Diagnostic Technician - Analytical Chemistry

Job Title

Diagnostic Technician - Analytical Chemistry

Agency

Texas A&M Veterinary Medical Diagnostic Laboratory

Department

Analytical Chemistry

Proposed Minimum Salary

$21.88 hourly

Job Location

College Station, Texas

Job Type

Staff

Job Description

About 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.

Job Description Summary

This position serves as a Diagnostic Technician in the Analytical Chemistry Section, a fast paced, high-volume laboratory that conducts over 200 diagnostic tests and panels daily on animal samples submitted by veterinarians and animal owners.

Responsibilities:

General Description: This position’s job duties are multifaceted and prepare and analyze samples, run various laboratory instrumentation, perform assays, and report results for various veterinary diagnostic specimens (whole blood, serum, plasma, urine, feces, fluids, and/or tissues) as well as environmental samples (soil/water). This role requires performance of routine, repetitive tasks of moderate complexity, and the ability to troubleshoot routine procedures with considerable supervision.

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 analytical station and/or personnel. Reviews submittal forms and interprets test requests/client instruction(s). May file and/or catalog samples, specimens or other diagnostic material for archival purposes.

Testing: Performs liquid-liquid and solid phase extractions from biological or environmental matrices for analyte isolation. The technician will also perform additional testing such as calculus identification (stone like formations), bromide quantitation for therapeutic drug monitoring, and nitrate toxicity. Processes complex legal cases with considerable supervision. Serves as a section contact for colleagues from other sections; answer basic questions about tests and results.

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. Recognizes abnormal values to be further reviewed.

Client Communication: Contacts clients to clarify basic test requests, verify unclear sources/locations, and discuss inappropriate sample submissions. Delegates cases to a senior staff member or Veterinary Diagnostician for consultation, where needed.

Quality Assurance & Safety: Adheres and conforms to quality assurance, safety programs, and procedures. Assists in identifying incidents of nonconformance and noncompliance. Reviews quality assurance documents (Standard Operating Procedures, forms, etc.) to ensure clarity of instructions and perform 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 needed and trained, under the supervision of the maintenance coordinators.

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: Under the direction of leadership, mentors and trains new technicians by providing guidance, advice, feedback, and support. Ensures training processes are in accordance with SOPs. Maintains high levels of communication with Section leadership on training and mentorship progression, with subsequent documentation.

Teamwork & Cooperation: 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 work in such a way as to not expose myself or others to hazards that are avoidable by reasonable and approved methods.

Performs other job-related duties as required.

Additional 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.
• •This position is required to work onsite during normal business hours M-F 8 am to 5 pm, and may participate in flex scheduling by working M-F 730am-430pm or 9am to 6pm.
• •No travel is normally required; however, staff may be asked to travel in urgent scenarios. The analytical chemistry section is closed for testing on weekends; however, staff may be asked to verify instrument status on occasion (typically one Sunday every 12 weeks, less than 2 hours of labor).
• •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. 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.
• •Ability 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 laboratory, diagnostic laboratory, or veterinary experience, with preference given to professional lab or technician expe