Laboratory Technician

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Mission Statement

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, file slides
  • Manage inventory: unpack shipments, stock lab supplies, reconcile invoices
  • Assist with training new staff, House Officers, and faculty as appropriate


Accessioning, Specimen Processing and Distribution
 

  • Track specimens/assets 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 scan requests, missing slides, incorrect slides, and missing information); call on unacceptable specimens (misaligned coverslips, excess medium, broken slides etc.).
  • Work with other Digital Pathology, Histology, or Cytology laboratory personnel to process and/or store patient casework with optimal efficiency and accuracy (e.g. basic sample preparation and setup of assays, loading instrument or automation lines, filing of slides and blocks).


Maintain and Operate Instruments/Laboratory Support
 

  • Perform and document daily maintenance as specified in instrument procedures.
  • Analyze patient samples/slides as specified in the instrument procedures.
  • Enter information into laboratory databases or picture archive communication systems (PACS).
  • Ensure continuous operation by routinely monitoring the status of reagents, parts and supplies.
  • 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.
  • Operate the dishwasher and autoclave to clean and sterilize laboratory supplies; wash slide cassettes.
  • Prepare reagents.
  • Maintain work area in a well-stocked, clean condition.


Perform Testing
 

  • 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 printout to the computer/LIS/PACS

Required Qualifications*

High school diploma supplemented with additional coursework in a science discipline.

Desired Qualifications*

  • One or more years college instruction or associate degree or equivalent experience with exposure to biology, anatomy and physiology, or other laboratory related field
  • Experience with digital microscopy, whole-slide imaging, or comparable imaging platforms.
  • Proficiency in image acquisition, file management, and annotation.
  • Prior histology lab experience.
  • Knowledge of image quality control metrics (e.g., resolution, color balance, focus).
  • Reasonable knowledge of the methods, materials and equipment used in laboratory activities is desirable.
  • Previous experience in performance of standard laboratory procedures
  • Demonstrated confidence and ability with computers and software
  • Attention to detail
  • Willing to work in a growing and rapidly changing environment
  • The ability to prioritize tasks under occasional high work volumes without sacrificing accuracy
  • Excellent communication skills

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.

Additional Information

  • Works with infectious disease and/or hazardous materials.
  • May have exposure to noise from laboratory equipment and pneumatic tube system.
  • Participates in a rotating weekend and holiday work schedule.
  • Requires frequent standing/walking/sitting for long periods of time and the ability to lift up to 25lbs.

Please note this is a night shift position.

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 any time after the minimum posting period has ended.

U-M EEO Statement

The University of Michigan is an equal employment opportunity employer.