Technician I

Job Title

Job TitleTechnician IAgencyTexas A&M Veterinary Medical Diagnostic LaboratoryDepartmentTvmdl Center LaboratoryProposed Minimum Salary$14.00 hourlyJob LocationCenter, TexasJob TypeStaffJob DescriptionAbout TVMDL:The Texas A&M Veterinary Medical Diagnostic Laboratory (TVMDL) was first created by the Texas Legislature in 1967 to serve the state’s livestock industry. Now as part of the Texas A&M University System, TVMDL has grown to include two full-service laboratories and two poultry laboratories serving veterinarians, livestock producers, and government agencies across the state and world. TVMDL has proudly served Texas as the state veterinary diagnostic laboratory for over 50 years. In addition to their history of excellence, TVMDL has also made positive contributions to diagnostic testing, veterinary medicine, and disease surveillance, ensuring future Texans and other stakeholders are safe for years to come.Annually, TVMDL performs over 900,000 tests from every state and approximately 17 countries. Each day, TVMDL tests hundreds of samples in an effort to protect our clients’ pets, livelihood, and Texas’ 18 billion dollar livestock and poultry industries. Employees work in the fields of science, technology, animal agriculture, and veterinary medicine. However, no matter the field, TVMDL employees contribute daily to the One Health/One Medicine approach of protecting both animal and human health through diagnostics.Working at TVMDL:As part of the Texas A&M System, TVMDL offers an array of programs to ensure its employees maintain a healthy work/life balance. These programs include health, dental, vision and System paid life insurance with a financial incentive to offset the cost of health benefits.Other standard benefits include:Generous retirement plans

Employee Assistance Program

Flexible spending accounts

Paid holidays, vacation, and sick leave

Opportunities to earn state compensation time

Wellness Release Program offering paid leave to exercise

Additional TVMDL employee programs:

Formal career ladder

Continuing education opportunities

A complimentary onsite fitness center with state-of-the art training equipment and showers

Free onsite fitness classes such as yoga, Zumba, and circuit training

Discounted diagnostic testing, veterinary care, and pet supplies

Staff appreciation events throughout the year

This position is enrolled in the TVMDL Salary Step Program, guaranteeing two pay increases in the first 18 months of employment for satisfactory performance.The TVMDL laboratory is a secured, state-of-the-art facility full of natural lighting with seating areas that offer a relaxing view of the grounds and pond. Each office is furnished with a sit to stand desk and ergonomic chair.If this sounds like your kind of place, apply today.Sample Preparation and Testing:Perform, assist, other personnel with case accessioning and data entry.

Perform, assist, and train other laboratory personnel on diagnostic work as needed including sample receiving, labeling, preparation, storage, and shipping.

Perform, assist, and train other personnel on bacteriological diagnostic procedures including isolation and identification of bacteria and fungi, using conventional procedures and commercial rapid kits, and antibiotic sensitivities.

Perform, assist, and train other personnel on running and interpreting serological tests including Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA), plate agglutination, tube agglutination, and agar gel immunodiffusion (AGID).

Daily register of temperatures in working areas, cold room, and refrigerators.

Perform, assist, and train other laboratory personnel on necropsy specimen receiving, carcass disposal, biohazardous waste disposal, etc.

Perform, assist, and train other personnel on reagent and media preparation, which includes measuring, mixing, sterilization, and dispensing into tubes or plates.

Perform, assist and train other personnel on cleaning and sterilization of glassware and supplies.

Perform, assist, and train other personnel on maintenance, cleaning, and disinfecting of laboratory and laboratory equipment, as required.

Assisting with necropsy, and sample collection for serology, bacteriology, molecular genetics, and histopathology, as well as disposing and incinerating carcasses.

Participation in validation and implementation of diagnostic assays.

Quality Assurance & Safety:Maintain quality control records for bacteriology testing.

Assist with maintaining control records for serological testing performed.

Perform quality control procedures on all media prepared.

Assist with keeping updated the diagnostic equipment maintenance.

Assist with development, maintenance, and oversight of the quality assurance and safety programs in the Center laboratory.

Assist with conducting necessary steps that serve to validate and standardize test procedures and techniques utilized.

Participate in TVMDL Quality System Management and Safety Committees.

Assist with other laboratory operations including miscellaneous quality control, safety, and biosecurity.

Identify and initiate proactive solutions to quality assurance and safety issues.

Assist with audits and visits by external clientele and agencies.

Assist with safe handling, disposal of hazardous chemicals

Communication:Assist with answering the phone providing information requested by the clients or redirecting the phone calls properly.

Other Duties:Assist with supply inventory, ordering, receiving, and perform restocking of supplies.

Perform other miscellaneous procedures, which may require moderate lifting.

Perform other job related duties as required.

Required Education and Experience:Bachelor's degree in a related field or any equivalent combination of training and experience.

No prior experience required.

Required Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:Knowledge of laboratory equipment, scientific apparatus and computer equipment.

Ability to multitask and work cooperatively with others.

Preferred Education and Experience:​Education: Bachelor of Sciences degree in the field of biology (medical or agriculture preferred), or any equivalent combination of training and experience.

Experience: No prior experience required.

Licenses, Certifications, or Registrations: Valid driver’s license.

Preferred Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:Knowledge: Diagnostic microbiology (bacteriology and mycology), serological diagnostic test including Enzyme-Linked ImmunoSorbent Assay (ELISA), plate agglutination, tube agglutination, agar gel immunodiffusion (AGID). Good laboratory practices. Use of general laboratory equipment including autoclaves, centrifuges, balances, biosafety cabinets, incubators. Use of standard office equipment and personal computers. Working knowledge of Microsoft Word, Excel, Access, and Power Point.

Skills: Strong verbal and written communication and interpersonal skills.

Abilities: Ability to maintain confidentiality and use judgment and discretion. Multi task and work cooperatively with others. Ability to work organized.

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/Affirmative Action/Veterans/Disability Employer committed to diversity.TVMDL tests hundreds of specimens from clients across Texas, in neighboring states, and around the world every business day, The Texas A&M Veterinary Medical Diagnostic Laboratory (TVMDL) contributes significantly to protecting the health of livestock, poultry, companion animals, exotic animals, racing animals, and wildlife.As one of the busiest diagnostic laboratories in the nation, TVMDL delivers accurate and timely test results that are essential for early detection and control of disease — including more than 16,000 tests annually to detect high-consequence pathogens. TVMDL’s diagnostic services make a critical contribution to the One Health/One Medicine approach to protecting public health. Every day, veterinarians, animal owners, animal industries, and government agencies depend on TVMDL’s globally recognized expertise.Texas A&M Veterinary Medical Diagnostic Laboratory is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action/Veterans/Disability Employer.If you need assistance in applying for this job, please contact (979) 845-2423.Useful Links:Information for Prospective Employees

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