Pathology Laboratory Technician

Job Description

Position : Pathology Laboratory Technician

Reports to : Department Head, Senior Pathologist, and / or Molecular Laboratory Director

Positions Managed : Volunteers, Externs

Location : Bronx Zoo

Department : Zoological Health Program, Pathology Department

Scope : Bronx Zoo based; occasional multi-site work at other WCS parks or field sites

Position Type : Full Time

About Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS) :

WCS stands for wildlife and wild places. As the world’s premier wildlife conservation organization, WCS has a long track record of achieving innovative, impactful results at scale.

• We run field programs spanning 60 countries and the entire ocean. We build on a unique foundation : Our reach is global;
• we discover through best-in-class science; we protect through work on the ground with local and indigenous people; we inspire through our world-class zoos, aquarium, and education programs;

and we leverage our resources through partnerships and powerful policy influence. Our more than 4,000 diverse, passionately committed team members in New York City and around the world work collectively to achieve our conservation mission.

Job Summary :

The Pathology Laboratory Technician will perform routine necropsy, histology, and molecular diagnostic procedures in support of our animal health programs as assigned based on need.

The technician will also perform general laboratory management activities including sample accessioning, distribution of results, sample archives, managing stock and general laboratory maintenance.

The position reports to the Head of Pathology, Senior Pathologist and / or the Director of the WCS Molecular Laboratory.

Excellent attention to detail, being proactive and flexible, having a mind for organization, possessing skills in molecular techniques, strong writing and oral communication skills and comfort working independently or as part of a team, are all important elements contributing to success in the role.

The job involves working with our team of pathologists, molecular scientists, post-doctoral researchers, volunteers and support staff.

The position is part of a collaborative pathology department team that works to perform critical activities to meet the goals of the Zoological Health Program and the WCS.

Major Responsibilities :

Performs routine laboratory procedures in the pathology laboratories, which include the Molecular Diagnostics, Histology, and Necropsy Laboratories. Activities can include :

General

• Performs general laboratory activities including laboratory maintenance, set-up before, assist-during, and clean-up after procedures, and general cleaning
• Operates and assists with maintenance of laboratory equipment
• Understands the biohazards inherent in the position; participates in creation, review, and revision of and adherence to standard operating procedures / protocols (SOPs) and biosafety standards and ensures that all who enter the area are advised of and comply with our procedures and protocols.
• Assists with management of inventories of supplies, stocks, chemicals, reagents, supplies, and samples; restocks supplies as needed;
• Manages case accessioning, sample collection, receipt, storage and / or preparation, shipment (per current IATA regulations) and tracking of materials (e.

g. extracts for sequencing, blocks, samples to external laboratories) for ancillary diagnostics or consultation, and maintains records of test results, data and other archives ( e.

g. tissue, blocks, DNA extract, molecular log, freezer inventory, laboratory notebooks, DNA sequence database)

Oversees the maintenance of systems associated with the laboratories in coordination with the hospital supervisor, obtains laboratory certifications as needed and / or assigned (e.

g., Cl 4, crematorium operator certification), and performs administrative duties ( e.g., annual hazardous materials inventory) and related tasks as needed or assigned

Participates in research-related tasks for publications, grant proposals, etc. as time permits and in mentoring laboratory volunteers or students as needed or assigned

Molecular Laboratory

Performs all activities related to molecular diagnostic testing (preparing samples, accessioning, DNA / RNA extraction, PCR, sequencing prep, etc.

may interpret (independently and in consultation with Director, Molecular Laboratory) and distributes test, DNA sequence or other results as assigned

Histology Laboratory

Performs all activities related to preparation of tissues for routine histologic processing (reagent preparation, tissue processing, embedding, cutting, routine and special staining, cover-slipping and related activities etc.

histologic review and ancillary diagnostics

Necropsy Laboratory

Participates or assists in necropsy procedures, prepares gross necropsy reports, tissue grossing, carcass disposal, and performs basic administrative tasks ( e.

g. accession samples, prepares gross necropsy reports, maintains logs and archives, manages images, sample shipping, filing, manages supplies) independently and / or as assigned

Qualification Requirements

Job Qualifications

• Preference will be given to candidates with a Bachelors or Associates degree (minimum).
• Prior experience performing molecular diagnostics (e.g. PCR, gel electrophoresis) is required.
• Ability to prioritize tasks independently
• Attention to details and excellent organizational and time-management skills are essential
• Must be able to work effectively in a high volume, complex, multi-pathologist, multi -technician health care setting
• Must be able to read, write, and communicate effectively in English

WCS is an equal opportunity employer, and the organization complies with all employment and labor laws and regulations that prohibit discrimination in hiring and ensures that candidates from all backgrounds are fairly and consistently considered during the recruitment process.

We are dedicated to hiring and engaging a diverse workforce. We are committed to cultivating an inclusive work environment and look for future team members who share that same value.

The organization provides equal employment opportunities for all qualified candidates. The organization does not discriminate for employment based on gender, race / ethnicity, religion, color, national origin, sex, age, disability, marital status, sexual orientation, citizenship status, genetic information or any other covered status or characteristic protected by applicable laws and regulations.

It is everyone’s responsibility to ensure that we do not tolerate discrimination or harassment based upon a person’s membership in one of these protected categories in areas such as recruitment, selection, job assignment, supervision, training, promotions, job grading, transfers, termination, compensation, benefits, educational opportunities, WCS sponsored recreational activities and facilities.

Note that the salary offer will reflect the selected candidate’s individual experiences, skills and qualifications, internal equity, work location and country of work.

Salary Range

$39,052 - $78,102