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Title: Laboratory Technician - Clinical Organic Response Unit
$17.08 - $24.04 / Posted thru: 5-9-21
Work Location: Onsite Laboratory, Lansing MI
Purpose: The function of the Laboratory technician in the Analytical Chemistry section is to participate in a variety of laboratory support activities associated with the analysis of human specimens and biological samples of epidemiologic and environmental importance.
Duties and Responsibilities:- Duty 1 - 40 % of time - Under general supervision, the employee will take part in sample preparation and testing of samples within the Analytical Chemistry section.
- Ensure the acceptability of specimens/samples for testing
- Ensure acceptability and quality assurance of testing materials
- Prepare calibration standards, QC materials, mobile phase, and other reagents for PFAS and other testing in AC
- Perform serum extractions for the analysis of POPs in support of various biomonitoring projects
- Prepare clinical and environmental samples for the analysis of PFAS using the semi-automated sample preparation system
- Set-up samples for instrument analysis
- Ensure proper disposal of testing and specimen materials, including updating sample tracking and disposal logs
- Duty 2 - 10% of time - Under general supervision, the employee will be responsible for participating in other general laboratory support functions as required in the Clinical Organic Response Unit
- Operate the autoclave and properly manage and dispose of biological waste generated in the unit.
- Assist in the preparation of stocks, solutions, and reagents as needed, ensuring proper labelling, and adhering to storage and expiration requirements
- Assist in inventory management and supply organization as assigned
- Clean and maintain laboratory glassware for use in sample preparation procedures
- Perform preventative maintenance tasks on laboratory equipment including; cleaning, disinfecting, calibrating, and replacing consumable components of equipment as needed.
- Follow established laboratory safety procedures, policies, and practices at all times.
- Maintain accurate and up-to-date records of all work performed.
- Duty 3 - 20% of time - Under general supervision, the employee will participate in the daily pick up, sorting, screening, and accessioning of clinical specimens and environmental samples for the Analytical Chemistry Section.
- Retrieve incoming clinical specimens and environmental samples from designated pickup points in AC.
- Screen and accession clinical specimens and environmental samples by type of test requested.
- Prepare and enter clinical specimens and environmental samples by type of test requested.
- Deliver clinical specimens and environmental samples to the appropriate testing areas or storage location, with test requisition forms if required.
- Maintain the cleanliness of the clinical specimen sorting and accessioning area in AC including tools and equipment.
- Duty 4 - 5% of time - Under general supervision, the employee will participate in the entry of data into various computer databases.
- Enter clinical specimen and environmental sample data from submitter's test requisition forms into StarLIMS.
- File hard copies of specimen data from submitter's test requisition forms in the Unit's file system.
- Retrieve and/or distribute specimen data from archival databases and/or hard copy file system upon laboratory personnel request or public inquiry by mail, phone or FAX.
- Perform other data entry tasks as needed including but not limited to; entering of QC data from instrument analyses, working with laboratory scientists to input data and perform calculations for method validation or verification work, update and log reagent and supply inventory records.
- Duty 5 - 5% of time - Under general supervision, the employee will participate in the safe packaging and shipping of sampling supplies and kits for Analytical Chemistry tests.
- Properly pack and prepare PFAS water sampling supplies for pick-up or delivery to field staff, including preparation of field blanks and trip blanks as necessary
- Assist the Environmental Organic Response Unit (EOR) with preparing test kits for harmful algal toxin testing.
- Assist in the preparation of biomonitoring sampling supplies to meet various biomonitoring project needs, shipping sampling supplies to MDHHS staff or contractors, as necessary.
- Participate in federal exercises for shipping and receiving of Bioterrorism and Chemical Terrorism samples.
- Duty 6 - 20% of time - Participate in the various biomonitoring activities for the Analytical Chemistry Section by performing laboratory technician tasks in the field for off-site specimen collection clinics and specimen collection activities in the Mobile Lab
- Participate in clinic activities for the various biomonitoring projects by processing blood and urine specimens for the analysis at the BOL.
- Package and transport specimens from clinics to the laboratory for analysis.
- Support biomonitoring activities in the Mobile Laboratory by fulfilling laboratory technician responsibilities for specimen processing.
- Label and record participant information using RedCAP or other data management software required during clinic activities.
Qualifications/Requirements:
Education: A minimum of an associate degree in biological or chemical science (e.g., clinical laboratory science, biology, chemistry, etc.).
Experience: No specific type or amount of experience is required. A desire to participate in laboratory support functions in a variety of capacities is desired.
Important Skills and Characteristics:
- Ability to stand for long periods of time.
- Ability to stoop, lift, and carry large, awkward, or heavy boxes often in excess of 20 pounds in weight.
- Ability to enter data using a computer keyboard.
- Ability to follow written and oral instructions.
- Ability to work cooperatively as part of a team.
- Ability to communicate in a professional manner with the public.
Work Environment and Physical Requirements: An employee working with specimens of human origin is required to employ "universal precautions" in the laboratory; that is, to treat each specimen as if it were capable of disease transmission and to use personal protection devices such as gloves, safety glasses, and lab coats to prevent contamination.
Physical Activities: Standing, lifting, carrying, kneeling, bending, squatting, keyboard entry- daily.
Conditions/Hazards: Dust, odor, fumes, chemicals, noise- daily. Must have ability to work at a computer and operate normal office equipment. Job involves keyboarding and viewing a CRT or VDT screen up to 100% of the time.
RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE WORK OF OTHERS: No assigned responsibilities.
IMPACT ON PROJECTS, SERVICES AND OPERATIONS: This person is a key member of the team. This person also ensures that the needs of the laboratory staff and external clients are met in a timely manner and maintains professional relationships.
REQUIRED COMMUNICATIONContact Person/Group | Frequency | Purpose |
Supervisor | Daily | Supervision |
For purposes of employment standards, this classification is "Non-Exempt" from overtime provisions of the fair Labor Standards Act.
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