Laboratory Technician

The Massachusetts State Public Health Laboratory (MSPHL) at the Department of Public Health (DPH) offers an exciting opportunity for a dynamic individual to perform pre-analytic specimen processing for a variety of laboratories as part of Central Laboratory Services.

Our candidate will enter specimen receipt order information and data into the laboratory information management systems (LIMS), and ensures accuracy for notification, prioritization, routing and delivery of specimens to the proper testing laboratory. The incumbent maintains documentation for quality control records and inventory, and complies with all safety and security protocols.

The duties performed will be in central specimen receiving, or in the laboratories where specimens will be processed.
Please note: this position is a Tuesday - Saturday work schedule.
Duties and Responsibilities (these are a general summary and not all inclusive):

• Perform duties related to laboratory tests and procedures by responding to, receiving and sorting specimens submitted to a variety of laboratories at the MSPHL.
• Enter associated specimen information into LIMS and distribute specimens to the appropriate testing laboratory.
• Provide quality customer service regarding laboratory testing information to outside providers, couriers and internal staff in person, by email or by phone.
• Maintain a program of quality control, participate in a program of quality assurance and take corrective action when needed.
• Process unlabeled or mislabeled specimens that may require re-routing and document any discrepancies and changes.
• Distribute kits for environmental and clinical testing after verification of order and licensure of requesting inspectors and providers.
• Maintain laboratory inventory supplies by checking stock to determine inventory level.
• Ensure cleanliness of work area and comply with all safety and security protocols per established procedures.
• Provide staff coverage in laboratories including Virology, Microbiology, and Chemistry laboratories as required.
• Perform duties in all areas of Central Lab Services: Media Preparation, Glassware, and Specimen Kit Room; duties include prepare, sterlize, and aliquot culture media and reagents, perform quality control for prepared media, sterilize glassware for testing laboratories, and prepare and distribute speciment test collection kits.

Required Qualifications:

• General knowledge of the techniques used to handle and transport multiple types of specimens to maintain integrity of laboratory tests.
• Knowledge of the practices and procedures, including safety practices and procedures followed in laboratory work in the assigned specialization such as histology, biochemistry, cytology, chemistry, hematology, microbiology, or serology.
• Knowledge of the techniques used in the handling and transportation of laboratory specimens.
• General knowledge of laboratory testing techniques and methods including sample collection.
• Knowledge of sanitation and sterilization methods, techniques and procedures followed in a laboratory, as well as the proper methods used in disposal of laboratory materials.

Preferred Qualification:

• Familiarity with various laboratory equipment, apparatus and materials used in a clinical and environmental laboratory.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills with an aptitude for interacting effectively with the staff, couriers, providers and other agencies.
• Capacity to work in a team setting and demonstrate an appropriate level of professionalism.
• Ability to multitask and work accurately under stress of time constraints and heavy workload demands.
• Skilled attention to detail, while maintaining neat and orderly work habits in a shared workspace.
• Capability to follow written and verbal instructions and maintain accurate records.
• Proficient use of data management software and Microsoft applications such as Word, Outlook and Excel.

Working Conditions:

• This position requires manual dexterity, and the ability to lift and carry objects up to 20 pounds with or without accommodation, as well as visual accuracy such as color differentiation.

About the Department of Public Health:

The mission of the Massachusetts Department of Public Health (DPH) is to prevent illness, injury, and premature death, to assure access to high quality public health and health care services, and to promote wellness and health equity for all people in the Commonwealth.

We envision a Commonwealth in which all people enjoy optimal health. Massachusetts ranks among the healthiest of states according to comparative analyses, but we face numerous challenges, including chronic and infectious disease, substance abuse, violence, preventable hospitalizations, and health disparities.

DPH coordinates programs and policies to address specific diseases and conditions and offer services to address the needs of vulnerable populations. We also develop, implement, promote, and enforce regulations and policies to assure that the conditions under which people live are most conducive to health and enable people to make healthy choices for themselves and their families. We license health professionals, healthcare facilities and a variety of businesses that impact public health. We operate the state laboratory and four public health hospitals. We monitor health status and manage vital records including births, marriages and deaths. We educate people about public health issues and work closely with local boards of health and community partners to identify and solve public health problems.

More information can be found at: MA Department of Public Health

Total Compensation:

As an employee of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts you are offered a great career opportunity influencing a wide-spectrum of services to the diverse populations we serve - but it's more than a paycheck. The State's total compensation package features an outstanding set of employee benefits which you should consider towards your overall compensation, including:

• 75% state paid medical insurance premium
• Reasonable Dental and Vision Plans
• Flexible Spending Account and Dependent Care Assistance programs
• Low cost basic and optional life insurance
• Retirement Savings: State Employees' Pension and a Deferred Compensation 457(b) plan
• 12 paid holidays per year and competitive Sick, Vacation and Personal Time
• Tuition Benefit for employee and spouse at state colleges and universities
• Short-Term Disability and Extended Illness program participation options
• Incentive-based Wellness Programs
• Professional Development and Continuing Education opportunities
• Qualified Employer for Public Service Student Loan Forgiveness Program

Pre-Hire Process:

A criminal background check will be completed on the recommended candidate as required by the regulations set forth by the Executive Office of Health and Human Services prior to the candidate being hired. For more information, please visit http://www.mass.gov/hhs/cori

Education, licensure and certifications will be verified in accordance with the Human Resources Division’s Hiring Guidelines.

Education and license/certification information provided by the selected candidate(s) is subject to the Massachusetts Public Records Law and may be published on the Commonwealth’s website.

For questions regarding this requisition, please contact the Executive Office of Health and Human Services Human Resources at 1-800- 510-4122 Ext. #2

QualificationsFirst consideration will be given to those applicants that apply within the first 14 days.Minimum Entrance Requirements: Applicants must have at least (A) one year of full-time, or equivalent part-time, technical or professional experience in laboratory work in a recognized clinical, medical, hospital, chemical, water quality, public health, biological, bacteriological, marine sciences or materials testing laboratory, or (B) any equivalent combination of the required experience and the substitutions below. Substitutions:
I. An Associate's degree or higher with a major in medical technology, chemistry, bacteriology, food science and technology, environmental science, chemical or environmental engineering, wastewater technology, oceanography or the biological sciences may be substituted for the required experience. II. The successful completion of one year of full-time, or equivalent part-time, education toward a degree at a recognized medical or dental school may be substituted for the required experience. III. The successful completion of training in a recognized school or hospital course or an American Medical Association (AMA) approved training program for laboratory technicians or medical technologists may be substituted for the required experience. IV. Registration as a medical technologist by the American Society of Clinical Pathologists, the International Society for Clinical Laboratory Technicians or American Medical Technologists or as a bacteriologist by the National Registry of Microbiologists may be substituted for the required experience. Special Requirements: None. Executive Order #595: As a condition of employment, successful applicants will be required to have received COVID-19 vaccination or an approved exemption as of their start date. Details relating to demonstrating compliance with this requirement will be provided to applicants selected for employment. Applicants who receive an offer of employment who can provide documentation that the vaccine is medically contraindicated or who object to vaccination due to a sincerely held religious belief may make a request for exemption. An Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. Females, minorities, veterans, and persons with disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply.Official Title: Laboratory Technician I Primary Location: United States-Massachusetts-Boston-305 South Street Job: Laboratory Services Agency: Department of Public Health Schedule: Full-time Shift: Day Job Posting: Dec 28, 2021, 10:25:15 AM Number of Openings: 2 Salary: 43,350.06 - 61,950.98 Yearly If you have Diversity, Affirmative Action or Equal Employment Opportunity questions or need a Reasonable Accommodation, please contact Diversity Officer / ADA Coordinator: Kevin Lovaincy - 6179095085 Bargaining Unit: 09-MOSES - Engineers/Scientists Confidential: No