Job Description

Job Summary
This recruitment will be used to fill one full-time Medical Laboratory Technician 2 position for the Oregon Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory at Oregon State University (OSU).

This position performs specialized functions to support the Oregon Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory (VDL). This position provides support for the Business Office and Receiving sections of the Laboratory. Duties include accepting and examining diagnostic specimens for testing; accessioning specimens into the VDL laboratory information management system; labeling specimens; maintaining chain of custody records; and distribution of specimens to section laboratories.

The Carlson College of Veterinary Medicine provides professional and graduate programs for veterinary students, leading to DVM, MS, and PhD degrees, operates both a Large and a Small Animal Teaching Hospital, and State Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratories. The College operates within a total budget (from all sources) approximating $16 million annually, which supports educational programs, veterinary medical and diagnostic public services, and research programs with broad impacts related to animal and human health. The College employs approximately 150 faculty and staff, plus student workers.
Why OSU?
Working for Oregon State University is so much more than a job!

Oregon State University is a dynamic community of dreamers, doers, problem-solvers and change-makers. We don’t wait for challenges to present themselves — we seek them out and take them on. We welcome students, faculty and staff from every background and perspective into a community where everyone feels seen and heard. We have deep-rooted mindfulness for the natural world and all who depend on it, and together, we apply knowledge, tools and skills to build a better future for all.

FACTS:

• Top 1.4% university in the world
• More research funding than all public universities in Oregon combined
• 1 of 3 land, sea, space and sun grant universities in the U.S.
• 2 campuses, 11 colleges, 12 experiment stations, and Extension programs in all 36 counties
• 7 cultural resource centers that offer education, celebration and belonging for everyone
• 100+ undergraduate degree programs, 80+ graduate degrees plus hundreds of minor options and certificates
• 35k+ students including more than 2.3k international students and 10k students of color
• 217k+ alumni worldwide
• For more interesting facts about OSU visit: https://oregonstate.edu/about

Locations:

Oregon State has a statewide presence with campuses in Corvallis and Bend, the OSU Portland Center and the Hatfield Marine Science Center on the Pacific Coast in Newport.

Oregon State’s beautiful, historic and state-of-the-art main campus is located in one of America’s best college towns. Corvallis is located close to the Pacific Ocean, the Cascade mountains and Oregon wine country. Nestled in the heart of the Willamette Valley, this beautiful city offers miles of mountain biking and hiking trails, a river perfect for boating or kayaking and an eclectic downtown featuring local cuisine, popular events and performances.

Total Rewards Package:

Oregon State University offers a comprehensive benefits package with benefits eligible positions that is designed to meet the needs of employees and their families including:
• Medical, Dental, Vision and Basic Life. OSU pays 95% of premiums for you and your eligible dependents.
• Free confidential mental health and emotional support services, and counseling resources.
• Retirement savings paid by the university.
• A generous paid leave package, including holidays, vacation and sick leave.
• Tuition reduction benefits for you or your qualifying dependents at OSU or the additional six Oregon Public Universities.
• Robust Work Life programs including Dual Career assistance resources, flexible work arrangements, a Family Resource Center, Affinity Groups and an Employee Assistance Program.

Future and current OSU employees can use the Benefits Calculator to learn more about the full value of the benefits provided at OSU.
Key Responsibilities
60% Sample receipt, accessioning, preparation, and delivery: Unpack diagnostic specimens received through parcel carriers, from the CCVM Veterinary Teaching Hospital, and dropped off by clients, following safety/security protocols. Visually inspect specimens, ensuring acceptability for testing, assess integrity of specimen container and note condition upon receipt, specimen type, number received, etc. Verify that the correct specimen was received for the type of test that is being requested, match identification on specimen to what is listed on submission form, and accession specimens into the laboratory information management system (LIMS-data entry), entering all required information. Ensure all specimens are uniquely identified.

Prepare specimens for subsequent testing, through centrifugation, separation, harvest, refrigeration and freezing as appropriate using written standard operating procedures. Call clients as needed for additional information related to specimens or test requests. Prepare test request forms, label specimens, select appropriate specimen storage conditions, maintain sample chain of custody, and distribute specimens to appropriate section laboratories. Ensure that all specimens are handled in a timely manner and reprioritize accessions as necessary. Adhere to quality control practices related to specimen handling, transport and storage as required for accreditation with the American Association of Veterinary Laboratory Diagnosticians.

15% Client services: Assist veterinarians, veterinary technicians, veterinary students, and animal owners with sample-related issues, including availability of tests at the OVDL and outside laboratories, appropriate specimen for specific tests, acceptable container and transport for specimen, and appropriate paperwork. Monitor case status using LIMS. Train students and staff as appropriate. May phone results to other laboratories nationwide and be responsible for accurate communication of test run.

Cross-train and provide backup office support to the OVDL Business Office as needed, including answering phones, responding to client inquiries or directing inquiries to appropriate OVDL personnel, providing guidance on and collecting client paperwork, and processing payments.

15% Shipment of samples: Prepare submission forms and specimens for shipment to outside laboratories, following all relevant state, federal, and international standards for those shipments. Determine proper shipping method, prepare samples for shipment, pack shipments, assure preservation of samples during shipment, and deliver samples to shipping station or parcel carrier.

5% Inventory and Equipment maintenance: Take inventory and order supplies for the Receiving Section from approved vendors. This includes generating purchase orders, requesting quotes, use of a department purchasing credit card and ordering various supplies as needed.

Conduct daily visual inspection of laboratory equipment to ensure proper operation. Maintain laboratory equipment used in Receiving section, including cleaning, dismantling and lubricating the centrifuge, and looking for signs of corrosion or wear. Perform yearly tachometer check. Routinely clean the refrigerator/freezer unit and the Biosafety Cabinet.

5% Document maintenance and other duties as assigned: Participate in maintenance of the laboratory quality system, including completing documentation of non-conformances and corrective action reports. Assist in maintaining and updating quick references, standard operating procedures, and forms. Complete all appropriate trainings.

Other duties as assigned.
What We Require
A Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry, Biology or Microbiology; OR Two years of Medical Laboratory Technician experience preparing reagents, test media, and stains; performing standardized laboratory tests and examinations; and assisting occasionally in more complex, specialized testing procedures AND one of the following: One year of “technical trainee” experience as a Laboratory Assistant in a medical laboratory; Completion of a certified Laboratory Assistant training program; or A certificate or Associate’s degree from an accredited Medical laboratory Technician training program.