Diagnostic Technician - Bacteriology

Job TitleDiagnostic Technician - Bacteriology Agency Texas A&M Veterinary Medical Diagnostic Laboratory Department College Station - Bacteriology Proposed Minimum Salary$21.63 hourly Job LocationCollege Station, Texas Job TypeStaff 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 Texas A&M University 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 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. Responsibilities Sample Prep, Sample Cataloging: Retrieves samples, visually analyzes samples for quality, orders appropriate tests in TVMDLs 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. Other: 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. Additional Position Details: This position is required to work onsite during normal business hours M-F 8 AM to 5 PM and will participate in a Saturday rotation with fellow staff members. This position is enrolled in TVMDLs Salary Step Program, guaranteeing two pay increases in the first 18 months of employment for satisfactory performance. 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. 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 TVMDLs holiday schedule, visit our website. Qualifications Required Education and Experience: High school graduation or equivalent combination of training and experience. Required Knowledge, Skills and Abilities: 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 Education and Experience: 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. How to Apply: Acover letter, resume/CV, andcontact information for three professional references(to include at least one previous supervisor)are required to successfully apply for this position. Applicants may upload all three on the application under CV/resume, pre-populate the online application using a LinkedIn profile,or attach the documents.Failure to provide all job application data or a complete resume could result in an invalid submission and a rejected application. Closed-toed shoes and long pants are required attire for the laboratory environment. Applicants must be authorized to work for any employer in the US. We are unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment visa category for this position. All positions are security-sensitive. Applicants are subject to a criminal history investigation, and employment is contingent upon the institutions verification of credentials and/or other information required by the institution's procedures, including the completion of the criminal history check. Equal Opportunity/Veterans/Disability Employer. All positions are security-sensitive. Applicants are subject to a criminal history investigation, and employment is contingent upon the institutions verification of credentials and/or other information required by the institutions procedures, including the completion of the criminal history check. Equal Opportunity/Veterans/Disability Employer. TVMDL is a member ofThe Texas A&M University Systemand Texas A&M AgriLife and includes four diagnostic laboratories serving veterinarians, livestock producers, and government agencies. TVMDL performs an average of 1 million tests per year on submissions from Texas, neighboring states, and around the world. TVMDL has proudly served Texas as the state veterinary diagnostic laboratory for over 50 years. Our work in diagnostic testing, veterinary medicine, and disease surveillance promotes animal health and protects agricultural, companion animal and public health in Texas and beyond. We invite you to explore our agency and discover what a career at TVMDL has to offer you. TVMDL professionals work with specimens from almost all mammalian and avian species.Staff work alongside some of the foremost veterinary diagnostic specialists in the world and have the opportunity to perform advanced diagnostic techniques as well as the tried-and-true classical test methods. Benefits options include: Health, dental, vision, and life insurance Retirement programs Employee Assistance Program Flexible Spending Accounts Wellness Release Program Paid holidays, vacation, and sick leave Opportunities to earn compensatory time TVMDL employee programs include: Formal career ladder Salary Step Program Educational Reimbursement Program Discounted diagnostic testing, veterinary care, and pet supplies Complimentary onsite fitness center, fitness classes, and showers at TVMDL - College Station