The successful applicant will ideally have knowledge and experience in laboratory procedures and policies, microbiology, parasitology, and clinical pathology and must 1) are 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 should also be able 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 teaching experience and be able to communicate effectively with the professional team at RUSVM.
Administrative Duties
Candidate must possess the ability to function effectively in a supervisory role in the absence of the Diagnostic Lab Manager. Collaborate with management to ensure the lab policies, standard operating procedures, and quality assurance practices are complete, up-to-date, and readily accessible in accordance with any local and international standards including the AVMA. This individual should also possess the ability to train and mentor new hires.
Bench Duties
Candidates will have skills in the following areas with the ability to specialize in one or more areas.
Hematology
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 will include 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 routine chemistry analyses on blood serum and plasma. This includes analyses performed by use of a chemistry analyzer and any manual tests as required. Additional duties also 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 the following: being able to perform a fecal flotation, McMaster’s quantitative method, fecal culture, Baermann technique, identification of third stage nematode larvae, wet mount, and fecal occult blood test. Whole blood analysis includes modified Knott’s 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 involve the cleaning, washing and regular maintenance of laboratory instruments and equipment. Ensure that the laboratory is clean, organized, and well maintained. This includes but not limited to sterilization and proper disposal of waste material. Maintaining regular inventory of basic reagents and supplies; and informing the lab manager/administrative assistant 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 assist the students in their laboratory workups during their practical training and train the students to have good laboratory practice.
Assist the instructional team with the preparation of learning material of the various laboratory disciplines.
Technician will lead on setting up and breaking down of 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)
• Parasitology (helminthology, protozoology, and entomology).
Be capable of mentoring students who engage in research projects, assisting, and aiding them in any of the above-described techniques.
________________________________________
Safety
The successful candidate must adhere to all laboratory safety guidelines established by the institution. These safety procedures include successful completion of laboratory safety trainings; knowledge of basic laboratory safety; emergency procedures; personal protective equipment; and appropriate disposal of biohazard waste. The technician will assist in the autoclaving of biohazard waste consumed within the Laboratories. The technician will stay abreast of all administrative policies and procedures that are available in laboratory safety manuals, material safety data sheets (MSDS), and standard operating procedures (SOPs).
________________________________________
Team Engagement and Enablement
Possess and promote the ability to work in a team environment, and to relate to the team. Be willing to cross-train and provide support across the lab departments (Anatomy, Histology and Pathology) in the Division of Laboratory Services. Help in planning of social and community events including Medical Laboratory Professionals Week.
