Technician I, Clinical Pathology

About the role

Charles River Laboratories (CRL) is seeking a Clinical Pathology Technician to join our team at the Kansas site. This site is the first of its kind, bridging CRL’s Discovery and Safety Assessment business units, while bringing automation to standard lead optimization toxicology study models to deliver rapid study results to our clients.

Responsibilities

• Become proficient in on-boarding skills, procedures, and cooperating in a team environment, while learning basic skills required to conduct a study.
• Daily activities include sample labeling, delivery, aliquoting, processing, and verification; cleaning of lab and equipment; preparation, staining, consolidation of slides, and reviewing study ordered parameters and computer input of raw data.
• The Technician may also perform shipping and receiving activities.
• Complete all new hire training requirements while gaining proficiency in CP Tech II core skills and values.
• Operate general laboratory equipment (i.e. centrifuge, pipettes, water baths) used in the processing of biological samples.
• Perform biological sample management duties including labeling, delivery, aliquoting, processing, and verification; cleaning of lab and equipment; preparation, staining, and consolidation of slides.
• Monitor and perform tasks related to individual study assignments.
• Receive, process, track, and store all samples received into the laboratory; sample pick-up and delivery from/to the vivarium and supporting labs.
• Ship samples to external sites/locations and receive samples into the Site as needed – tracking shipping information.
• Aliquoting with disposable and mechanical pipette.
• Sample storage (cooler) preparedness and delivery.
• Cleaning – Centrifuges, Counters, laboratory equipment, etc.
• Labeling of standard nuncs and blood tubes.
• Observe and assist with technical/study related duties with guidance.
• Generate, update, and maintain data for department activities.
• Maintain and perform record keeping.
• Aid in training for less experienced staff.
• Perform all other related duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• Education: High school diploma or General Education Degree (G.E.D.) preferred.
• Experience: Experience in a laboratory setting preferred.
• Certification/Licensure: None, unless required by local government.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to manage multiple tasks and priorities to achieve goals.
• Computer skills (e.g., Microsoft Office Suite), commensurate with essential functions, including the ability to learn a validated system.
• Ability to ensure that a safe working environment is maintained by observing all safety procedures and working methods by making proper use of protective clothing and equipment, and by reading, understanding, and following all safety documents issued or notified of.
• Ability to ensure the integrity of the studies and fulfill the regulatory agencies requirements by performing the activities according to the Good Laboratory Practices (GLP), Standard Operating Procedures (SOP), Business Operating Procedures (BOP) and the Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC) rules.
• Ability to work extended hours beyond normal work schedule to include, but not limited to evenings, weekends, extended shifts, and/or extra shifts, sometimes on short notice.
• Ability to work under specific time constraints.

Schedule

Thursday - Sunday or Saturday - Tuesday, 8:00 a.m. - 6:30 p.m. (four days per week).

Physical Demands

• Must be able to lift, move, manipulate, and/or hold heavy objects up to and including 50 pounds; this includes work materials, equipment, and/or animals.
• Must be able to perform laboratory procedures, which require, talking, hearing, standing or sitting for long periods of time, entering data into a computer, using appropriate instruments, reaching with hands and arms, working in narrow spaces, and wearing safety equipment (PPE) according to OSHA regulations and company standards.
• Must be able to frequently hold and manipulate work materials while utilizing fine motor skills.
• Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, color vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.
• Works in a research laboratory environment, which requires use of sharp objects, working around mechanical parts, working with or near known or unknown toxic or caustic chemicals and/or biological hazards, exposure to fumes and airborne particles, working at noise levels ranging from quiet to moderately noisy.