HC Pro 1-Pathology

The Lab Specialist, Pathology technician performs a variety of tasks that include receiving, processing and preparation of veterinary patient and research tissue specimens for microscopic examination by a Pathologist. This includes logging specimens, cutting, documentation of grossing, scanning slides for remote viewing and providing on-site support for additional or specialized requests. In addition, the position performs receiving, processing and clinical pathology testing of diagnostic and research specimens. The position must maintain a safe work environment while handling specimens that include tissues (fresh and buffered formalin) blood and body fluids.
This position will provide support for co-workers. Act as a consultant for clinicians, clinic staff and students on proper sample submission and entry into a LIS/HIS. Professional services require 24/7 access to testing. Staff members are required to participate in weekend/holiday on-call rotation and coverage of evenings, weekends and holidays.

Essential Functions

50% - Performs receiving, processing and preparation of tissue samples for microscopic review by Surgical/Histopathologist. The duties include:
* Cuts sections of body tissues for microscopic examination using microtomes and mounts tissues on glass.
* Performs grossing and documentation.
* As needed, embeds tissue and loads onto a tissue processor.
* Examines slides under microscopes to ensure tissue preparation meets laboratory requirements.
* Serves as a resource to hospital and lab personnel to insure smooth workflow and timely, accurate testing of immunohistochemical and special stains.
* Coordinates the maintenance of equipment and assures that adequate department supply levels are maintained in a cost-effective manner.
* Assists in the evaluation and development of new procedures, methods, quality assurance monitors, and instrumentation.
* Works independently without supervision when performing the duties of job description according to the competency training, knowledge, and previous experience.
* Seeks appropriate resources for evaluation of unusual specimens/cases.
* Daily temperature monitoring and recording and equipment maintenance logs.
* Maintain laboratory equipment such as microscopes, microtomes, slide scanners or water bath.
* Develop protocols and coordinate the removal of hazardous and bio-hazardous waste.
* Provide support for billing that includes supplies, equipment and pathologist effort/case load.

35% - Performs data entry of routine and specialized testing. Performs inventory of lab supplies, purchases lab supplies, and refers tests to reference labs using appropriate shipping regulations. The Lab Specialist will review test results for accuracy and identify results that require additional review. When indicated, confers with a Medical Technologist and/or recommends verification processes and/or review of results by Clinical Pathologist. Special attention to safety practices and attention to detail in a Biosafety Level 2 Laboratory is required to maintain a safe work environment for technologists and other members of the hospital team

10% - Training: The Laboratory specialist will assist VMC clinicians, staff and students in requesting diagnostic testing on the Laboratory Information System and the Hospital Information System. Training may also include support for new employees, staffing or residents for surgical pathology.

5% - Specialty Projects: Under the supervision of a Medical Technologist, perform tasks related to diagnostic testing and research. Histology research will require obtaining and preparing tissues for stain or new testing.

All required qualifications must be documented on application materials

Required Qualifications
BA/BS degree or a combination of related education and work experience to equal at least four years.

The Veterinary Medical Center (VMC) has served the community for more than a century. It is the most advanced, full-service referral care center for large and small animals in Minnesota. The VMC sees more than 35,000 cases annually, with specialists available in all areas of medicine and surgery. More than 50 of the veterinarians on staff have undergone several years of additional training to become board-certified specialists in a particular area of veterinary medicine. The Veterinary Medical Center is comprised of the Small Animal Hospital for dogs, cats, and other companion animals, the Piper Clinic at the new Leatherdale Equine Center, for horses, and the Large Animal Hospital, which treats farm animals, and occasionally, zoo animals.

Working at the University

At the University of Minnesota, you'll find a flexible work environment and supportive colleagues who are interested in lifelong learning. We prioritize work-life balance, allowing you to invest in the future of your career and in your life outside of work.

The University also offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes:

• Competitive wages, paid holidays, and generous time off
• Continuous learning opportunities through professional training and degree-seeking programs supported by the Regents Scholarship
• Low-cost medical, dental, and pharmacy plans
• Healthcare and dependent care flexible spending accounts
• University HSA contributions
• Disability and employer-paid life insurance
• Employee wellbeing program
• Excellent retirement plans with employer contribution
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) opportunity
• Financial counseling services
• Employee Assistance Program with eight sessions of counseling at no cost
• Employee Transit Pass with free or reduced rates in the Twin Cities metro area

Please visit the Office of Human Resources website for more information regarding benefits.

Applications must be submitted online. To be considered for this position, please click the Apply button and follow the instructions. You will be given the opportunity to complete an online application for the position and attach a cover letter and resume.

Additional documents may be attached after application by accessing your "My Job Applications" page and uploading documents in the "My Cover Letters and Attachments" section.

To request an accommodation during the application process, please e-mail employ@umn.edu or call (612) 624-8647.

The University recognizes and values the importance of diversity and inclusion in enriching the employment experience of its employees and in supporting the academic mission. The University is committed to attracting and retaining employees with varying identities and backgrounds.

The University of Minnesota provides equal access to and opportunity in its programs, facilities, and employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, age, marital status, disability, public assistance status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. To learn more about diversity at the U: http://diversity.umn.edu

Any offer of employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a background check. Our presumption is that prospective employees are eligible to work here. Criminal convictions do not automatically disqualify finalists from employment.

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC)

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC), is among the largest public research universities in the country, offering undergraduate, graduate, and professional students a multitude of opportunities for study and research. Located at the heart of one of the nation's most vibrant, diverse metropolitan communities, students on the campuses in Minneapolis and St. Paul benefit from extensive partnerships with world-renowned health centers, international corporations, government agencies, and arts, nonprofit, and public service organizations.

At the University of Minnesota, we are proud to be recognized by the Star Tribune as a Top Workplace for 2021, as well as by Forbes as Best Employers for Women and one of America's Best Employers (2015, 2018, 2019, 2023), Best Employer for Diversity (2019, 2020), Best Employer for New Grads (2018, 2019), and Best Employer by State (2019, 2022).