively with the professional team at RUSVM.

• Bench Duties

• Candidates will have skills in several of the following areas with the ability to specialize in one or more areas.

• Hematology:

• Have the ability to perform blood smear preparations; routine hematological staining; blood cell counting including white and red blood cell counts; differential counts; platelet counts; evaluation of blood cell morphology; hemoglobin and hematocrit estimations; and calculation of hematological index.  Evaluate blood smear preparations for hemoparasites. The technician must be able to perform analyses both manually and by using the automatic analytical instruments provided for routine diagnostic hematology in the laboratory.  Additional duties include appropriate maintenance of analytical instruments basic knowledge about instrumentation and troubleshooting erroneous results when warranted. The technician must also be able to perform coagulation profiles and cross matching. Technician should be able to execute any additional laboratory tests included in the hematology procedures as supervised by the laboratory director manager and/or the professor.

• Clinical Chemistry;

• Perform all different types of routine chemistry analyses on blood serum and plasma. This includes analyses performed by use of a chemistry analyzer and any manual tests that may be required. Additional duties include appropriate maintenance of analytical instruments basic knowledge about instrumentation and troubleshooting erroneous results when required.

• Parasitology;

• Conduct routine fecal examination for suspect fecal parasite infection.  Fecal analysis includes but is not limited to the following:  being able to perform a fecal flotation McMasters quantitative method fecal culture Baermann technique identification of third stage nematode larvae wet mount and fecal occult blood test.  Whole blood analysis includes: modified Knotts test wet mount for microfilariae and any additional hemoparasites. Be competent in identifying parasites on skin scrapings ear swabs and cellophane tape submissions.

• Urinalysis;

• Be able to perform urine examination according to routine procedures for chemical and cellular components including microscopic evaluation and confirmatory tests.

• Cytology;

• Candidate should be capable of preparing microscopic slides for cytology and other microscopic examinations including evaluation of slides for external (skin) parasites for routine purposes. Provide the necessary assistance in cytology as indicated by the lab director manager and/or the professor.

• Microbiology;

• Under supervision perform routine standardized biological microbiological and biochemical examinations and analyses. Prepare media which includes sterilization pouring of plates and tubes. Receiving and processing of samples which require a working knowledge of aseptic/sterile techniques understanding of the use and plating to the various agar media employed within the microbiology section staining procedures culture and sensitivity and microscopy. Be able to prepare the necessary laboratory reagents under appropriate supervision. Additional tasks include cleaning washing and regular maintenance of laboratory instruments and equipment. Ensure that the laboratory is kept clean organized and well maintained. This includes but is not limited to sterilization and proper disposal of waste material. Maintaining regular inventory of basic reagents and supplies; and informing the lab director manager and/or professor when additional supplies are needed.

• Serology;

• Be able to perform Snap and ELISA tests for feline and canine parasites viral antigen and antibody detection.

• Research;

• Conduct sample analyses in any of the above or novel disciplines.  Be capable of learning new techniques and new analyzer methodologies.  Give meticulous attention to data recording. Perform high-quality technical procedures in state-of-the-art molecular techniques.

• Additional responsibilities may include the preparation of laboratory reagents for hematology and blood chemistry analyses urine and fecal examinations; cleaning washing and regular maintenance of laboratory instruments and equipment; ensuring that the laboratory is kept clean organized and well maintained; performing regular inventory of basic reagents and supplies and advising the technical research lead laboratory director and/or faculty investigator of supplies required to be ordered. Catalogue freeze and label all serum samples.

• Professional veterinary student teaching;

• Be capable of teaching related laboratory subject matter to students under the direction and guidance of the instructional team in a classroom setting; ideally will be able to function in this role independently if necessary.

• The technician will be required to assist the students in their laboratory work-ups during their practical training and train the students to have good laboratory practice.

• Will be required assist the instructional team with the preparation of learning material of the various laboratory disciplines.

• Technician will be required to lead on the setting up and breakdown of the student labs. This includes all necessary preparations collections clean-up and proper disposal for the following student labs:

• Clinical Pathology (hematology urinalysis and cytology) Microbiology (bacteriology and mycology) and Parasitology (helminthology protozoology and entomology).

• Be capable of mentoring students who are involved in research projects assisting them and aiding them in any of the above described techniques.

• Additional Responsibilities

• Candidate must possess the ability to function effectively in a supervisory role in the absence of the Technical Research Lead and the Director of Laboratory Services. This individual should also possess the ability to train and mentor new hires. Possess and promote the ability to work in a team environment and to relate to the team.

• Completes other duties as assigned.

• Performs other duties as assigned

• Complies with all policies and standards

Qualifications :

• Masters Degree Required or
• Bachelors Degree combined with Additional years of experience Required
• 5 years experience Preferred
• Good knowledge in Microsoft Office Windows XP 7 and 8 and database applications.
• Background in science/biology
• Be capable of learning new techniques and new analyzer methodologies.
• Proven ability to communicate professionally in a corporate veterinary medical environment.
• Flexibility to work weekends and holidays.

Additional Information :

Equal Opportunity Minority / Female / Disability / V / Gender Identity / Sexual Orientation

Remote Work :

No

Employment Type :

Full-time