Agency

Department

About Texas A&M Veterinary Medical Diagnostic Laboratory (TVMDL)

Texas A&M Veterinary Medical Diagnostic Laboratory (TVMDL) is an integral part of the Texas A&M University System (TAMUS). It consists of four lab locations spread across Texas; two full-service laboratories located in Canyon and College Station and two poultry laboratories in Center and Gonzales. TVMDL is the only state agency entirely dedicated to protecting animal and public health through diagnostic testing.

TVMDL is a state-of-the-art veterinary diagnostic laboratory that collects hundreds of data points concerning veterinary diagnostics and population health each day. TVMDL is a state agency under the TAMUS umbrella that serves the veterinary community and is an independent entity from the TAMU College of Veterinary Medicine. 

Texas A&M System employees are eligible for health, dental, vision, and life insurance programs for employees and their family. Other standard benefits include generous retirement plans, Employee Assistance Program, Employee Wellness Program, flexible spending accounts, as well as paid holiday, sick, and vacation leave.

In addition, TVMDL offers its employees opportunities to participate in an educational reimbursement plan; discounted diagnostic testing, veterinary care, and pet supplies; a formal career ladder for advancement; and continuing education opportunities.

Position Information

The Diagnostic Technician - Clinical Pathology performs job duties that are multifaceted and requires the employee to prepare and analyze samples, run various laboratory instrumentation, perform assays, and report results for various veterinary diagnostic specimens (whole blood, serum, plasma, urine, feces, fluids, and/or aspirates). This role requires performance of routine, repetitive tasks of moderate complexity and the ability to troubleshoot routine procedures with considerable supervision.

Responsibilities

Sample Preparation, Sample Cataloging

Participates in sample processing by retrieving samples, ordering appropriate testing in TVMDL’s laboratory information management system (LIMS), ensuring samples are fit for purpose of test, and distributing samples to appropriate clinical pathology station. Reviews submittal forms and interprets test requests/client instruction(s). May file and/or catalog samples, slides, specimens or other diagnostic material for archival purposes.

Testing

Prepares cytological samples for pathologists. Performs hematological analysis of whole blood on an automated analyzer and manual microscopy. Performs clinical chemistry and immunoassay testing on serum/plasma using a clinical chemistry and immunoassay analyzer. Performs and documents required analyzer maintenance. Prepares reagents and calibrators using calibrated pipets. Verifies analyzer(s) accuracy by running known control samples and analyzing control data via Levey-Jennings charts. Performs urinalysis using manual methods and microscopy. Processes and performs testing on various parasitology samples. Performs simple enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) techniques and radioimmunoassay’s (RIAs).

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. Reviews and releases accurate results. Recognizes abnormal values to be further reviewed. 

Client Communication

Contacts clients to clarify basic test requests, verify sources/locations for cytologic specimens, and discuss inappropriate sample submissions.

Quality Assurance & Safety

Adheres and conforms to quality assurance, safety programs, and procedures. Assists in identifying incidents of non-conformance and noncompliance. Reviews quality assurance documents (Standard Operating Procedures, forms, etc.) to ensure clarity of instructions and performs trainings and testing within a timely manner. Is responsible for safe handling and disposal of hazardous chemicals when relevant.

SOPs, Procedures, Forms, Other Documentation

Reads, interprets, and performs all tests in accordance with standard operating procedures (SOPs). Reviews and recommends changes or improvements to section SOPs, forms or other documentation related to section protocols.

Research, Reference Materials, Test Development

Assists in research, cataloging reference materials, and development of new test methods as needed.

Supplies, Stock, Inventory, Equipment

Catalogs incoming supplies and stock inventory. Recognizes and informs management when supply inventory is low, inadequate, or expired in a timely manner. Performs and documents calibration and maintenance of laboratory equipment as trained.

Administrative Roles

Files and scans relevant paperwork into internal document management system as needed (including, but not limited to: worksheets, forms, accession forms, regulatory forms, quality assurance and safety documentation, equipment maintenance forms, and logbooks). Abides by agency and state records retention and confidentiality requirements.

Training and Mentorship

On proficient stations, mentors and trains new technicians by providing guidance, advice, feedback, and support. Maintains high levels of communication with Section leadership on training and mentorship progression.

Teamwork & Cooperation

Fosters laboratory teamwork, cooperation, professional standards, and respectful communication. Participates in cross training with fellow technicians in sections throughout the laboratory. Provides support to fellow technicians in case of absences or high case load.

Other

Works in conjunction with Diagnostic Services and Marketing to actively promote new or modified tests, TVMDL services or other client-education topics by writing and/or editing copy, speaking at conferences or meetings, or participating in TVMDL-sponsored exhibit shows. Assists/hosts/leads programs for 4-H students, career fairs, student tours and other lab guests.

Performs work with adherence to federal, state, Texas A&M University System, and TVMDL safety rules, regulations, policies and procedures. Performs work in such a way as to not expose others or the employee to hazards that are avoidable by reasonable and approved methods. Performs other job-related duties as required.

Additional 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.  

• Incumbent will be required to take a pre-exposure rabies vaccination series; TVMDL will cover all costs. 

• TVMDL is located on the campus of Texas A&M University (TAMU). Parking permits are available from TAMU at the expense of the employee. 

• Participate in flex scheduling by working 9am to 6pm  Upon adequate training, technicians in this section are required to participate in a Saturday rotation with fellow staff members. 

• 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. For information on TVMDL’s holiday schedule, visit our website.   

Required Qualifications:  

• High school graduation or equivalent combination of training and experience. 

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

• Ensures attention to detail.

• Able to multitask and work cooperatively with others.

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills

Preferred Qualifications:

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

• Clinical lab or veterinary experience, with preference given to professional lab or technician experience.

• Experience working in fast paced/high volume environments. 

• Experience with Microsoft software (Excel, Word, Outlook, Teams), Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS).

• Understanding of veterinary and/or medical terminology and anatomic locations.

• Ability to use laboratory equipment, microscopes, pipettes, and computer software.

• Works well in a team; communicates with colleagues and clients; prioritizes tasks and manages competing responsibilities; and meets deadlines. 

• Licensed veterinary technician (LVT) or medical laboratory technician (MLT) certification. 

Applicant Instructions

Applications received by Texas A&M AgriLife must either have all job application data entered or a resume attached. Failure to provide all job application data or a complete resume could result in an invalid submission and a rejected application. We encourage all applicants to upload a resume or use a LinkedIn profile to prepopulate the online application.

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/Veterans/Disability Employer.