Central Laboratory Support Services Laboratory Technician

The Massachusetts Department of Public Health (DPH) seeks an experienced Laboratory Technician to plan, coordinate, and oversee the work of specimen collection kit section in the Bureau of Infectious Disease and Laboratory Sciences' Central Laboratory Support Services Division. This includes the preparation and distribution of specimen test collection kits, performing pre-analytic specimen processing for all specimens received at the MA State Public Health Laboratory (MASPHL), and operate various laboratory and office equipment. The Central Laboratory Support Services Laboratory Technician will enter specimen receipt order information and testing laboratory into the laboratory information management system (LIMS) and ensure accuracy for notification, prioritization, routing, and delivery of specimens to the proper testing laboratory while maintaining documentation for quality control records and inventory. The incumbent may provide training for other staff on laboratory processes and procedures. The incumbent will provide excellent customer service to external and internal customers, comply with all safety and security protocols, and provide backup support for other sections as assigned. Learn more about what it's like to work at the Bureau of Infectious Disease and Laboratory Sciences. Please note: This position is expected to report to the office five (5) days per week. Duties and Responsibilities (these duties are a general summary and not all inclusive): Completes orders for specimen collection kits and properly distributes specimen collection kits. Ensures accuracy for prioritization, notification, routing, and delivery of specimen kits. Receives, sorts, and triages specimens submitted to the MASPHL. Provide excellent customer service to outside providers, couriers, and internal staff via in person, email or by phone regarding laboratory testing and Kit distribution information. Enters tracking information of specimens into the LIMS system and distributes specimen to the appropriate testing laboratory. Handles unlabeled or mislabeled specimens that may require re-routing and document any discrepancies and changes. Distributes kits for environmental and clinical testing after verification of order and licensure of inspectors and providers. Oversee inventory of laboratory supplies. Maintains cleanliness in the laboratory according to established procedures. Comply with all safety and security protocols. Train and provide staff coverage in other areas of Central Lab Services such as Media Preparation. Train and provide support to testing laboratories as indicated by senior staff. Perform related duties as required to include but not limited to participation/contribution to LIMS implementation, and processes associated with building renovation. Required Qualifications: Knowledge of general laboratory testing, laboratory safety practices and sample collection methods. Knowledge of lab sanitation and sterilization methods, related equipment, and devices. Knowledge of properties and characteristics of chemicals and microbiological culture media. Ability to operate general laboratory equipment and apply knowledge and skills to troubleshoot effectively Ability to multitask and work accurately under stress of time constraints and heavy workload demands. Has an attention to detail, maintains neat and orderly work habits and shared workspace. Strong understanding of aseptic technique in the laboratory. Strong interpersonal and communication skills to interact with the staff, couriers, providers, and other agencies. Preferred Qualifications: Knowledge of laboratory certifications and accreditations to ensure adherence to certification and accreditation requirements to meet regulatory requirements. Familiarization and ability to work with various equipment and materials used in clinical and chemical laboratories. Knowledge of dangerous chemicals and dyes and proper usage and storage. Familiarization of basic microbiological culture techniques and methods. Knowledge of the packaging, shipping, and handling of Division 6.2 Materials, reagents, and related supplies. Ability to follow sanitation, decontamination and sterilization methods, techniques, and procedures. Ability to document quality control records and reports properly and work on quality assurance/quality improvement. Knowledge and ability to follow safety and security procedures and practices in a laboratory. Knowledge of the types of public and private community-based organizations that submit specimens for testing and the types of testing performed in the MASPHL. Knowledge of the quality assurance practices (e.g., equipment maintenance, proficiency testing, method validation, staff competency, following standard operating procedures) Ability to follow oral and written instructions, standard operating procedures and protocols and maintain records. Ability to work independently and in a team environment and demonstrates an appropriate level of professionalism. Ability to promote a positive workplace, establish a rapport, and maintain a harmonious working relationship with others. Manual dexterity, and visual accuracy such as color differentiation. Ability to perform mathematical calculations and basic computer skills for recording results, writing reports, maintaining databases and spreadsheets. Special Requirements: Willingness to work under conditions of potential exposure to hazardous chemicals. As part of the pre-hire process, you will be required to submit transcript(s) for review for the Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments (CLIA) verification process. If selected as the preferred candidate, you will be required to submit an official transcript from each accredited academic institution to verify the above. Please note that we will be unable to move forward with your application for this position if you do not meet CLIA qualifications. About the Bureau of Infectious Disease and Laboratory Sciences (BIDLS): The DPH Bureau of Infectious Disease and Laboratory Sciences (BIDLS), predominantly located in Jamaica Plain, provides public health response to infectious disease. These services include programmatic and epidemiologic response, as well as laboratory testing through the State Public Health Laboratory (SPHL). Infectious disease response services address concerns of the general public as well as those disproportionately affected by infectious disease through a variety of risk factors. BIDLS administers ongoing disease reporting for over 90 reportable diseases in the state. Disease reporting review and follow-up with clinical providers and local boards of health is a central function of the bureau. Surveillance activity is complemented by an extensive contracted service system. These services are funded through state and federal resources and include prevention education, community outreach screening for infectious disease, immunization services, health service navigation, medical case management, insurance enrollment, housing assistance, and referral and linkage to infectious disease treatment. The SPHL provides scientific expertise and capacity to identify infectious agents, chemical agents, and other toxins that cause human disease. The SPHL is an active partner in joint activities with other bureaus/agencies such as environmental health, food and drug, agriculture, disease prevention and health promotion programs, and public safety. The SPHL is a reference laboratory of the national Laboratory Response Network (LRN) and is a U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Select Agent laboratory. SPHL staff work closely with laboratory and disease prevention programs at the CDC, and partners with the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS). 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: Department of Public Health Mass.gov 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 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 . click apply for full job details