Laboratory Technician I
The Laboratory Technician I is responsible for sample and data management for the Carthage Veterinary Service Laboratory. This position will perform technical lab work requiring strong skills including ELISA (Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assay) and rt-PCR (Real-Time Polymerase Chain Reaction) as well as working with bacterial and mammalian cell culture. The Laboratory Technician I will process specimens, perform molecular techniques associated with PCR, perform immunoassay (ELISA) and report diagnostic results to the veterinary team. This position will report directly to the Laboratory Director.
Duties & Responsibilities:
- Prepare, process, analyze and store samples according to standard operating procedures (SOPs)
- Prepares, packages and ships specimens according to SOP and in timely manner as needed
- Prepare and sterilize necessary media for organism growth according to standard operating procedures (SOPs)
- Ability to work in a fast-paced veterinary laboratory environment utilizing meticulous skills requiring a high level of precision
- Use/operate bio-safety cabinets, laminar flow hoods, incubators, centrifuges, microscopes, roller racks, spinner plates and shakers, vortexers, cell counters, analyzers, incubators, centrifuges, washers, and other supporting laboratory equipment
- Perform PCR-based techniques such as extraction of DNA/RNA, prepare Master Mix for PCR reactions, and analysis of run curves
- Document sample results into spreadsheets and databases as required
- Perform data entry and analysis and reports
- Work with hazardous chemicals and biological materials (handling and disposal) using appropriate PPE
- Perform and document quality control procedures to ensure instrumentation is functioning properly
- Use established checklists (daily and weekly) for all equipment and perform routine maintenance
- Monitor and report scientific progress to ensure that appropriate Quality Assurance (QA) and Quality Control (QC) procedures are followed
- Configure, operate and maintain specialized equipment
- Works independently and manages multiple testing protocols routinely
- Effectively manages projects and workload as assigned by management and the veterinary team
- Complies with company and departmental SOPs and strictly adheres to biosecurity policies and procedures to ensure QA and QC requirements are met
- Must be flexible with work hours, primary schedule is M-F 8:30am-5:30pm with occasional potential for extended shifts
- Must be able to work rotating holidays and/or Sundays throughout the year
EDUCATION & WORK EXPERIENCE
- Associate’s Degree, OR
- 2 year related lab experience, molecular lab experience and/or bacterial and mammalian cell culture experience preferred, OR
- An equivalent combination of education and experience
TECHNICAL SKILLS:
- Advanced proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite: Excel, Word, Power Point and Outlook
- Strong attention to detail and maintaining organized and accurate records
- A willingness to learn new techniques and procedures and equipment