Diagnostic Technician - Bacteriology

Texas A&M University System • College Station, TX

8d • $22 • Onsite

About The Position

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 Texas A&M University College of Veterinary Medicine.

The Diagnostic Technician, under general supervision, in the Bacteriology section of the College Station Laboratory, will prepare and test blood, urine, feces, tissue, and bacterial isolates for diagnostic purposes. Techniques include bacterial and fungal cultures, antimicrobial susceptibility testing, and mass spectrometry microbial identification. This role requires the performance of routine, repetitive tasks of straightforward to moderate complexity and the ability to troubleshoot routine procedures with considerable supervision. The Bacteriology Section is a high-volume laboratory that conducts hundreds of tests daily on animal samples submitted by veterinarians and animal owners. Timeliness, accuracy, and the ability to remain focused in a high-volume work environment are vital in this position, as well as a service mindset and strong work ethic.

Requirements

• 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.

Nice To Haves

• Associates degree.
• Experience in a clinical lab, veterinary diagnostic lab, veterinary clinic, or other animal-related occupation.
• Experience providing customer service to internal or external clients.
• Knowledge of basic scientific, veterinary, or medical terminology.
• Skilled in the use of laboratory and computer equipment.
• Ability to perform repetitive tasks efficiently and accurately.
• Previous experience performing sterile techniques.
• Ability to comfortably work with animal tissues and bodily fluids, maintain focus under pressure, and meet deadlines.

Responsibilities

• Sample Prep, Sample Cataloging: Retrieves samples, visually analyzes samples for quality, orders appropriate tests in TVMDL’s computer-based laboratory information management system (LIMS), and distributes samples to the appropriate testing station. Reviews submittal forms and interprets test requests and client instructions. May file and catalog samples, slides, specimens, or other diagnostic material for archival purposes.
• Testing: Utilizes standard laboratory equipment, including centrifuge, biosafety cabinet, vortex, heat block, autoclave, and media sterilizer. Visually analyzes samples for quality and follows standard operating procedures to conduct routine laboratory test methods, including setting bacterial and fungal cultures, performing antimicrobial susceptibility testing, performing mass spectrometry microbial identification, and using microscopes to examine slides and cultures. Prepares reagents, buffers, standards, controls, and microbial culture media as needed. Completes proficiency tests and verifies ongoing competency for assigned assays.
• Data Entry, Interpretation, Results: Reads, computes, and records observations, results, and measurements into LIMS. Ensures documentation for all tests meets quality assurance requirements. Reviews, releases, and publishes accurate results. Recognizes abnormal results requiring further review. Ensures confidentiality of correspondence and reports.
• Client Communication: Communicates with clients via phone or writing to clarify test requests, discuss basic testing capabilities, and verify sample details or patient history. Ensures confidentiality of correspondence and reports.
• Quality Assurance & Safety: Adheres to and conforms to quality assurance, safety programs, and procedures. Assists in identifying incidents of non-conformance and noncompliance. Ensures documentation for all testing meets quality assurance standards. Performs training and testing within established turnaround times. 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. Generates forms, test documentation, and files according to SOPs.
• Supplies, Stock, Inventory, Equipment: Catalogs incoming supplies and stock inventory. Informs management when supply inventory is low, inadequate, or expired. Verifies instrument accuracy by running known control samples and analyzing control data. May assist in monitoring, calibrating, and verifying laboratory equipment.
• Administrative Roles: Files electronic paperwork in a timely manner, including 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.
• Teamwork & Cooperation: Works with colleagues in other testing sections and laboratories to coordinate testing for shared samples. Assists in training fellow technicians as needed. Fosters laboratory teamwork, cooperation, professional standards, and communication. Participates in cross-training with fellow Technicians in sections throughout the laboratory.
• Other job-related 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. Performs work to avoid exposing oneself or others to avoidable hazards by reasonable and approved methods.

Benefits

• 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.
• 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.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: High school or GED