Career Center

This position will be shared 50/50 with Laboratory Receiving and Serology.

Laboratory Receiving:

35% - Diagnostic Sample Handling
Diagnostic Sample Intake
Facilitate the daily receipt of a high volume of diagnostic samples, while adhering to strict time constraints and deadlines.  Perform accurate handling, sorting and labeling of diagnostic samples based on submission analysis. Independently interpret submission forms, documents, data, and client history to determine an appropriate, case-specific course of action for the submission. Independently inspect and evaluate incoming diagnostic samples to determine their viability, quality, and appropriateness for further diagnostic work-up. Based on these evaluations, assign a priority level status to the case and initiate status level communications to downstream personnel. Demonstrate solid problem solving skills when handling submissions that arrive with incomplete or limited information.
Initiate advanced investigations on inadequate submissions by utilizing a working knowledge of client history, diagnostic trends, and testing expectations. Create a unique case number for each diagnostic submission based on the findings of the submission interpretations listed above and the testing requirements as assigned. Successfully navigate and utilize LIMS (Laboratory Information Systems) to create case numbers, track diagnostic samples, enter and edit client information and sample data, and extract test results and reports.

Diagnostic Sample Routing
Organize diagnostic submissions into groups based on their specific test requests and priority level status. Coordinate the distribution of diagnostic samples to downstream labs in a predetermined order based on the testing requirements and priority levels assigned to each case. Compile the corresponding documents and test requests for each group and distribute appropriately. Demonstrate excellent time management skills by adhering to strict time constraints, to comply with the testing schedules of downstream sections, and prioritize sample distribution accordingly. Inform downstream sections of incoming submissions of high priority, off-schedule testing requests, or changes to in-progress testing.

15% - Client Coordinator /Administrative Duties
Perform light duties as needed including specimen reception by walk-in clients, including grieving clients.
Communicate with clients in a professional manner via phone, e-mail or in person to get clarification on submission discrepancies and to trouble shoot client inquiries. Collect credit/debit card & check payments from clients. Scan documents into document management software Troubleshoot issues with case accessioning, sample tracking, etc.
Perform laboratory maintenance duties as assigned by section manager Fulfill supply orders from VDL clients.

Serology Lab:

35% - Receives, prepares, and organizes cases following the submission forms by paying attention to details. Performs sample processing as needed. Performs ELISA procedures as directed to detect antibodies against several bacterial/viral diseases by following Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) under the general supervision of senior laboratory professionals.

5% - Reports results correctly in LIMS system. Maintains laboratory data generated by running these tests using paper and/or computer based records. Uses required skills in the effective use of computer hardware and associated software.

5% - Maintains proper inventory of the test kits for the tests assigned. Prepares reagents/solutions as needed. Operates necessary equipment to run the assigned tests. Communicates effectively and courteously while working as a team member, and thereby provides excellent service as defined by the customer.

5% - Trained in laboratoryâ™s basic quality assurance plan and procedures. Maintains quality related documentation of the assigned tests. Actively follows QA/QC related policies and procedures. Follows safety guidelines established by the University and the VDL. Keeps clean and orderly laboratory environment including disposal of bio hazardous and chemical wastes as per Department of Environmental Health and Safety and laboratory guidelines.
Performs other work as assigned by Section Head.

All required qualifications must be included in the application materials

Required Qualifications:
Bachelors degree in biology or a related field of science, or a combination of education and related scientific experience to total 4 years.
Must be able to lift up to 25 pounds on a regular basis and occasionally up to 50 pounds with a group.
Must be available to be on-call on occasional weekends and work University holidays as needed.
 

About University of Minnesota Twin Cities

The University of Minnesota, founded in the belief that all people are enriched by understanding, is dedicated to the advancement of learning and the search for truth; to the sharing of this knowledge through education for a diverse community; and to the application of this knowledge to benefit the people of the state, the nation, and the world.

Connections working at University of Minnesota Twin Cities