Laboratory Technical Assistant

Department Overview

This position provides technical support for medical laboratory staff in the Microbiology Laboratory. This position is responsible for receiving and accessioning samples, preparing samples for testing, preparing reagents, handling Microbiology specimens and test media. Specimen processing and result reporting is performed independently after appropriate training. Supervisory review of results is required in the case of unusual/ complex results, procedural problems, or when dictated by policy or procedure.

The person filling this position will be of professional demeanor and perform their duties with an attitude, which will best serve the clients of the department. This position fulfills responsibility to the organization by adhering to all OHSU policies, and by performance that promotes teamwork, excellent communication, and the service excellence philosophy.

Function/Duties of Position

Specimen Preparation:

• ­Receives specimens for testing, prepares and labels media plates.
• ­Prioritizes work according to established procedures.
• ­Transfers and aliquots specimens for processing in a biological safety cabinet.
• ­Organizes and stores specimens after testing is completed.
• Handles microbiology specimens as urine, blood, lower respiratory cultures etc. ­
• Follows all procedures related to specimen processing. ­
• Ensures all specimens are properly labeled and meet specimen’s requirements. ­
• Performs Microbiology primary processing including properly making slides for gram stains and plating accordingly to different sources.

Answers multi-line telephone and performs client services duties:

• ­Inputs sample or specimen information from requisition slip into computer.
• ­Performs reviews of list in epic beaker.
• ­Distributes samples or specimens to appropriate work areas.
• Calls health care provider to clarify orders and report test results according to established policy. Triages phone calls into the lab.
• Communicates status of specimens and maintains a high level of customer service.

Materials Preparation:

• Prepares, reagents, chemical solutions, and other media according to written instructions.
• ­Manages and orders reagents and supplies on a periodic basis to ensure adequate stock levels.
• ­Runs quality control checks on material prepared and records all quality control activities.

Other Duties as Assigned

Required Qualifications

• A Certificate or Associate Degree from an accredited Medical Laboratory Technician training program; OR 
• Completion of a certified Laboratory Assistant training program which includes 45 credit hours in chemistry or biological science, plus one year experience in a clinical laboratory; Medical Lab Assistant certification preferred (CLMA(AMT)or equivalent); OR 
• Forty-five credit hours of college level chemical or biological courses and two years of  experience as a Laboratory Assistant in a clinical laboratory; Medical Lab Assistant certification preferred (CLMA(AMT) or equivalent);
• Must be able to perform the essential functions of the position with or without accommodation

Preferred Qualifications

• Recent experience in a clinical microbiology lab
• Medical Lab Assistant certification (CLMA(AMT) or equivalent.

Additional Details

Positions in the laboratory may require working flexible schedules including nights, weekends, and holidays; traveling between laboratories and sites by stairs, elevator, tram, shuttle or other means; exposure to body fluids, chemical hazards, working in a somewhat noisy and crowded environment; wearing gloves and other Personal Protective Equipment for long periods of time; experiencing occasional temperature control fluctuations in building.

Benefits:

• Healthcare Options - Covered 100% for full-time employees and 88% for dependents, and $25K of term life insurance provided at no cost to the employee
• Two separate above market pension plans to choose from
• Vacation- up to 200 hours per year depending on length of service
• Sick Leave- up to 96 hours per year
• 8 paid holidays per year
• Substantial Tri-met and C-Tran discounts
• Additional Programs including: Tuition Reimbursement and Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

All are welcome

Oregon Health & Science University values a diverse and culturally competent workforce. We are proud of our commitment to being an equal opportunity, affirmative action organization that does not discriminate against applicants on the basis of any protected class status, including disability status and protected veteran status. Individuals with diverse backgrounds and those who promote diversity and a culture of inclusion are encouraged to apply. To request reasonable accommodation contact the Affirmative Action and Equal Opportunity Department at 503-494-5148 or aaeo@ohsu.edu.