Technician I - Analytical Chemistry

Job Title

Technician I - Analytical Chemistry

Agency

Texas A&M Veterinary Medical Diagnostic Laboratory

Department

College Station - Analytical Chemistry

Proposed Minimum Salary

$17.45 hourly

Job Location

College Station, Texas

Job Type

Staff

Job Description

The Technician I, under general supervision, will assist the Analytical Chemistry section in the College Station Laboratory. This position will perform various extraction procedures on biological samples including urine, blood, tissue, hair, and feathers to enhance detection of drugs. This role requires performance of routine, repetitive tasks of straightforward to moderate complexity and the ability to troubleshoot routine procedures with considerable supervision.

Sample Prep, Sample Cataloging: Participates in sample processing by retrieving samples, ensuring chain of custody and sample integrity. Ensures samples are properly accessioned, entering case data into TVMDL’s laboratory information management system (LIMS), ensuring samples are fit for testing. Reviews submittal forms and interpret test requests/client instructions. Prepares reagents and mixtures.

Testing: Follows standard procedures in conducting or assist in conducting routine laboratory test methods, including solid phase extraction (SPE), digital and hand-held refractometry, and pH meter. Generates appropriate forms and test documentation. Uses and maintains laboratory equipment and other scientific apparatus including centrifuges, ball meal, balances, and pipettes. Performs all work in accordance with validated test methods, SOPs, procedures, employee training and proficiency, and equipment standards, as applicable.

Data Entry, Interpretation, Results: Reads, computes, and records observations, results, and measurements into LIMS. Ensures documentation for all tests performed in the section meets quality assurance requirements.

Client Communication: Communicates with clients requesting basic testing details and capabilities.

Quality Assurance & Safety: Adheres to and conforms to quality assurance and safety programs and procedures. Assists in identifying incidents of nonconformance and noncompliance. Actively participates in quality assurance and safety programs.

SOPs, Procedures, Forms, Other Documentation: Reviews quality assurance documents to ensure clarity of instructions for entry-level Technicians.

Research, Reference Materials, Development: Assists in research and cataloging reference materials. Assists in researching new test methods.

Supplies, Stock, Inventory, Equipment: Catalogs incoming supplies and stock inventory. Informs management when supply inventory is low.

Administrative Roles: Files, copies, and scans relevant paperwork, including worksheets, forms, accession forms, regulatory forms, quality assurance and safety documentation, equipment maintenance forms, and logbooks.

Training and Mentorship: Cross-trains in duties with other Technicians. Provides backup to fellow Technicians in case of absence. Completes proficiency tests for assigned assays.

Teamwork & Cooperation: Fosters laboratory teamwork, cooperation, professional standards, and communication. Participates in cross-training with fellow Technicians in sections throughout the laboratory.

Other: Work shall be performed with adherence to federal, state, Texas A&M University System, and TVMDL safety rules, regulations, policies, and procedures. Performs work to avoid exposing oneself or others to avoidable hazards by reasonable and approved methods. May participate in flex scheduling, including work prior to 8 AM, after 5 PM, on weekends, or on holidays. 

Position Details:

• This position is enrolled in TVMDL’s Salary Step Program, guaranteeing two pay increases in the first 18 months of employment for satisfactory performance.

• This position is required to work onsite during normal business hours M-F 8 AM to 5 PM.

• 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. 

• This position may have access to equine or greyhound racing drug testing samples, records, and/or data and as such, the incumbent must have no financial interest in racehorses, racing greyhounds, or a racetrack, or any other conflict of interest within the racing industry. Furthermore, such employees shall have no investments in any racetrack nor receive any remuneration from a racetrack association, nor own or lease a racehorse or racing greyhound that is racing in the State of Texas. The incumbent may be required to consent to a background investigation through by the Texas Department of Public Safety including, but not limited to, fingerprinting of all TVMDL staff involved in drug testing for livestock and race animals.  

Required Education and Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree in a related field or any equivalent combination of training and experience. 

• Knowledge of laboratory equipment, scientific apparatus, and computer equipment. 

• Ensure attention to detail. 

• Able to multitask and work cooperatively with others. 

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills. 

Preferred Education and Experience: 

• Bachelor’s degree in biomedical science, animal science, chemistry, or a related discipline with lab/lecture coursework in chemistry. 

• Experience in a clinical lab, veterinary diagnostic lab, veterinary clinic, or other animal-related occupation. 

• Basic knowledge and use of laboratory and computer equipment. 

• Knowledge of basic scientific/veterinary/medical terminology. 

• Previous experience working with animal tissues and bodily fluids.

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/Affirmative Action/Veterans/Disability Employer.