Diagnostic Technician - Necropsy

Job Title

Diagnostic Technician - Necropsy

Agency

Texas A&M Veterinary Medical Diagnostic Laboratory

Department

Canyon - Necropsy

Proposed Minimum Salary

$21.63 hourly

Job Location

Canyon, Texas

Job Type

Staff

Job Description

Job Description Summary

The Diagnostic Technician, under general supervision, assists with necropsy procedures, collects and prepares samples, performs assays, and records and reports results for various diagnostic specimens.

Responsibilities

General Description

This work involves performing general duties necessary to provide assistance to the duty pathologist to include dissection of animal carcasses, brain removal, spinal cord removal, procurement of Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) and rabies samples, etc. The Diagnostic Technician operates a hoist to unload large animal carcasses; assists in processing submitted tissues for pathological examination; assists duty pathologist with completing forms, processing the tissues and clean-up of the work area as required; disposes of animal carcasses and waste as necessary; performs routine maintenance, calibration, and clean-up of equipment, floor, tools, autoclave, refrigerated spaces and tables in the necropsy floor; and sterilizing biohazard waste as necessary and properly disposing of waste following established safety guidelines. This role requires the performance of routine, repetitive tasks of straightforward to moderate complexity with considerable technical supervision and the ability to troubleshoot routine procedures with supervision.

 

Sample Prep, Sample Cataloging:

Participates in sample processing by retrieving samples, ensuring samples are properly accessioned, entering case data into TVMDL’s laboratory information management system (LIMS), and ensuring samples are fit for testing. Reviews submittal forms and interprets test requests/client instructions. Assists the duty pathologist or lead technician in proper sample identification and cataloging. Follows TVMDL guidelines and communicate with other testing sections within the laboratory for proper routing and storage of testing samples. Files and catalogs samples. Mixes formalin and disinfectants.

 

Testing:

Follows standard procedures in conducting laboratory test methods, including aiding the duty pathologist with tissue collection on necropsies. Generates appropriate forms and test documentation. Uses and maintains laboratory equipment and other scientific apparatus. Performs all work in accordance with validated test methods, SOPs, procedures, employee training and proficiency, and equipment standards, as applicable. Prepares reagents, standards, and controls as needed.

 

Data Entry, Interpretation, Results:

Reads, computes, and records observations, results, and measurements into LIMS. Ensures documentation for all tests performed in the section meets quality assurance requirements.

 

Client Communication:

Communicates with clients requesting basic testing details and capabilities. Contacts clients for clarification of tests requested or to obtain additional information about the samples submitted to necropsy.

 

Quality Assurance & Safety: 

Adheres and conforms to quality assurance and safety programs and procedures. Assists in identifying incidents of nonconformance and noncompliance. Actively participates in quality assurance and safety programs.

 

SOPs, Procedures, Forms, Other Documentation:

Reviews quality assurance documents to endure clarity of instructions for entry level Technicians.

 

Research, Reference Materials, Development:

Assists in general research, cataloging reference materials, and researching new test methods.

 

Supplies, Stock, Inventory, Equipment:

Catalogs incoming supplies and stock inventory. Informs management when supply inventory is low. Operates hoist and winch to unload large animal carcasses. Ensures that equipment (i.e. hoist, coolers and scales) in the necropsy floor are in working order and help coordinate necessary repairs. Stocks supplies as needed.

 

Administrative Roles:

Files, copies, and scans relevant paperwork, including worksheets, forms, accession forms, regulatory forms, quality assurance and safety documentation, equipment maintenance forms, and logbooks.

 

Training & Mentorship:

Cross-trains in duties with other Technicians. Provides backup to fellow Technicians in case of absence. Completes proficiency tests for assigned assays. Helps train new employees who will participate in necropsy work, which may include employees in other sections and individuals who require after-hours duty training.

 

Teamwork & Cooperation:

Fosters laboratory teamwork, cooperation, professional standards and communication. Participates in cross-training with fellow Technicians in sections throughout the laboratory.

 

Other:

Performs work with adherence to federal, state, Texas A&M University System, and TVMDL safety rules, regulations, policies and procedures. Performs work in such a way as to not expose others or myself to hazards that are avoidable by reasonable and approved methods.

Additional Details

• This position is enrolled in TVMDL’s Salary Step Program, guaranteeing two pay increases in the first 18 months of employment for satisfactory performance.  

• This position is required to work onsite during normal business hours M-F 8 am to 5 pm, and will participate in flex scheduling by working occasional weekends.

• TVMDL is located on the campus of West Texas A&M University (WTAMU). Parking permits are available from WTAMU 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. For information on TVMDL’s 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:

• Bachelor’s degree in a related field or any equivalent combination of training and experience (4 years’ experience with high school diploma or 2 years’ experience with associate’s degree).

• Experience working in a veterinary hospital or clinic with experience with necropsy and/or animal dissections.

• Experience in a laboratory setting. Basic knowledge of mammalian and/or avian anatomy. Ability to lift 50 lbs.

Preferred Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Ability to use laboratory equipment, scientific apparatus and computer equipment. Ability to take detailed notations regarding testing procedures.

• Ability to effectively communicate both verbally and in writing. Ability to multi-task and work cooperatively with others.  

All positions are security-sensitive. Applicants are subject to a criminal history investigation, and employment is contingent upon the institution’s 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.