Job Description

Laboratory Coordinator I

Agency

Texas A&M Veterinary Medical Diagnostic Laboratory

Department

College Station - Histopathology

$24.63 hourly

College Station, Texas

Staff

The Laboratory Coordinator I, under general supervision, provides administrative, technical, and logistical support for the histopathology and necropsy sections of the laboratory. Responsibilities include receiving and processing tissue samples, including trimming, processing, embedding, staining, and creating digital images by scanning glass slides for electronic distribution to pathologists for analysis.

Responsibilities

This role involves inventory management within the histopathology and necropsy sections, including monitoring and ordering supplies and managing receipts and package inserts from approved vendors. The position requires the performance of routine, repetitive tasks of moderate to high complexity and the ability to troubleshoot routine procedures with minimal supervision.

The Laboratory Coordinator I assists with daily laboratory operations in the necropsy and histopathology sections. Duties may include, but are not limited to, routine testing; prioritizing tasks; reviewing MRT data entry; reviewing and releasing test results; communicating with clients; supporting quality assurance and quality control activities; maintaining proper records retention; and promoting safety and employee well-being.

Sample Prep, Sample Cataloging: Assists in sample processing by retrieving samples from Receiving and storage, checking samples into the section, ordering appropriate testing in TVMDL’s laboratory information management system (LIMS), ensuring samples are fit for the test requested, and distributing samples to chronic wasting disease or routine case trimming stations. Reviews submittal forms and interprets test requests/client instructions. Recognizes any discrepancies between tests requested and submitted samples and calls the submitting entity for clarification. May file and/or catalog samples, slides, specimens or other diagnostic material for archival purposes. Scans glass slides and distributes digitized slides to pathologists for microscopic review.

Testing Reviews submittal forms and interprets tests requests/client instructions. Visually analyzes samples and records notes on each, indicating observations, measurements, diagrams, and/or descriptions of the tissues. Ensures documentation meets quality assurance requirements. Trims tissues for automated processing, embeds tissues in paraffin and prepares slides for staining techniques. May perform special staining and immunohistochemical staining techniques and use automated equipment related to those techniques. Prepares paperwork and samples for shipment for referral testing, including packaging, and documentation. Communicates with section leadership and/or pathologists regarding optimal sample selection for referral testing. Secures, processes and reports referral test results following laboratory procedures.

Data Entry, Interpretation, Results Reviews, releases, and publishes accurate results, including those from referral laboratories, in LIMS. Ensures that documentation for all tests performed within the section meets quality assurance requirements in Laserfiche and LIMS. Reviews results from other sections, clarify conflicting test results and client requests, and alert section management or pathologists as necessary. Releases results to clients and regulatory agencies in a manner consistent with TVMDL's quality assurance requirements and turnaround-time standards. Performs and/or corrects data entry and adds test requests in the LIMS system.

Client Communication Communicates with clients by telephone and in writing to clarify test requests, verify the sources and/or locations of submitted specimens, and discuss appropriate sample submission requirements. Triages complex or high-level client calls to the appropriate professional staff throughout TVMDL. Assists section management with quality assurance activities and problem-case resolution, as directed.

Quality Assurance & Safety Adheres to and complies with quality assurance and safety programs and procedures. Assists in identifying incidents of non-conformance and noncompliance. Actively participates in quality assurance and safety programs. Reviews quality assurance documents (e.g., standard operating procedures, forms, and related materials) as directed to ensure clarity and accuracy of instructions. Completes training and testing within established turnaround times.

SOPs, Procedures, Forms, Other Documentation Ensures that case documentation, shipping records, referral testing forms, and accession paperwork are completed accurately and maintained in accordance with laboratory procedures. Assists in maintaining current procedural documentation and workflow practices within the section.

Supplies, Stock, Inventory, Equipment: Assists section management with ordering supplies and materials for the necropsy and histopathology sections, as needed. Participates in monitoring laboratory equipment and performs or schedules routine maintenance, as needed.

Administrative Duties: Assists section management with maintaining section duty calendars and serves as backup support for Diagnostic Technicians by assisting with unpacking incoming shipments and completing associated documentation. Completes and files or scans paperwork in a timely manner, including worksheets, forms, accession records, quality assurance and safety documentation, equipment maintenance forms, and logbooks. Complies with agency and state records retention and confidentiality requirements. May perform result entry and assist with routing paperwork. May also assist with performing financial analyses related to section protocols.

Training & Mentorship Provides guidance and assistance to laboratory personnel regarding LIMS processes and section workflows. Assists staff with troubleshooting case-related issues (i.e. test request-sample discrepancies, reporting, MRT data, etc.) and section standard procedures.

Teamwork & Cooperation Works collaboratively with pathologists, diagnosticians, section management, and technical staff to support the efficient operation of the histopathology and necropsy sections. Provides backup support to fellow technicians during absences. Maintains a cooperative and professional work environment while assisting section leadership and pathologists with case coordination and workflow management.

Other: Performs other duties as assigned to support the operation of the histopathology and necropsy sections and ensure the timely and accurate delivery of diagnostic services within the agency. Performs all work in a manner that does not expose others or oneself to hazards that can be avoided through reasonable and approved safety practices and procedures.

Additional Position Details:

• This position may participate in flexible scheduling, including work before 7:00 a.m., after 4:00 p.m., on weekends, or on holidays.
• 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. For information on TVMDL’s holiday schedule, visit our website.

Qualifications

Required Education and Experience:

• Bachelors degree in Biology or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• One year of related experience.

Required Knowledge, Skills, Abilities:

• Knowledge of word processing, spreadsheet, and presentation applications. Ability to identify, assess, and solve problems.
• Ability to multitask and work cooperatively with others. Ability to communicate clearly and effectively to ensure understanding.
• Ability to lift light objects. Work beyond normal office hours and/or work on weekends.

Preferred Education and Experience:

• Bachelors degree in biological sciences, veterinary technology, biomedical sciences, or related field.
• Two years of relevant experience including laboratory experience, MRT data entry and navigating laboratory information management system (LIMS).

Preferred Knowledge, Skills, Abilities:

• Knowledge of veterinary diagnostic laboratory procedures, general familiarity with histopathology and necropsy workflows, laboratory terminology, and quality assurance practices.
• Familiarity with sample handling, processing and testing, referral testing, and regulatory reporting procedures preferred.
• Strong organizational and communication skills; proficiency in LIMS, Microsoft Office programs, Slack, Laserfiche, general computer applications and histopathology and necropsy laboratory practices.
• Ability to manage multiple tasks simultaneously while maintaining accuracy and attention to detail. Ability to communicate effectively with pathologists, laboratory personnel, clients, and outside agencies.
• Ability to prioritize tasks in a fast-paced diagnostic laboratory environment while maintaining confidentiality and accuracy.

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.