Company Description
RUSVM
Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine (RUSVM) offers a unique program of training on the island of St. Kitts in the Caribbean. A cutting-edge curriculum, with innovative use of technologies and simulations, provides the best possible training for tomorrow’s veterinarians. Students benefit from seven semesters of integrated preclinical and clinical studies at our St Kitts campus, and one year of clinical training at our affiliate veterinary teaching hospitals in the United States, Canada, Europe and Australia.
Our ongoing research focuses on key issues strategically relevant to One Health in tropical and developing countries and includes zoonotic diseases, food safety and security, environmental health, and conservation medicine. We prioritize recruitment of talented faculty and are now seeking a key new member of our team to join us as we develop new programs to best prepare our graduates to face the global opportunities and challenges of veterinary medicine in the 21st century.
Job Description
The Pathology Laboratory is critical to the RUSVM strategic plan priorities. The senior laboratory services technician supports the instructional program and the functioning of the Pathology Laboratory in the areas noted below. This individual will perform a variety of technical duties involved in the preparation of bodies and tissues for post-mortem examination, carcass disposal and the identification, preservation and storage of teaching material to support the delivery of pathology courses. This technician provides help to veterinary students, pathology interns, residents, graduate students and faculty pathologists working in the post-mortem lab. The laboratory work environment has the inherent potential for exposure to dangerous materials and situations. However, risk of exposure or injury is substantially decreased through application of safe work practices and protocols. As a member of the pathology team, the senior laboratory services technician ensures the maintenance of a clean, sanitized, functional and effective post-mortem diagnostic laboratory that complies with environmental and safety regulations, particularly concerning exposure to chemicals and biohazard material. This individual has the responsibility to enforce compliance with all pathology laboratory standard operating procedures (SOPs) by all laboratory users (faculty, staff and students). Strong communication skills, initiative and the ability to work independently and effectively as part of a team are all required in this position. The individual must be able to work with both dead and live animals without being adversely affected by the sight of blood or unpleasant odors such as those from decomposed bodies, and preservative chemicals.
Pathology Laboratory Duties
• Manage inventory:
This involves creating purchase orders for stock items, items requested by pathologists and researchers using the SIMMS software.
Bi-weekly stock taking of laboratory supplies is done to improve the ordering process which eliminates shortages and over purchasing of lab supplies.
The pathology inventory database is updated and shared to pathologists and other lab users.
• Assist with organizing autopsy classes/ managing the use of the Pathology Lab. (Contacting pathologists, academic schedule organizers and students):
After an autopsy request received, this individual will assist in ensuring that the on duty pathologist is timely informed and student autopsy groups are properly organized. Students should be provided beforehand with autopsy class information and an autopsy report template to assist them with the successful completion of this academic requirement.
As a result of the increased use of the pathology laboratory by researchers and student clubs, more coordination is being done to properly schedule and manage the use of the lab. This involves constant communication with academic researchers and club organizers. To coordinate the use of the lab, a weekly calendar schedule is utilized to make sure the lab is available when needed to all users.
• Assist pathologists with post-mortem procedures which include teaching, research and diagnostic cases.
Teach students the proper post-mortem techniques when given the opportunity.
Assist with getting radiology results for cases of interest.
Assist pathologists and researchers in their research work during their sessions in the pathology lab.
• Liaise with the Ross University Veterinary Clinic (RUVC), other clinics and the St. Kitts community to ensure adequate specimen collection and case submissions.
• Prepare animals, tables, room and instrumentation for autopsy, including laying out instruments and ensuring knives are sharp.
• Store samples selected by the pathologists in formalin or solution.
• Submit selected specimens for further investigation (bacteriology, clinical pathology, toxicology, histopathology etc.) with accurate documentation.
• Prepare tissues for histopathology (Trimming)
• Prepare digital photos of each autopsy for archiving and teaching purposes.
Digital photographs are captured during autopsy and archived along with the autopsy case history.
• Store autopsy reports and affiliated lab results in the medical record.
• Organize storage of slides from autopsy, biopsy, and research histology.
• Dissect specimens as needed in the teaching program. Training in animal dissection and anatomy knowledge will be provided.
• Mix and maintain formalin and other fixative solutions.
• Ensure at all times that the Pathology Lab, walk –in cold rooms and external areas are clean and attractive by the implementation of daily cleaning protocols which include sweeping and mopping floors, tables and walls, refilling stocks items while also cleaning coolers sweeping and cold storage facilities on a regular basis.
• Coordinate the incineration and disposal of biohazard waste and biohazard materials.
• Assist with the Packaging of microscope slide for the University’s contribution to Joint Pathology Centre.
• Assist with preparing the annual budget.
• Any other duties as assigned by the Pathology Lab Manager.
Personal development and leadership training
Minimum Qualifications
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. Below are the minimum requirements of the education, experience, knowledge, and skills required to competently perform in this position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
Qualifications
-
Education, Experience, Knowledge and Skills
• Minimum of a Bachelor’s Degree in Biological Sciences, or preferably higher, and additional years of experience in a laboratory setting
• Good knowledge in Microsoft Office Suite, Windows and database applications.
• Proven ability to communicate professionally in a corporate veterinary medical environment.
• Flexibility to work overtime, weekends and holidays.
• Physical endurance to withstand the demands of the job, which includes heavy lifting and standing for long periods.
• Background in laboratory maintenance, animal handling, butchering and embalming is desired, but not required.
• Strong knowledge of and extensive experience with dissection instruments, equipment, supplies and procedures used in a post-mortem laboratory is considered an asset.
• Knowledge of anatomy is highly desired.
• Capacity to work independently.
• Organizational and communication skills are essential.
Additional Information
Equal Opportunity – Minority / Female / Disability / V / Gender Identity / Sexual Orientation
|
