Laboratory Assistant

Laboratory Assistant ? Houston



POSITION INFORMATION:

Assists laboratory personnel in the performance of standard laboratory tests on human and other specimens.  Typical duties may include:

 

? Receives patient specimens such as blood, urine, feces, pulmonary fluids, gastro-intestinal fluids, body carry fluids, and sputum slides with standard laboratory request forms providing information such as patient's name and tests to be performed by licensed personnel; verifies patient's name and permanent file number by matching information on request form and specimen container.

? Logs in specimen information such as patient's name, permanent file number, and hospital ward number in laboratory log, worksheet or computer; routes specimen to appropriate work station or laboratory for the standard tests to be performed.

? Prepares specimens for laboratory testing by adding fixatives or preservatives utilizing a prescribed technique/instrument appropriate to the type of specimen.

? Processes specimens for subsequent analysis by licensed personnel by performing duties such as making primary inoculations of test material to be cultured, and smearing and staining test specimens on laboratory glass slides and/or plates.

? Transcribes laboratory test results from laboratory reports/worksheets into a permanent log or computer; routes laboratory reports to patients' ward so medical personnel will be informed of laboratory findings.

? Prepares specific quantities of media, reagents (including acids) and other solutions and compounds by mixing components to standard ratios using laboratory apparatus such as balances, volumetric and graduated cylinders following written procedures; lifts and moves containers holding several gallons or other substantial quantity of constituent parts or compounds produced.

? Performs scheduled routine maintenance on miscellaneous devices such as microscopes and centrifuges.

? Maintains laboratory supplies and equipment by cleaning stain set-ups and filters; refresh or replace solutions according to department policies and procedures.

? Responds to telephone inquiries regarding laboratory test results and routes technical inquiries to higher level personnel.

 

The position:

 Is responsible for 24 hour 7 days a week coverage for BioWatch/ LRN laboratory responses during a BT event as directed by the supervisor.  Requires some work on weekends and holidays as directed by the supervisor.  May require work past 5 p.m. as required to complete assigned duties as directed by the supervisor.  May require passing a United States SECRET security clearance.Requires donation of an annual stored blood sample.

 

KNOWLEDGE REQUIRED BY THE POSITION:

 

Knowledge of established scientific methods and techniques of microbiology to perform recurring assignments of moderate difficulty (i.e., the methods and techniques are well established, apply to most situations encountered and do not require significant deviation from established methods) or discrete portions of more complex projects. 

 

Necessary knowledge and background include:Six months' experience in laboratory work in a public health, medical or biological laboratory; orCompletion of a course in laboratory science such as general chemistry or bacteriology.

Desirable skills include:Organizational and record-keeping skills to ensure adequate reagents and materials for 24/7 operation

 SUPERVISORY CONTROLS

 

This position works under the technical and administrative direction of higher-level laboratory personnel. Positions are found in a laboratory setting and perform a variety of tasks such as logging in patient specimens, adding fixatives and preservatives to specimens, smearing specimens onto microscopic glass slides, transcribing laboratory tests results into a computer, preparing media and reagents.

 

 PHYSICAL DEMANDS

 

The work requires no special physical demands.  It may involve some walking, standing, bending, or lifting and carrying of light to moderately light items.

 WORK ENVIROMNENT

 

The work is performed in a microbiology laboratory under either BSL 2 or 3, as appropriate.  The samples may contain highly lethal pathogens.

 

Incumbent shall follow all biosafety guidelines related to the research program.  This position places the incumbent at risk of potential exposure to Hepatitis B, as well as other pathogenic microbes and viruses.  Work location is the public health laboratory for State of Michigan in Lansing.

 

 

SALARY & BENEFITS



 

This is a part-time position with hours set by the local supervisor.  The salary for this position ranges from $15.78 to $19.98 hourly.  Also included is a full compliment of benefits including paid vacation, medical, dental, vision and life insurance.

 

TO REPLY TO THIS ANNOUNCEMENT



Please apply online by July 14, 2006