Laboratory Technician

Job Title

Michigan Medicine improves the health of patients, populations and communities through excellence in education, patient care, community service, research and technology development, and through leadership activities in Michigan, nationally and internationally. Our mission is guided by our Strategic Principles and has three critical components; patient care, education and research that together enhance our contribution to society.

Responsibilities

Provide Clerical/Administrative Support

• Answer telephone calls
• Scan documents (scan requisitions and worksheets); organize and file test reports and documents
• Manage inventory: unpack shipments, stock lab supplies, reconcile invoices

Accessioning, Specimen Processing and Distribution

• Track specimens to receive and send specimens between departments.
• Accession, process and distribute patient samples within the laboratory consistent with accuracy and quality assurance goals of the laboratory.
• Access and navigate the Pathology Document Control System, Hospital Information System (HIS), and Laboratory Information System (LIS) to accession patient specimens, requesting additional information from appropriate resources.
• Assist in Problem solving (duplicate tests, missing samples, incorrect samples and missing information); call on unacceptable specimens (clotted, hemolyzed, wrong container etc.).
• Clarify orders with Clinician/Nurse/Clinic medical staff when necessary.
• Work with other laboratory personnel to process patient casework with optimal efficiency and accuracy (e.g. basic sample preparation and setup of assays or loading automation lines).

Maintain and Operate Instruments/Laboratory Support

• Perform and document daily maintenance as specified in instrument procedures.
• Analyze patient samples as specified in the test procedure.
• Enter test results into laboratory databases.
• Ensure continuous operation by routinely monitoring the status of reagents, parts and supplies using the Visual Inventory System.
• Monitor error codes and perform basic troubleshooting. Notify a supervisor or senior operator if unable to resolve an instrument problem. Document problems, action taken and outcomes in instrument log books.
• Maintain work area in a well-stocked, clean condition.

Perform Testing

• Analyze patient samples (automated or manual) and report test results consistent with accuracy and quality assurance goals of the laboratory.
• Perform analysis of quality control material with documentation of completion and of action taken for out-of-range values.
• Accurately transfer off-line patient data from worksheets and instrument printouts to the computer

Professional Development

• Fulfill departmental continuing education requirement.

CHARACTERISTIC DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Specimen Processing Area Skills:

• Understand and perform procedures for appropriate processing of microbiologic specimens.
• Answer phone calls: retrieve voice mail messages, give accurate and appropriate information concerning specimen requirements and transport, answer questions, direct complex issues to the appropriate technologist or administrator, take messages and document staff call ins.
• Clarify orders with Clinician/Nurse/Clinic medical staff when necessary.
• Follow all laboratory safety procedures for the handling and disposal of biological specimens and biohazardous waste.
• Receive and plate specimens in Soft Lab - MIC LIS; checking specimen for mislabel, acceptable source and transport type. Accurately label appropriate media for specimen set ups. Set up specimens using sterile technique in Biological safety cabinet and incubate plates according to laboratory procedure.
• Perform rapid antigen tests per laboratory procedures. Perform and record quality control.
• Stock media, store specimens, clean and disinfect work areas as needed and at least once per shift.

AFB Processing Area Skills:

• Check in specimens, label tubes and slides.
• Process and inoculate specimens for acid fast culture, including special handling and re-decontamination.
• Load culture bottles and stain AFB smears according to laboratory procedure.
• Clean and disinfect area.

Media Receiving Area Skills

• Inventory Management
• Media quality control

OPE Processing Area Skills

• Check in specimens
• Process samples according to SOP
• Make and stains slides according to SOP

Required Qualifications

In order to be considered for this position the applicant must have met or will have met all the required qualifications prior to the start date of employment.

• High school diploma or equivalent

Desired Qualifications

• A Bachelor or Associate's degree with equivalent experience preferred.
• Reasonable knowledge of the methods, materials and equipment used in laboratory activities is desirable.
• Previous experience in performance of standard laboratory procedures is highly desirable.

Why Join Michigan Medicine?

Michigan Medicine is one of the largest health care complexes in the world and has been the site of many groundbreaking medical and technological advancements since the opening of the U-M Medical School in 1850. Michigan Medicine is comprised of over 30,000 employees and our vision is to attract, inspire, and develop outstanding people in medicine, sciences, and healthcare to become one of the world's most distinguished academic health systems. In some way, great or small, every person here helps to advance this world-class institution. Work at Michigan Medicine and become a victor for the greater good.

What Benefits can you Look Forward to?

• Excellent medical, dental and vision coverage effective on your very first day
• 2:1 Match on retirement savings

Modes of Work

Positions that are eligible for hybrid or mobile/remote work mode are at the discretion of the hiring department. Work agreements are reviewed annually at a minimum and are subject to change at any time, and for any reason, throughout the course of employment. Learn more about the work modes.

Work Schedule

This part-time, 20 hour position is on the evening shift. It will include rotating weekends and holidays.

Work Locations

This position is located at North Campus Research Complex on Plymouth Rd.

Union Affiliation

This position is covered under the collective bargaining agreement between the U-M and the United Michigan Medicine Allied Professionals (UMMAP), which contains and settles all matters with respect to wages, benefits, hours, and other terms and conditions of employment.

Background Screening

Michigan Medicine conducts background screening and pre-employment drug testing on job candidates upon acceptance of a contingent job offer and may use a third party administrator to conduct background screenings. Background screenings are performed in compliance with the Fair Credit Report Act. Pre-employment drug testing applies to all selected candidates, including new or additional faculty and staff appointments, as well as transfers from other U-M campuses.

Application Deadline

Job openings are posted for a minimum of seven calendar days. The review and selection process may begin as early as the eighth day after posting. This opening may be removed from posting boards and filled anytime after the minimum posting period has ended.

U-M EEO Statement

The University of Michigan is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to providing an environment of mutual respect where equal employment opportunities are available to all applicants, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities.