The RA3 will provide detailed and extensive analysis and interpretation of results under limited technical supervision in addition to providing technical advice for lower level staff. They will independent assistance to veterinary pathologists in diagnosing animal diseases by preparing histology, histochemistry (special stains), Immunohistochemistry (IHC), and in situ hybridization (ISH [RNAScope]) slides for microscopic examination by carrying out all phases of trimming and processing of animal tissues (including primate tissues) submitted to the Louisiana Animal Disease Diagnostic Laboratory (LADDL). This position requires handling tissues infected with various animal and human disease-causing agents (i.e., bacteria, viruses, fungi, parasites, and prions).
Job Duties:
60% - Primary job duties include processing and embedding tissues (paraffin and OCT for frozen) and preparing microscopic slides for LADDL pathologists or researchers. This involves trimming formalinized necropsy, biopsy, mail-in tissue specimens (including primate tissues), and deer tissues for chronic wasting disease (CWD [prion disease]) testing and placing them in labeled cassettes. Match all necropsy, biopsy, and mail-in tissues with corresponding paperwork. Perform measurements of specimens, tissues, structures, and lesions as needed—record measurements as instructed by the pathologists. Keep records by entering data in logbooks and computers. In addition to paraffin infiltration and embedding of the tissues, cut tissue blocks using a microtome, stain (i.e., Hematoxylin and Eosin), and coverslip slides. Sectioning paraffin-embedded tissues and Cryotomy (OCT embedded frozen tissue) for IHC/ISH.
30% - Prepare special stains and perform complex procedures in histologic techniques such as special staining procedures. Cut and stain slides and check the quality of the stain with appropriate controls. Cryotomy (OCT embedding and frozen sectioning) for IHC/ISH. Provide backup support (floater) for IHC/ISH research associates when needed. Also responsible for processing, storage, and discarding of tissue specimens. Includes discarding hazardous waste containers when full; cleaning all trimming hoods with cleaners; filling formalin and alcohol containers when expired or empty; and performing cleaning maintenance of the cassette printer when prompted.
5% - Help update and revise the Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), maintain chemical inventory, implementation of safety and biosecurity measures to comply with AAVLD quality assurance standards. Perform quality control sampling for all diagnostic and research histology techniques. Also, responsible for training and supervising new technicians, graduate students, and postdoctoral fellows in the histology lab. Help with daily and weekly maintenance of laboratory equipment, maintain a clean laboratory environment, make sure all formalinized tissues and other chemicals are stored properly, file paraffin block and slides (archiving), and prepare lab reagents.
5% - Maintain highest professional standards, promote excellent customer service to internal and external constituents and commit to providing excellent diagnostic service to the LADDL clients. Expand technical and professional knowledge through training, classes, and seminars. Perform other duties assigned by the LADDL Director, Assistant Director, Histology Section Head, Histology Laboratory Manager/Supervisor or Quality Assurance Manager/Business Office Manager.
Minimum Qualifications:
Bachelor's degree in Biological Sciences, Chemistry, Medical Technology or related filed and 2-4 years of experience working in human or veterinary histology/IHC laboratory, research or diagnostic laboratory.
Specific Experience - Working knowledge of histology, histochemistry, or IHC theory and hands on IHC performance. Hands on immunofluorescence and ISH performance. Tissue embedding, microtomy, tissue section staining, reagents preparation, handling of hazardous waste and trimming of formalized tissue specimens is required.
Preferred Qualifications:
Master's degree in Biological Sciences, Chemistry, or Medical Technology with 1-2 years of experience working in human veterinary histology/IHC laboratory, research or diagnostic laboratory.
Specific Experience - Working knowledge of histology, histochemistry, or IHC theory and hands on IHC performance. Hands on immunofluorescence and ISH performance. Tissue embedding, microtomy, tissue section staining, reagents preparation, handling of hazardous waste and trimming of formalized tissue specimens is required.
Preferred Certifications/Licenses - ASCP or QIHC certification
Special or Physical Qualifications:
Due to the nature of this position and/or position responsibilities, this position is subject to random drug and alcohol testing in accordance with University Policy Statement 67.
Emergency response personnel - These personnel are linked with the hospital during any emergency response event and are expected to report in and perform as outlined in the emergency response plan.
Physical Requirements - Required to be cable of lifting up to 50 pounds, standing, sitting, or walking for prolonged periods, bending, reaching above or below the shoulder, vision near sight, vision far sight, climbing, twisting, pushing/pulling, grasping, and squatting.
Special Instructions:
Please provide a cover letter, resume, and three professional references including name, title, phone number and e-mail address.
Please attach ALL documents under the Resume/CV section of your application.
A copy of your transcript(s) may be attached to your application (if available). However, original transcripts are required prior to hire.
LSU is an Equal Opportunity Employer:
LSU believes diversity, equity, and inclusion enrich the educational experience of our students, faculty, and staff, and are necessary to prepare all people to thrive personally and professionally in a global society. We celebrate diversity and are committed to the principles of diversity and inclusion. We actively seek and encourage qualified applications from persons with diverse backgrounds, cultures and experiences. To learn more about how LSU is committed to diversity and inclusivity, please see LSU’s Diversity Statement and Roadmap. Persons needing accommodations or assistance with the accessibility of materials related to this search are encouraged to contact the Office of Human Resource Management (hr@lsu.edu).
COVID-19 Vaccine Protocol:
LSU requires the COVID-19 vaccine for all students, faculty, and staff or mandatory monthly testing. New employees must either submit proof of vaccination within three (3) days of their official start date, otherwise they will be entered into the mandatory monthly testing protocol.
HCM Contact Information:
Questions or concerns can be directed to the LSU Human Resources Management Office at 225-578-8200 or emailed HR@lsu.edu
LSU is the State’s flagship research university and carries the designation of “very high research activity” by the Carnegie Foundation. It is one of 21 universities nationwide holding land-, sea-, and space-grant status. LSU enjoys a lively and diverse community of more than 36,000 faculty, staff, and students from every state and more than 120 countries. Occupying 2,000 acres on the Mississippi River in Louisiana’s capital city, Baton Rouge, LSU is approximately 80 miles northwest of New Orleans in the heart of the culturally diverse delta region. LSU’s campus, largely of Italian Renaissance architecture, is regarded as one of the top 20 most beautiful campuses in the United States with 57 buildings listed on the National Register of Historic Places and over 1,200 magnificent Live Oak trees, amongst numerous magnolia grandiflora, crape myrtle, camellia, and azalea.
