Lab Technician

Description

Title: Currently “Lab Assistant” (generic); consider a more specific title like Pathology Lab Support Specialist or Laboratory Operations Assistant.

Duration: Through Fall 2026.

Core Responsibilities

• Support study setup and preparation.
• Operate specialized printers for scientific supplies (tubes, cassettes, vials).
• Manage metadata and spreadsheets for printing tasks.
• Follow timelines for necropsy-related supply preparation.
• Assist with inventory management and archiving (microscopic slides, tissue blocks).
• Complete paperwork and chain-of-custody documentation.
• Perform daily checks on lab supplies and equipment.
• Work under guidance of senior staff; training provided.

Environment & Safety

• Lab setting with chemicals; PPE required (gloves, glasses, coats).
• Respirator use not required but optional (N95 or air-purified respirators).
• Must be comfortable in a lab where animal necropsies occur (no direct involvement but exposure to euthanized animals and tissues).

Must-Haves

• Ability to work in a lab environment and follow safety protocols.
• Strong communication skills; comfortable asking questions and escalating issues.
• Organizational skills to manage multiple requests and tasks.
• Comfort with basic computer tasks (spreadsheets, data entry).
• Willingness to learn workflows and adapt to changing priorities. 

Nice-to-Haves 

• Background in animal science, veterinary technology, or related field.
• Experience in pathology, histology, or necropsy (bonus, not required).
• Familiarity with GLP documentation.
• Previous lab experience or internship (especially in similar environments).
• Histology certification (HT or ASCP) is a plus but not required.

Soft Skills

• Good communicator; proactive in raising concerns.
• Ability to handle multiple requests from different stakeholders.
• Adaptable and detail-oriented.

Summary:

• The main function of a Lab Technician is to perform routine medical laboratory tests for the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of disease.
• A typical Lab Technician may work under the supervision of a medical technologist.

Job Responsibilities:

• Set up, adjust, maintain and clean medical laboratory equipment.
• Analyze the results of tests and experiments to ensure conformity to specifications, using special mechanical and electrical devices.
• Analyze, gather and record test data to issue reports that use charts, graphs and narratives.
• Obtain specimens, cultivating, isolating and identifying microorganisms for analysis.
• May examine cells stained with dye to locate abnormalities.
• Consult with a pathologist to determine a final diagnosis when abnormal cells are found.

Skills:

• Verbal and written communication skills, attention to detail, and problem solving skills.
• Basic ability to work independently and manage one s time.
• Basic knowledge of the information and techniques needed to diagnose and treat human injuries and diseases.
• Basic ability to analyze data and accurately document and record results.

 Education/Experience:

• High school diploma or GED required.
• Associate's degree in medical technology or vocational training preferred.
• 0-2 years experience required.