Assistant Lab Technician

Temporary Lab Assistant

M-F 8:00AM-4:30PM @ $23.00-$28.00 (Based on experience)

Target start date 3/1/26-May be able to move into a permanent role if great fit and we have the availability after April.

 JOB SUMMARY:  Work closely with Histotechs to prepare the lab for daily operations, ensuring meticulous quality control and support. 

  JOB RESPONSIBILITIES   

• Quality Assurance: Regularly change reagents on the H&E stainer and Processor according to established protocols, documenting changes for quality control.
• Accession and Data Entry: Accession and organize all specimens that are routed to the Urbana Lab. You will identify any issues, special handling, and verify patient data to collaborate with the team for efficient patient success and care.
• Sample Preparation: Melt and organize tissue blocks for cutting based on priority and testing requirements, ensuring efficient workflows.
• Collaboration: Work alongside the Histotech to identify discrepancies between cut blocks and stained slides, assisting in the verification process.
• Slide Preparation: Print slides with necessary patient information and maintain accurate records.
• Inventory Management: Assist with inventory orders, receive items, and manage storage of lab supplies. Must be able to work with heavy supplies and proper rotation of dated reagents.
• Quality Control Checks: Perform daily checks on lab equipment including the stainer, coverslipper, and ovens, alerting the manager regarding maintenance needs.
• Cleanliness: Responsible for assisting in the cleanliness of the lab to avoid cross-contamination and ensuring a free workspace within the lab.
• Safety: Ensuring safety at all times is to be expected. Must be willing to adhere to PPE guidelines and practicing safe methods when handling the specimens.
• Grossing: May be responsible for assisting in the grossing process after proper training. Willingness to handle patient tissue and make precise cuts for best orientation of specimens in later processes.
• Train others as needed.

This job description is not intended to be all-inclusive. Exact tasks and responsibilities may vary by location; employees are subject to the direction of management at the office, as assigned to meet the ongoing needs of the office and/or organization.  

POSITION QUALIFICATIONS        

Minimum Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent 
• Knowledge & Skills: Basic proficiency in computer applications, familiarity with QA and safety practices, and a keen attention to detail.
• Communication: Strong verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to work collaboratively in a team-oriented environment.
• Confidentiality: A commitment to maintaining the privacy of patient records and adhering to safety regulations.
• Computer Skills: A large portion of your responsibilities will be to work at a computer for data entry. Being able to work quickly and precisely at a computer are a must.

Preferred Qualifications

• Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree in a relevant science field (biology or chemistry preferred) is required.
• Able to work in a constant state of alertness and safe manner

 Physical Requirements 

• Frequent lifting and carrying objects weighing 0-25 lbs.
• Frequent sitting, standing, walking, reaching, and repetitive foot/leg and hand/arm movements.
• Frequent use of vision and depth perception for distances near (20” or less) and far (20’ or more) and to identify and distinguish colors
• Frequent keyboard use/data entry

VSD CORE VALUES

Having fun. We celebrate success and failure, we find humor in our daily lives, we create a fun atmosphere, and we enjoy being together.

Being a team. We care for one another and build each other up, we embrace diversity and inclusion, we collaborate, and we serve one another – forming a strong family bond.

Being resilient. We expect the unexpected, we embrace the need to change, `we are optimistic and grateful, and we are focused on our mission and vision.

Being accountable. We strive to provide value every day; we use data to continually improve, we continually evaluate competing priorities, and we deliver exceptional results.

Being courageous. We are not afraid to be vulnerable, we have ideological debates, we rise to the challenge, facing problems head-on, and we make the tough decisions.

Being entrepreneurial. We have an owner’s mentality, we set high goals, we strive to be a leader in our industry, and we manage our business and financial risk.