Laboratory Technician 2

This position works within one of Cooper’s California Cryobank Reproductive Tissue Recovery Laboratories. This position is an onsite laboratory position that works in the laboratory – processing, storing, and distributing reproductive tissue for clinical use. 

Job Summary:

Executes an array of SOPs to screen, process, and preserve semen samples for future clinical use. This position is part of a dynamic laboratory system that includes primarily lab bench work and cryogenic procedures and works with multiple cross functional teams to achieve the best possible outcomes for the populations we serve. This role also executes phlebotomy procedures for technicians whose position includes those duties. 

Responsibilities

Essential Functions & Accountabilities:

• Maintains demonstrated proficiency with all applicable Standard Operating Procedures.
• Performs semen evaluations to screen, process, and preserve for future clinical use. 
• Executes an array of laboratory procedures including but not limited to:
  • Daily setup of all laboratory equipment and daily QC.
  • Intrauterine (IUI) and intracervical (ICI) insemination semen preparation.
  • Sample Qualification- post-thaw sample analysis with both manual and automated analysis.
  • Preparation of bodily fluid including blood, urine, and semen packing for specimen transport to reference laboratories.
• Executes cryogenic procedures including routine liquid nitrogen storage-tank verifications, internal vial transfers between tanks, vial quality control checks, preparing samples and shipping containers for vial movement.
• Conducts and accurately records all required daily, monthly and yearly quality control checks; responds with corrective action when needed.
• Communicates any errors, accidents or incidents to Management and records in associated tracking and record logs.
• Performs routine cleaning of laboratory equipment.
• Complies with all regulatory, quality assurance, quality control, operating, and safety procedures to audit-ready standards.
• Identifies and promptly reports any deviations or nonconformances to senior management, providing accurate and complete information to support further evaluation and documentation.
• Completes Bi-annual and annual proficiency and competency assessments.
• Participates in the review of standard operating procedures.
• Responsible for aliquoting and maintaining necessary aliquot-inventory levels for all media to maintain production.
• Responsible for lab supply maintenance.
• Performs all necessary opening and closing duties.
• Provides coverage for donor-related tasks such as identification while ensuring privacy and maintaining the utmost professionalism.
• If applicable for location, on-call responsibilities may be required. 
• As business needs dictate, work extended hours to complete daily department goals or tasks to include mandatory overtime.
• Other duties and projects as needed and required.
• Additional Duties – Phlebotomy (if applicable). For Lab Technicians whose role includes phlebotomy responsibilities, the following duties also apply:
  • Performs phlebotomy duties, including tracking blood draw and urine specimen testing intervals and ensuring specimens are collected and submitted in a timely manner. Prepares blood and urine specimens for transport to reference laboratories, prints finalized results as well as keep track of overdue results. Maintains phlebotomy supplies.

Travel: 

May be necessary for job training. 0-5% of travel is required after training has been completed. 

 Salary:

$26.16- $34.89

Qualifications

Qualifications

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required.  Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Language Skills - Ability to speak and write English; communicate effectively and professionally with clients and external contacts; read and interpret documents, such as procedure manuals; effectively present information in one-on-one and small group situations to clients and employees.
• Mathematical Skills - Ability to add, subtract, multiply and divide in all units of measure. Ability to use whole numbers, common fractions and decimals to compute rates, ratios and percentages.
• Reasoning Ability - Ability to carry out instructions in written or oral form. Ability to manage problems involving several concrete variables in standardized situations.
• Computer Skills - Knowledge of MS Word and Excel.
• Other Skills and Abilities - Familiarity with laboratory and medical terminology. Phase-contrast microscopy skills; excellent customer service skills; strong attention to details; ability to handle multiple tasks simultaneously; high level of interpersonal skills to interact with peers and management; excellent organizational skills; ability to maintain confidentiality; and ability to travel if required. 

Work Environment:

The work environment characteristics and physical demands described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit and talk or hear.  The employee is occasionally required to stand; walk; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms; and stoop, kneel, or crouch.  The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 30 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, color vision and depth perception.

Experience:

• Basic knowledge of techniques and procedures obtained through prior work experience or education.
• Experience with pipettes, microscopes, and the safe handling of liquid nitrogen is preferred. 
• Additional experience - phlebotomy (if applicable): 0-2 Years of experience performing phlebotomy. 

Education:

• Bachelor of Science and 2 years of experience is required; and/or equivalent combination of education and 4-6 years of experience.
• Additional education – phlebotomy (if applicable): Phlebotomy certificate, where applicable.