Laboratory Assistant, Anatomic Pathology, Biomedical & Diagnostic Sciences: College of Veterinary Medicine

Laboratory Assistant, Anatomic Pathology, Biomedical & Diagnostic Sciences

College of Veterinary Medicine

The College of Veterinary Medicine invites applicants to apply for the position of Laboratory Assistant, Anatomic Pathology, located within the Biomedical and Diagnostic Sciences department. This position provides basic technical lab support to the anatomic pathology diagnostic service, primarily in the tissue trim room and histology laboratory. The position involves learning to handle and cut clinical tissue samples, learning to prepare tissue samples for microscopic evaluation (processing, embedding, sectioning and routine slide staining), and learning the processes of reagent stocking, solution preparation, equipment and laboratory cleaning, and entering data and filing of samples and documents.

Depending on experience and qualifications of successful candidate, individual will be hired in as a Laboratory Assistant 1, Laboratory Assistant 2, or Laboratory Assistant 3.

Qualifications:

Typical Responsibilities:

• Trim Room Activities
  • Receives new biopsy submissions, properly labels all paperwork and specimen containers and cassettes, prints labels, and scans paperwork. Learns to accession submissions and enters them into the computer system. Learns to cut biopsy and necropsy tissue samples to get appropriate representative sections of the lesion and relevant margins. Takes accurate notes about the tissues, how it was cut and which piece is in which cassette and completes the histology information sheet. Takes digital images of tissues, as appropriate. Compares the total number of cassettes to final number in paperwork. Loads tissue cassettes into the processor and starts the correct processing program. Delivers accession logs and histories to the office, cleans trim area, and places containers and left-over tissue from trimming in the appropriate storage area. Maintains and restocks commonly used items. Assists with other duties as directed by the area supervisor. Follows proper procedures of appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE).
• Histology support
  • Learns to perform routine histology laboratory procedures on tissue samples to prepare them for microscopic evaluation; this includes processing, embedding, sectioning, and routine slide staining. Uses and maintains laboratory equipment such as microtome, automated tissue processor, automated cover slipper, and slide-labeler. Archives blocks, slides and seal blocks. Learns the basics of special light microscopic stains. Stocks reagents. Prepares solutions. Works to keep the equipment and laboratory clean and organized. Assists with other duties as directed by the area supervisor. Follows proper procedures of appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE).
• Necropsy support
  • Learns to perform cleaning, decontaminating, sterilizing (if needed) and organizing of instruments, and counters. Organizes and handles carcasses. Maintains walk-in refrigerator logs. Learns to accession necropsy cases. Assists in submitting diagnostic samples for ancillary testing. Learns to trims necropsy tissues (as described above). Assists with other duties as directed by the area supervisor. Follows proper procedures of appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) and biosecurity.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Needed:

• Basic knowledge of Biology, Chemistry, or another Laboratory Science
• Basic computer skills
• Basic photography skills
• Ability to make coordinated hand and finger movements to grasp and manipulate objects
• Ability to lift up to 20 pounds without assistance
• Ability to sit and stand for long periods
• Ability to follow written and verbal instructions
• Must be responsible and a self-starter
• Ability to work effectively in a team environment
• Ability to interact professionally with veterinarians, students, staff, and technical support staff

Minimum Qualifications:

• High school diploma or equivalent.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Vocational or Technical Training, Associate's Degree, or Bachelor's Degree in Biology, Anatomy, or related field.
• Basic knowledge of laboratory/research techniques, equipment, and terminology. Additional relevant experience.

The Veterinary Medical Center is operational 24 hours a day, 7 days per week, and 365 days per year. Occasional weekend, evening, or holiday work may be required of this position.