Opportunity at a Glance
The Divisions of Laboratory Services and Pathology within the Biomedical Sciences Department at RUSVM are looking for a Senior Laboratory Services Technician for the Histology and Pathology sections. The individual will report directly to the Histology Laboratory Manager with a dotted line to Pathology Laboratory Manager.
Responsibilities
Histology Technical Duties and Responsibilities
• Retrieves specimens for processing from different departments: Ross University Veterinary Clinic (RUVC), Pathology Postmortem Trim Room, Research Principal Investigators, and Diagnostic Lab.
• Inking and description of surgical biopsies prior to trimming.
• Trimming of tissue as needed prior to processing.
• Embedding of tissue in cassettes while maintaining proper tissue orientation.
• Trimming and preparation of embedded blocks for and cutting.
• Processing the cutting of sections on microtome including the floatation of sections on water bath and mounting onto microscope slides.
• Rehydration of slides for staining.
• Microscopic examination of quality control (QC) slides to verify proper staining.
• Staining of routine H&E slides and other special stains.
• Cutting paraffin scrolls for PCR.
• Dehydration of slides for cover slipping.
• Maintenance of block storage including filing and block retrieval.
• Decalcification of calcified tissue
• Delivering stained slides to the Pathologists.
Pathology Technical Duties and Responsibilities
• Assist with organizing autopsy classes and managing the use of the Pathology Lab.
• Assist pathologists with post-mortem procedures which include teaching, research, and diagnostic cases.
• Liaise with the RUVC, other clinics and the St. Kitts community to ensure adequate specimen collection and case submissions.
• Prepare animals, tables, room, and instrumentation for autopsy, including laying out instruments and ensuring knives are sharp.
• Store samples selected by the pathologists in formalin or solution.
• Submit selected specimens for further investigation (bacteriology, clinical pathology, toxicology, histopathology) with accurate documentation.
• Prepare tissues for histopathology
• Prepare digital photos of each autopsy for archiving and teaching purposes.
• Store autopsy reports and affiliated lab results in the medical record.
• Organize storage of slides from autopsy, biopsy, and research histology.
• Dissect specimens as needed in the teaching program. Training in animal dissection and anatomy knowledge will be provided.
• Coordinate the incineration and disposal of biohazard waste and biohazard materials.
• Assist with the Packaging of microscope slide for the University’s contribution to Joint Pathology Centre.
Combined Duties
• Manage inventory including the creation of purchase orders using the SIMMS software; stock taking of laboratory supplies, updating of inventory and collection of orders from the Purchasing Department.
• Assist with the preparation of the annual budget.
• Assist with the development and revision of SOPs and maintenance of Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) as needed
• Prepare and maintain solutions/reagents in accordance with the established SOPs.
• Operate and maintain laboratory equipment used in the operations.
• Cleaning and maintenance of laboratory spaces including equipment, cold rooms/freezers, and external areas where applicable.
• Use of Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS) VADDS which include entering of retroactive cases, ordering tests, management of cases and invoicing.
• Manage and process requests from Pathologists for specimens/slides to be sent for external testing to reference laboratory.
• Collaborate with team to develop new initiatives, projects, and services.
• Any other duties assigned by management.
Professional Veterinary Student Teaching
May assist with teaching laboratory-related subject matter to students under the direction and guidance of the instructional team. Opportunities to participate in instructional activities may be available based on the employee’s interest, experience, competency, and departmental needs
The technician will assist the students in their laboratory workups during their practical training and train the students to have good laboratory practice.
Assist the instructional team with the preparation of learning material of the various laboratory disciplines.
Technician will lead on setting up and breaking down of student labs. This includes all necessary preparations, collections, clean-up, and proper disposal for the following student labs:
• Microanatomy: Following successful completion of training and demonstration of competency in Histology and Pathology laboratory operations, contribute to the training of DVM students in the use of the light microscope and provide support for Direct Observed Preclinical Procedure (DOPPS) activities as required. Opportunities to participate in student assessment activities may be introduced as competency and experience are developed.
• Help develop more advanced training and assessment in light microscopy and associated histological techniques for DVM students as required which may include digital modalities.
Be capable of mentoring students who engage in research projects, assisting, and aiding them in any of the above-described techniques.
- Minimum of a Bachelor’s Degree in Biological Sciences, or preferably higher, and additional years of experience in a Histology laboratory setting is required
- Histotechnician or Histotechnologist Certification (HTL, ASCP) desired
- Good knowledge in Microsoft Office Suite, Windows, and database applications.
- Ability to effectively communicate professionally in a corporate veterinary medical environment.
- Flexibility to work overtime, weekends and holidays.
- Physical endurance to withstand the demands of the job, which includes heavy lifting and standing for extended periods.
- Background in laboratory maintenance, animal handling, butchering, and embalming is desired, but not required.
- Strong knowledge of and experience with instruments, equipment, supplies, and procedures used in a histology and post-mortem laboratory is considered an asset.
- Knowledge of animal anatomy is highly desired.
- Good spatial ability to perceive three-dimensional and geometric relationships when cutting paraffin blocks and making embedded molds.
- Competent finger dexterity required to manipulate the micro-thin tissue sections and to mount onto microscope slides
Safety
The successful candidate must adhere to all laboratory safety guidelines established by the institution. These safety procedures include successful completion of laboratory safety trainings; knowledge of basic laboratory safety; emergency procedures; personal protective equipment; and appropriate disposal of biohazard waste. The technician will also be required to stay abreast of all administrative policies and procedures that are available in laboratory safety manuals, material safety data sheets (MSDS), and standard operating procedures (SOPs).
Professional Development and Leadership Training
- Enroll in continuing education courses on an annual basis that are tailored towards personal and professional development.
- Provide and support opportunities for colleagues to cross-train across the different lab departments in the Division of Laboratory Services.
Team Engagement and Enablement
Ability to supervise, motivate staff and promote a collegial work environment in accord with our TEACH values.
Equal Opportunity – Minority / Female / Disability / V / Gender Identity / Sexual Orientation