The Laboratory Technician will undertake various laboratory procedures of a technical nature, including handling sensitive equipment to perform tests on biological specimens. They will help optimize laboratory procedures and produce reliable results that will be used in marine mammal care, treatment, and research.
Essential Functions
Clinical Lab: 65%
- Quality Control and Assurance (QC/QA) checks of clinical laboratory analyzers
- Operates clinical laboratory equipment, including, but not limited to hematology and serum biochemistry analyzers
- Performs urinalysis dipstick and urine specific gravity
- Stains cytology and blood smears
- Performs gram stains for microbiologic organisms
- Prepares parasitology samples
- Tracks specimens in database in accordance with standards set forth within the organization
- Prepares and extracts samples for enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA).
- Assists in shipping samples for external diagnostic testing
Histology: 20%
- Trims histology samples from necropsy cases
- Assists in archiving slides, paraffin blocks, and formalin fixed tissues
- Assists in shipping samples for histology
- Assists in disposal of formalin and formalin fixes tissues
- Inputs data into database in accordance with standards set forth within the program
Biobank: 10%
- Assists with inventorying and archiving of the Center’s extensive biosample freezers
- Accesses archived biosamples for various research projects
- Inputs data into database in accordance with standards set forth within the program
Other Duties as Assigned: 5%
- Perform special projects and research as assigned
- Perform other duties as assigned
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
- Basic knowledge of methods and techniques of laboratory procedures
- Knowledge of observational skills for laboratory procedures
- Knowledge of basic principles of mammalian anatomy and physiology
- Skills operating Microsoft Office Suite, including spreadsheet, word processing, presentation, and email programs
- Ability to operate equipment safely and competently to carry out their duties
- Understand and follow written and oral instructions and priorities as set by management
- Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing
- Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work, which includes volunteers, interns, staff, and others
- Willingness to support and participate in The Marine Mammal Center’s diversity, equity, and inclusion programs
- Communicate and interact effectively with people across cultures, ethnic groups, and identities
- Practice self-awareness and respect while engaging with people of diverse backgrounds
Qualifications and Experience
- Valid driver license with acceptable motor vehicle record to maintain standards of insurability
- Proof of COVID-19 Vaccination or waiver (medical or religious)
- Respirator Fit Test required which will be provided upon hire
- This position requires a combination of education and experience equivalent to a bachelor’s degree in biological or medical laboratory science or related field and experience in a laboratory setting, which can include time spent in a laboratory setting during classes or internships
Work Environment & Physical Requirements
- This position operates in a professional office, laboratory, and hospital environment both indoors and outdoors with access to other parts of the facilities via outdoor pathways
- Routinely uses standard office equipment such as computers, phones, photocopiers, scanners, and filing cabinets
- Routinely uses laboratory equipment such as Biochemistry analyzer and a Hematology analyzer, as well as centrifuges, scales, homogenizers and pipettes
- Ability to work at a desk for extended periods of time using a computer
- Ability to walk/stand in a laboratory setting for extended periods of time using laboratory equipment
- Working in outdoor weather conditions and elements may occur
- Ability to lift and/or move up to 30 pounds
- Ability to occasionally hike 5+ miles
- Exposure to allergens and zoonotic diseases
- Involves smells associated with animals and the care of animals
Full Benefits:
- Holidays
- Sick Time
- Vacation
- Medical, Dental, and Vision
- Life Insurance
- 401k Retirement Plan
- The Marine Mammal Center offers benefits to support the emotional wellbeing of you and your loved ones (Employee Assistance Program)
Compensation Range: $25.92/hr.
