HC Pro 1-Clinical Lab Science

This position will be 100% onsite. The purpose of this position is to receive and independently evaluate all sample submissions that come into the Veterinary Diagnostic Lab (VDL) to interpret and assign an inclusive list of diagnostic tests and procedures to be performed on the samples. Based on these interpretations, the incumbent will coordinate an appropriate course of sample distribution to the appropriate labs within the VDL to meet the list of testing requirements, as established by this position. This position will also be helping work at the front desk to receive specimens for diagnostics testing which includes working with mourning clients. Lastly, the position will also ship out biological specimens to other labs for additional testing, vaccination production, etc. These duties are performed under the general supervision of the laboratory section manager.

Job Duties

60% - 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.
    

20%- Diagnostic Sample Outsourcing

* Coordinate the shipment of biological samples to other laboratories for outsource testing, research collaborations, and case consultations.
* Attend bi-annual training and maintain certification in Category A and B Infectious Substance and Dry Ice Shipping.
* Assemble diagnostic samples and associated documents for outsourcing; including state, federal, and international permits and customs documents.
* Determine priority level of each shipment based on the purpose and contents of the shipment.
* Prepare shipments in compliance with state and federal shipping regulations.
* Manage shipping software and regulation updates for a large number of courier services.

20% - Client Coordinator /Administrative Duties

• Perform light duties as needed including specimen reception by walk-in clients
• Communicate with clients in a professional manner via phone, e-mail, or in person to get clarification on submission discrepancies and to troubleshoot 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.

Job Requirements:
This position involves potential exposure to Category B substances, including but not limited to animal tissues, saliva, blood, serum, swabs, feces, and semen, as well as infectious organisms. Staff in this role may also work with or around live animals exhibiting signs of illness, including those suspected of having rabies or other zoonotic diseases. Due to the nature of these risks, employees in this position are required to maintain current rabies vaccination status, including completion of the initial vaccine series and regular rabies antibody titer checks to ensure continued protection. Appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE), safety protocols, and training will be provided and must be followed at all times to minimize occupational risk.

This position is considered essential and may require work during University holidays, shutdowns, or high-demand disease events. The standard schedule is Monday through Friday (hours arranged with supervisor) with occasional evenings, weekends, or on-call hours as needed.

Required Qualifications: Bachelor's degree in biology or a related field of science, or a combination of education and related scientific experience totaling 4 years.

Physical Requirements: The employee must be able to be on their feet the majority of the working day and lift and/or move up to 25 pounds without assistance, occasionally lift and/or move over 50 pounds with assistance.

Availability Requirements: Must be available to be on-call on occasional weekends and work University holidays as needed.

The University of Minnesota Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory (VDL) is a national leader in providing rapid diagnosis of animal diseases, identifying emerging diseases, developing new diagnostic methods, and training diagnosticians and veterinarians. The VDL serves the interests of the livestock and poultry industry, animal research scientists and educators, and companion animal owners. We provide strong support to the state as the official laboratory of the Minnesota Board of Animal Health as well as supporting the national animal and human health system. The laboratory is a part of the University of Minnesota College of Veterinary Medicine and serves as Minnesota's only full-service laboratory for animal health diagnosis.

Pay Range: $22.66/hour- $24.52/hour; depending on education/qualifications/experience

Time Appointment: 100% Appointment

Position Type: Civil-Service & Non-Faculty Labor Represented Staff

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

The University 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 Tuition Benefit Program
• 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

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).