Laboratory Coordinator I

About the role

The Laboratory Coordinator I, under general supervision, provides administrative, technical, and logistical support for the histopathology and necropsy sections of the laboratory.

Responsibilities

• Receives and processes tissue samples, including trimming, processing, embedding, staining, and creating digital images by scanning glass slides for electronic distribution to pathologists for analysis.
• Maintains inventory within the histopathology and necropsy sections, including monitoring and ordering supplies and managing receipts and package inserts from approved vendors.
• Aids in daily laboratory operations in the necropsy and histopathology sections, assisting with routine testing, prioritizing tasks, reviewing MRT data entry, reviewing and releasing test results, communicating with clients, supporting quality assurance and quality control activities, maintaining proper records retention, and promoting safety and employee well-being.
• Assists with sample processing by retrieving samples from Receiving and storage, checking samples into the section, ordering appropriate testing in TVMDL’s laboratory information management system (LIMS), ensuring samples are fit for the test requested, and distributing samples to chronic wasting disease or routine case trimming stations.
• Reviews submittal forms and interprets test requests/client instructions. Recognizes any discrepancies between tests requested and submitted samples and calls the submitting entity for clarification. May file and/or catalog samples, slides, specimens or other diagnostic material for archival purposes.
• Scans glass slides and distributes digitized slides to pathologists for microscopic review.
• Reviews submittal forms and interprets tests requests/client instructions. Visually analyzes samples and records notes on each, indicating observations, measurements, diagrams, and/or descriptions of the tissues. Ensures documentation meets quality assurance requirements.
• Trims tissues for automated processing, embeds tissues in paraffin and prepares slides for staining techniques. May perform special staining and immunohistochemical staining techniques and use automated equipment related to those techniques.
• Prepares paperwork and samples for shipment for referral testing, including packaging, and documentation. Communicates with section leadership and/or pathologists regarding optimal sample selection for referral testing. Secures, processes and reports referral test results following laboratory procedures.
• Communicates with clients by telephone and in writing to clarify test requests, verify the sources and/or locations of submitted specimens, and discuss appropriate sample submission requirements. Triages complex or high-level client calls to the appropriate professional staff throughout TVMDL.
• Aids in quality assurance activities and problem-case resolution, as directed. Reviews quality assurance documents (e.g., standard operating procedures, forms, and related materials) as directed to ensure clarity and accuracy of instructions. Completes training and testing within established turnaround times.
• Ensures that case documentation, shipping records, referral testing forms, and accession paperwork are completed accurately and maintained in accordance with laboratory procedures. Assists in maintaining current procedural documentation and workflow practices within the section.
• Assists section management with ordering supplies and materials for the necropsy and histopathology sections, as needed. Participates in monitoring laboratory equipment and performs or schedules routine maintenance, as needed.
• Assists section management with maintaining section duty calendars and serves as backup support for Diagnostic Technicians by assisting with unpacking incoming shipments and completing associated documentation. Completes and files or scans paperwork in a timely manner, including worksheets, forms, accession records, quality assurance and safety documentation, equipment maintenance forms, and logbooks. Complies with agency and state records retention and confidentiality requirements. May perform result entry and assist with routing paperwork. May also assist with performing financial analyses related to section protocols.
• Provides guidance and assistance to laboratory personnel regarding LIMS processes and section workflows. Assists staff with troubleshooting case-related issues (i.e. test request-sample discrepancies, reporting, MRT data, etc.) and section standard procedures.
• Works collaboratively with pathologists, diagnosticians, section management, and technical staff to support the efficient operation of the histopathology and necropsy sections. Provides backup support to fellow technicians during absences. Maintains a cooperative and professional work environment while assisting section leadership and pathologists with case coordination and workflow management.
• Performs other duties as assigned to support the operation of the histopathology and necropsy sections and ensure the timely and accurate delivery of diagnostic services within the agency.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Biology or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• One year of related experience.
• Knowledge of word processing, spreadsheet, and presentation applications.
• Ability to identify, assess, and solve problems.
• Ability to multitask and work cooperatively with others.
• Ability to communicate clearly and effectively to ensure understanding.
• Ability to lift light objects.
• Work beyond normal office hours and/or work on weekends.

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in biological sciences, veterinary technology, biomedical sciences, or related field.
• Two years of relevant experience including laboratory experience, MRT data entry and navigating laboratory information management system (LIMS).
• Knowledge of veterinary diagnostic laboratory procedures, general familiarity with histopathology and necropsy workflows, laboratory terminology, and quality assurance practices.
• Familiarity with sample handling, processing and testing, referral testing, and regulatory reporting procedures preferred.
• Strong organizational and communication skills; proficiency in LIMS, Microsoft Office programs, Slack, Laserfiche, general computer applications and histopathology and necropsy laboratory practices.
• Ability to manage multiple tasks simultaneously while maintaining accuracy and attention to detail.
• Ability to communicate effectively with pathologists, laboratory personnel, clients, and outside agencies.
• Ability to prioritize tasks in a fast-paced diagnostic laboratory environment while maintaining confidentiality and accuracy.