Laboratory Technician Clinical Pathology

Job purpose

To provide expert clinical laboratory services, within the veterinary diagnostic service to aid the diagnosis of diseases for veterinary practitioners and to support the teaching of undergraduate and post graduate veterinary and research students, veterinary nurses and the research strategies within the service.

Main duties and responsibilities

Analyse biochemistry, endocrinology, haematology specimens and specific body fluids using automated analysers and other appropriate techniques. Ensure data validation and expedient issuing of completed reports to the relevant sender.

Ensure accuracy and precision of results and that agreed methods of both Internal and External Quality Control are fully operative and adhered to. Accurate maintenance of results database. Ensuring logbooks and documentation of analysis are accurate and up to date.

Ensure maintenance of sample integrity by appropriate handling, data input, accurate labelling, and separation of plasma/serum and distribution to relevant disciplines. Input specimen data to the service database including required test profiles and accurate costing. Ensure accurate record keeping, safe packaging and posting of specimens for referral to external laboratories.

Keep abreast of recent advances in clinical biochemistry techniques and available assays to improve current practice and range of available testing which may be provided. Validate new assays using recognised medical laboratory methods, analysing data and producing documents of assay performance for the laboratory quality manual.

Maintenance and updating of COSHH assessment forms, risk assessments, health and safety policies. Production and maintenance of standard operating procedures and production of laboratory quick start user guides.

Be actively involved in the teaching of undergraduate and post graduate students, veterinary nurses, and other persons. Planning, organising and preparing teaching material for practical classes and examinations, being responsible for assessment of professional phase undergraduate practical examinations, providing appropriate written and verbal feedback. Acting as the main point of contact between technical team, teaching staff and undergraduate school administrators.

Provide expert advice with respect to sample handling for a wide range of species, tests available and suitable methodologies to veterinary clinicians and researcher scientists to optimise the data available from samples submitted for testing, ensuring expedient delivery of high-quality results.

Supervise the training of junior technicians and post graduate students in biochemical techniques, theory, safe laboratory practice and sample handling.

Monitor and order laboratory consumables and equipment, sourcing and pricing equipment of moderate cost, organising purchase orders and delivery.

Collaborate with colleagues and participate in team meetings/discussions and contribute to the wider College/Institute/School activities as required, including the Technician Commitment key themes.

Knowledge, Qualifications, Skills and Experience

Knowledge/Qualifications

Essential

• Ability to demonstrate the competencies required to undertake the duties associated with this level of post having acquired the necessary knowledge and skills in a similar role OR Scottish Credit and Qualification Framework level 8 [Scottish Vocational Qualification level 4, Higher National Diploma] or equivalent, and experience of personal development in a similar role
• In depth theoretical knowledge and extensive practical skills in a wide range of diagnostic and research techniques, and extensive knowledge of the operation of diagnostic laboratory equipment suitable for analysing samples from various species including exotic animals, fish, domestic species and research animals.

Desirable

• Bachelor of Science degree or equivalent in a related subject