Lab Services Technician (Pathology Lab, Pathological Sciences)

 RUSVM

Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine (RUSVM) offers a unique program of training on the island of St. Kitts in the Caribbean. A cutting-edge curriculum, with innovative use of technologies and simulations, provides the best possible training for tomorrow’s veterinarians. Students benefit from seven semesters of integrated preclinical and clinical studies at our St Kitts campus, and one year of clinical training at our affiliate veterinary teaching hospitals in the United States, Canada, Europe and Australia.

Our ongoing research focuses on key issues strategically relevant to One Health in tropical and developing countries and includes zoonotic diseases, food safety and security, environmental health, and conservation medicine. We prioritize recruitment of talented faculty and are now seeking a key new member of our team to join us as we develop new programs to best prepare our graduates to face the global opportunities and challenges of veterinary medicine in the 21st century.

 

The Pathology Laboratory is critical to the RUSVM strategic plan priorities. The laboratory services technician supports the instructional program and the functioning of the Pathology Laboratory in the areas noted below. This individual will perform a variety of technical duties involved in the preparation of bodies and tissues for post-mortem examination, carcass disposal and the identification, preservation, and storage of teaching material to support the delivery of pathology courses. This technician provides help to veterinary students, pathology interns, residents, graduate students, and faculty pathologists working in the postmortem lab. The laboratory work environment has the inherent potential for exposure to dangerous materials and situations. However, risk of exposure or injury is substantially decreased through application of safe work practices and protocols. As a member of the pathology team, the laboratory services technician ensures the maintenance of a clean, sanitized, functional and effective post-mortem diagnostic laboratory that complies with environmental and safety regulations, particularly concerning exposure to chemicals and biohazard material. This individual assists with enforcing compliance with all pathology laboratory standard operating procedures (SOPs) by all laboratory users (faculty, staff, and students). Strong communication skills, initiative and the ability to work independently and effectively as part of a team are all required in this position. The individual must be able to work with both dead without being adversely affected by the sight of blood or unpleasant odors such as those from decomposed bodies and preservative chemicals.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Pathology Laboratory Duties

• Postmortem Lab Assistance:

• Assist pathologists and manager with post-mortem procedures which include teaching labs, research, and diagnostic cases.

• Assist pathologists and researchers in their research work during their sessions in the pathology lab.

• Liaise with the Ross University Veterinary Clinic (RUVC), other clinics and the St. Kitts and Nevis communities to ensure adequate specimen collection and case submissions.
• Prepare animals, tables, room, and instrumentation for autopsy, including laying out instruments and ensuring knives are sharp.
• Store samples selected by the pathologists in formalin or solution.
• Submit selected specimens for further investigation (bacteriology, clinical pathology, toxicology, histopathology, radiology, etc.) with accurate documentation.
• Prepare digital photos of each autopsy for archiving and teaching purposes.
• Store autopsy reports and affiliated lab results in the medical records.
• Organize storage of slides from autopsy, biopsy, and research histology.
• Always ensure that the Pathology Lab, walk –in cold rooms and external areas are clean and attractive by the implementation of daily cleaning protocols and refilling stock items.
• Coordinate the incineration and disposal of biohazard waste and biohazard materials.
• Liaise with the Anatomy team for private cremations and the return of cremains to clients.
• Assist with packaging microscope slides for the University’s contribution to Joint Pathology Centre.
• Any other duties as assigned by the Pathology Lab Manager.

• Inventory Assistance:
  • • Create purchase orders for stock items, items requested by pathologists and researchers using the SIMMS software.
    • Stock taking of laboratory supplies on a bi-weekly basis.
    • Update the pathology inventory database and share with pathologists and other lab users.

• Professional development and leadership training
  • Attend professional, personal and leadership development courses/seminars.
  •  Cross-train in different laboratories within the division.

• An undergraduate degree or diploma is biology or a relevant discipline, with experience in a laboratory setting.
• Good knowledge in Microsoft Office Suite, Windows, and database applications.
• Proven ability to communicate professionally in a corporate veterinary medical environment.
• Flexibility to work overtime, weekends and holidays.
• Physical endurance to withstand the demands of the job, which include heavy lifting and standing for long periods.
• Background in laboratory maintenance, animal handling, butchering, and embalming is desired, but not required.
• Strong knowledge of and experience with dissection instruments, equipment, supplies and procedures used in a post-mortem laboratory is considered an asset.
• Knowledge of anatomy is highly desired.
• Capacity to work independently.
• Organizational and communication skills are essential.

Equal Opportunity – Minority / Female / Disability / V / Gender Identity / Sexual Orientation