Laboratory Technician

Laboratory Technician

Begin a fulfilling career with the State of Indiana by joining one of the largest employers in the state, offering a range of opportunities across 60+ agencies. At the state, you'll find competitive compensation, a robust benefits package and a commitment to work-life balance. Most importantly, you'll have the chance to make a real and measurable impact on the lives of Hoosiers across Indiana.

The Indiana Department of Health's mission is to promote, protect, and improve the health and safety of all Hoosiers so that they can reach their optimal health regardless of where they live, learn, work, or play.

Role Overview

The laboratory technician is responsible for performing support functions for the IDOH Tuberculosis (TB) laboratory. Tuberculosis is a pathogen of public health importance, as it can be spread very easily from person-to-person. The lab tech will be responsible for specimen accessioning, maintaining a clean and biosafe laboratory environment, safely disposing of biohazardous waste, maintaining inventory, media/reagent preparation, and data entry. In addition, the incumbent will be responsible for maintaining documentation of all quality control and quality assurance associated with reagents and laboratory equipment in compliance with applicable CLIA regulations. The lab tech will have the opportunity to be cross-trained in other areas and serve as a backup for other clinical testing areas.

Salary: The salary for this position traditionally starts at $37,648.00 but may be commensurate with education and work experience.

A Day in the Life

The essential functions of this role are as follows:

• Log specimens/samples into the Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS).
• Check and prepare all received sample paperwork or Chain of Custody forms for accuracy and completeness.
• Prepare bottles, reagents, and specialized culture media for a variety of laboratory examinations as requested.
• Keeps appropriate documentation.
• Record results of analyses on prescribed forms and prepares applicable reports.
• Handle and clean glassware containing contaminated material prior to sterilization or disposal.
• Design and perform comparative procedures necessary for quality control to provide reporting for administrative review.
• Operate and maintain basic laboratory equipment and supplies.

What You'll Need for Success

Individuals in this role should minimally be able to articulate or demonstrate the following:

• Ability to check and maintain proper Chain of Custody Forms.
• Ability to work effectively with co-workers in a team environment to perform the routine login and processing of environmental and other samples.
• Ability to maintain laboratory records in compliance with regulations.
• Ability to cross-train in other testing areas to maintain workflow in times of staff shortages and workload surges.
• Broad knowledge to conduct a wide range of established laboratory procedures both manual and automated
• Specialized knowledge of standard laboratory techniques and laboratory safety.
• Broad knowledge of basic laboratory preparation techniques (dilution culture media) as well as equipment operation (balances, centrifuges, microscopes, pipettes, autoclaves, and pH meters).
• Broad knowledge and compliance with all State and Federal laws, rules and regulations pertaining to laboratory operations (e.g. CLIA, EPA, FDA, USDA, HIPPA, Blood Borne Pathogen, etc.).
• Working knowledge of common laboratory procedures in the chemistry and/or microbiology laboratory with knowledge of terminology associated with assignments in the laboratory.
• Working knowledge on current advancements in laboratory sample preparation and/or analysis as well as relevant equipment.
• Ability to read and follow instructions for the preparation of culture media, reagents, test kits, and specimens.
• Must be detail oriented.
• Ability to perform administrative support tasks such as inventory, data entry and report preparation and filing.

A degree is not required. However, a High School Diploma or High School Equivalent (HSE) and at least 2+ years of experience applying the outlined knowledge, skills, and abilities in a similar role may be considered. Individuals should have the ability to perform essential functions with or without reasonable accommodation.

Supervisory Responsibilities/Direct Reports

This role may be utilized in a supervisory capacity based on agency needs.

Benefits of Employment with the State of Indiana

The State of Indiana offers a comprehensive benefit package for full-time employees which includes:

• Three (3) medical plan options (including RX coverage) as well as vision and dental plans
• Wellness Rewards Program: Complete wellness activities to earn gift card rewards
• Health savings account, which includes bi-weekly state contribution
• Deferred compensation 457(b) account (similar to 401(k) plan) with employer match
• Two (2) fully-funded pension plan options
• A robust, comprehensive program of leave policies covering a variety of employee needs, including but not limited to: 150 hours of paid New Parent Leave and up to eight weeks of paid Childbirth Recovery Leave for eligible mothers Up to 15 hours of paid community service leave Combined 180 hours of paid vacation, personal, and sick leave time off 12 paid holidays, 14 on election years
• Education Reimbursement Program
• Group life insurance
• Referral Bonus program
• Employee assistance program that allows for covered behavioral health visits
• Qualified employer for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program
• Free Parking for most positions
• Free LinkedIn Learning access

Equal Employment Opportunity

The State of Indiana is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to recruiting, selecting, developing, and promoting employees based on individual ability and job performance. Reasonable accommodations may be available to enable individuals with disabilities to complete the application and interview process as well as perform the essential functions of a role. If you require reasonable accommodations to complete this application, you can request assistance by contacting the Indiana State Personnel Department at View email address on click.appcast.io.