Pathology Laboratory Associate

The pathology laboratory associate is a critical member of our dynamic, GLP-compliant pathology department across histology and necropsy teams and will be working closely with technical staff, lab supervisors, pathology manager, department director, and pathologists to ensure smooth and efficient daily laboratory operations. Main responsibilities include, but are not limited to, ordering, reagent preparation, maintenance of equipment, management of tissue blocks and slides, supply inventory, logistics, and waste management. This position requires timely, accurate documentation, adhering to safety requirements, effective communications, multitasking, and good time management organizational skills.

Salary range: $22.00 to $25.00 per hour.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Perform and assist with tasks to support necropsy and histology teams such as inventory of trimmed tissue cassettes for processing, labeling cassette and slide for necropsy and microtomy, cleaning of stained slides for boxing.
• Maintain and clean equipment, make service calls, change reagents on stainers, perform basic operations such as load or remove slide racks from stainers, wet tissue bagging.
• Monitor and maintain reagent and supply inventory, place orders.
• Accurately document tasks performed on paper or using LIMS.
• Maintain lab cleanness; wash and dry glassware in lab sink or using dishwasher.
• Archive study samples and materials, e.g. study binder, slides, blocks, images etc. Submit complete packages to DSU for storage as well as confirm accurate inventory/number of samples.
• Monitor quantity of lab waste, communicate with EHS representative regarding waste removal, transfer waste drums (55 Gallon) /containers to loading dock during waste pick by approved vendors.
• Perform shipping and receiving duties.
• Perform other duties as assigned.
• Comply with all policies, SOPs, and standards.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Education: Minimal: High School Diploma or Equivalent.
• Experience: 1-2 years of previous laboratory experience and familiar with lab procedures.
• Certification/Licensure: Driver’s license.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND OTHER REQUIREMENTS:

• Must be able to assist with laboratory procedures, which require talking, hearing, standing or sitting for long periods of time, entering data into a computer, using appropriate instruments, reaching with hands and arms, working in narrow spaces, and wearing safety equipment (PPE) according to OSHA regulations and company standards.
• Effective oral and written communication skills.
• Ability to multitask, prioritize, and work accurately under stress of time constraints and heavy workload demands. Ability to lift and move at least 50 pounds and transfer 55Gal drums of chemical waste using proper mechanical aids.
• Ability to work effectively as a team member.
• Flexibility and willingness to perform other related duties as required.Demonstration of excellent dependability, reliability, efficiency, accuracy, prioritization ability, problem solving skills, and teamwork.

WORK ENVIRONMENT:

• Laboratories with moderate noise possible and exposure to hazardous/noxious devices (e.g., needles, scalpel blades, etc.) and chemicals (e.g., formalin, alcohols, xylenes, etc.).
• General office working conditions, with generally quiet noise conditions.

COMMENTS:

• May require occasional duties on weekends and/or holidays.

All employees are required to satisfactorily perform the essential duties and responsibilities of their position. The essential duties and responsibilities listed above are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this job.