Job Description

The Pathology Department is seeking a casual Laboratory Technician to provide routine clerical and general technical support to the laboratory staff. Under supervision this person is taught to perform and understand the principles for: routine specimen handling, accessioning and laboratory preparation following established procedures; and general support in clinical lab testing. Will be expected to gain an understanding of laboratory operation to assist clinical laboratory testing and investigators as needed.



Specific Duties & Responsibilities

Work closely with the laboratory technical staff, following laboratory procedures and testing protocols.
Provide routine technical support, handling/processing specimens.
Perform routine and preventative maintenance on laboratory equipment.
Prepare standard media, reagents, and chemical solutions used for testing purposes, and the physical processing of specimens prior to testing.
Document and report test results.
Perform data entry and organization of worksheets.
Complete required logs and supporting documents.
Perform miscellaneous related duties as assigned.


Special Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities

Work requires precision and attention to detail.
Individual should have strong written communication and interpersonal skills.
Must have the ability to read and interpret direction, both oral and written, organize and prioritize work and follow through on assignments.
Must be able to work successfully as part of a team in a high volume, dynamic laboratory.


Specific Physical Requirements

While performing the duties of this job, the employee may remain in a stationary position (sitting or standing) up to 75% of the time. Occasionally required to traverse throughout the laboratory or to retrieve equipment, supplies, or specimens from other locations on campus. The employee is required to operate computer keyboard, laboratory instruments, and small laboratory tools such as pipettes, cutting instruments, glass tubes, dishes, and/or slides. Constantly repositions self to perform duties at laboratory workstations, gathering specimens, and loading equipment.
Prolonged vision requirements including viewing computer screen, paper reports/documents, charts and results.
Laboratory environment - Exposure to toxins and infectious agents exist, but potential for personal injury or harm is minimized if established safety and health precautions are followed. Must refer to and are expected to comply with procedure manuals, follow proper laboratory protocols and safety policy/procedures, and be familiar with material data safety sheets in assigned work areas. Able to read and understand all Health, Safety and Environment (HSE) guidelines applicable to assigned work area. Working in laboratory where there may be discomforts due to odors, noise, temperature fluctuations, and working around lab equipment.
May transport equipment and supplies usually less than 40 pounds from one area to another (in the laboratory or on campus). May be required to lift and/or move up to 50 pounds with proper training, or precautions/lifting aides (example: supply boxes or Formalin cubes). In some areas workspace is limited.
Staff will be required to complete annual competency review, and must insure compliance with Johns Hopkins Policy, Laboratory Policy & Procedure, Health, Safety & Environment regulations, and all applicable privacy & confidentiality laws/practices.
Many department laboratories operate 24/7 with schedules on day, evening, or night shift. Rotating schedules which may include weekend work and holiday assignment. (Overtime possible when authorized/needed to meet business and patient needs).


Minimum Qualifications
High School Diploma/GED with some science coursework.


Preferred Qualifications
Coursework/current pursuit of BS degree in biological sciences, laboratory science, molecular or genetics.
Work experience in a laboratory environment.