Job Information
Michigan State University(MSU) Specimen Processing Assistant in East Lansing, Michigan
Position Summary
The Michigan State University Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory is seeking a Specimen Processing Assistant to evaluate, classify and triage a high-volume of diagnostic sample submissions, enter cases into a multi-screen program, pay attention to detail, and follow required Standard Operating Procedures. The candidate must be able to keep focused in a fast-paced environment with frequent interruptions.
The successful candidate will work in a team laboratory environment requiring compliance with Environmental Health and Safety (EHS) training for Biological Safety, Medical Waste, Chemical Hygiene and Laboratory Safety, and Security Awareness; will be responsible for handling and opening the packages received in the VDL and evaluating the contents in order to identify specimen routing. Evaluation may include securing and protecting viability in order to minimize exposure or classifying and evaluating for entry into the laboratory operating system; members of this team are required to wear laboratory coats and protective gloves during this evaluation; once the specimens are classified, team members are required to enter the appropriate test request into a complex, multi-screen laboratory operating system requiring many decision points in order to enter the request properly; entry requires a certain level of typing expertise and understanding of basic Windows functionality as well as experience in MS Word and Excel; team members must resolve discrepancies as identified whether it be from a client request or laboratory concern, expedite special handling requests, and collect other information relevant to the data entry process as needed; all team members are responsible for maintaining the safety and cleanliness of their work environment and must fill in as necessary with associated mail room activities, product preparation, and/or courier duties.
The Specimen Processing Assistant will be responsible for the following duties:
- Data entry into a complex multi-screen program that requires multiple confirmation steps and visual verification that information is correct for entered submissions. Cases are entered into one of four data entry modules, evaluation of submittal form for completeness, correctly enter test requested, upload multiple animal cases into customized program.
- Sorting incoming packages, opening packages which include: evaluation of submittal form, grossly identify and classify specimens, follow Standard Operating Procedures as they pertain to each task, triage samples/ forms in the appropriate tray for data entry.
- Communicate with lab personnel to resolve issues, direct contact with delivery service personnel, clients both face-to-face and telephone, and assist in student employee training.
- Miscellaneous duties such as back-up courier, laboratory cleaning, filling, copying, faxing, labeling of specimens, scanning, mail room duties, inventory stocking and other duties as assigned.* *
The College's vision is to be the destination for teaching, innovation, care, and service. Six goals, backed by specific strategies, guide our organization as we move forward. Read more at https ://cvm.msu.edu/about/strategic-planning-2021-26/goals to learn about the MSU College of Veterinary Medicine's goals, strategies and progress.
The College of Veterinary Medicine is committed to promoting the principles of equal opportunity and multiculturalism where all individuals are valued, respected, provided opportunity to flourish and open doors in their pursuit of excellence. We encourage and welcome our community to share ideas with us surrounding opportunities to advance diversity, equity, and inclusion.
Unit Specific Education/Experience/Skills
Knowledge normally acqui