Lab Assistant Specimen Processor Jobs in Colorado

University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus

Department: Pathology

Job Title:  Gross Room Technologist I or II – Health Care Intermediate Professional

Position #00795618  – Requisition #31805

Job Summary:

Nature of Work:

Under the direct supervision of the Gross Room Manager and indirect supervision of the Medical Director, the Gross Room Lab Assistant II is an experienced and highly motivated individual who performs a variety of organizational, maintenance, and administrative/clerical duties to ensure overall efficiency of the laboratory and specimen processing. They will do this for the department through strong attention to detail and correct accessioning of all specimens. This position requires independent judgment in selection of methodologies utilized in processing specimens and in solving a wide array of issues and problems.

The lab assistant receives tissue specimens while confirming the requisition/orders for completeness and accuracy of patient identification and patient information. The importance of this step and process cannot be overemphasized. The assistant will organize accession specimens and assist in preparing them for processing using various methodologies, complex machinery, and staining systems. 

The position also assists in maintenance of the surgical pathology gross room by stocking supplies, cleaning and organizing of workstations, disposal of biological waste, adherence to all compliance and operational procedures. The ability to listen and follow precise protocols is required.

This description is a summary only and describes the general level of work being performed, it is not intended to be all-inclusive. The duties and shift schedule of this position may change from time to time and/or based on business need. We reserve the right to add or delete duties and responsibilities at the discretion of the supervisor and/or hiring authority. 

Examples of Work Performed:

Primary Duties:

• Proper accessioning of surgical pathology cases.
• Correct errors found while accessioning cases through communication with internal and external personnel. 
• Staining slides during intraoperative consultation.
• Distributing appropriate specimen containers, requisitions, and tissue cassettes.
• Printing additional tissue cassettes and organizing tissue cassettes numerically.
• Gross room maintenance and equipment oversight.
• Disposal of biological waste.
• Organization, cleaning, and stocking of work areas. 

Secondary Duties: 

• Stocking supplies and monitoring supply inventory.
• Assisting various staff, residents and faculty as needed.
• Filing paperwork.
• Effectively communicating in person, via email, telephone, fax, etc.. Internal/external communications are frequent among coworkers, which include pathology staff, trainees, clinicians, nurses, transcriptionists, etc. 

Competencies/Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

Decision Making:

The Gross Room Lab Assistant must use personal judgement in describing surgical pathology specimens and the way they organize daily workflow. The Lab Assistant must also know when to consult a supervisor about various issues. The Lab Assistant must always pay strict attention to detail and show a willingness to resolve issues or seek a supervisor to do so.

Results of Actions:

Inappropriate accessioning, incorrectly labeled specimens, or lost or mixed-up specimens can result in incorrect or unavailable diagnoses which can cause repeat procedures or life-threatening treatment choices.

Communications:

Internal/external communications are frequent among coworkers, which include pathology staff, trainees, clinicians, nurses, transcriptionists, etc.  Internal discussions could involve procedures, problems, and upgrades. External communications are interdisciplinary in nature.

Work Location:

Onsite – this role is expected to work onsite and is located in Aurora, CO. 

Why Join Us:

Welcome to the Department of Pathology of the University of Colorado, Anschutz Medical Campus. The Department has grown substantially in the past 15 years, from 40 to 120 faculty in parallel with the remarkable growth of our hospital-based affiliates as well as the city and county of Denver.  Our work is value driven and focused on scientific investigation, lifelong learning, and a balance of personal and professional values. In addition to a vibrant and highly competitive residency program with 25 positions, we offer 9 fellowships and participate in numerous graduate schools and the MD/PhD program of the CU School of Medicine.  Our faculty and staff are diverse, and gender balanced, with women comprising 50% of our residents, Assistant, Associate and Full Professors (including those with tenure).

The University of Colorado offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes health insurance, life insurance, retirement plans, tuition benefits, ECO pass, paid time off – vacation, sick, and holidays and more. To see what benefits are available, please visit: https://www.cu.edu/employee-services/benefits-wellness.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement:

CU is an Equal Opportunity Employer and complies with all applicable federal, state, and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment. We are committed to creating a workplace where all individuals are treated with respect and dignity, and we encourage individuals from all backgrounds to apply, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities.

Qualifications:

Minimum Qualifications:

Minimum Qualifications (Lab Assistant I):

Experience Only:

• Two (2) years of relevant experience in an occupation related to the work assigned to this position

OR

Education and Experience:

• A combination of related education and/or relevant experience in an occupation

related to the work assigned to this position equal to two (2) years

Minimum Qualifications (Lab Assistant II):

Experience Only:

• Five (5) years of relevant experience in an occupation related to the work assigned to this position

OR

Education and Experience:

• A combination of related education and/or relevant experience in an occupation

related to the work assigned to this position equal to five (5) years

Applicants must meet minimum qualifications at the time of hire.

Preferred Qualifications (Lab Assistant I):

• A bachelor’s degree or higher earned degree in any biological science from an accredited institution.
• Experience working with patient specimens or prior work in a clinical laboratory setting.
• Prior experience using CoPath. 

Preferred Qualifications (Lab Assistant II):

• A bachelor’s degree or higher earned degree in any biological science from an accredited institution. 

Knowledge, Skills, and Ability:

• Successful candidates for a Lab Assistant position must have had coursework in anatomy, physiology, and histology with experience in anatomic pathology. 
• Strong interpersonal and customer service skills with the ability to establish rapport with people of diverse backgrounds.
• Ability to interpret and follow complex rules, regulations, policies, procedures, and guidelines.
• Ability to listen and follow precise protocols and written instructions.
• Demonstrated ability to organize workload, file correctly by alphabetical and numerical order.
• Must possess a professional demeanor and have experience that demonstrates problem solving skills and the ability to manage multiple tasks and work independently with minimal supervision.
• The successful candidate will be detail oriented, self-motivated, a fast learner and possess excellent time management, organizational, written, and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to take direction and use independent judgment to coordinate and meet multiple deadlines.
• Familiarity withHIPAAand security compliance requirements.
• Knowledge of medical terminology. 

Conditions of Employment: Must be willing and able to…

• Lift, push, and/or pull up to 50 lbs.
• Work in an environment that may expose you to fumes, chemicals, liquid nitrogen, extreme cold, blood/body fluids, and infectious disease.
• Sit and stand for long periods of time, frequently walk, and bend/stoop, as well as execute repetitive motions.
• Safely work with complex and sharp laboratory equipment, and various chemical and biological solutions.
• Wear appropriate personal protective and safety equipment when handling biological samples and hazardous chemicals and practice good hygiene, especially hand washing.
• Work within a high-level secure facility.

PLEASE NOTE: Candidates will be responsible for travel expenses related to the interview process and any relocation expenses, if applicable

How to Apply:

For full consideration, please submit the following document(s):

1.     A letter of interest describing relevant job experiences as they relate to listed job qualifications and interest in the position

2.     Curriculum vitae / Resume

3.     Three to five professional references, including name, address, phone number (mobile number if appropriate), and email address

Questions should be directed to: Andrea.Hartwick@cuanschutz.edu

Screening of Applications Begins:

Immediately and continues until position is filled.

Anticipated Pay Range:

The starting salary range (or hiring range) for this position has been established as:

Lab Assistant I - $49,724 to $57,679

Lab Assistant II - $52,209 to $60,564

The above salary range (or hiring range) represents the University’s good faith and reasonable estimate of the range of possible compensation at the time of posting. This position may be eligible for overtime compensation, depending on the level.

Your total compensation goes beyond the number on your paycheck. The University of Colorado provides generous leave, health plans and retirement contributions that add to your bottom line.

Total Compensation Calculator: http://www.cu.edu/node/153125

ADA Statement:

The University will provide reasonable accommodations to applicants with disabilities throughout the employment application process. To request an accommodation pursuant to the Americans with Disabilities Act, please contact the Human Resources ADA Coordinator at hr.adacoordinator@cuanschutz.edu.

Background Check Statement:

The University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus is dedicated to ensuring a safe and secure environment for our faculty, staff, students and visitors. To assist in achieving that goal, we conduct background investigations for all prospective employees.

Vaccination Statement:

CU Anschutz strongly encourages vaccination against the COVID-19 virus and other vaccine preventable diseases. If you work, visit, or volunteer in healthcare facilities or clinics operated by our affiliated hospital or clinical partners or by CU Anschutz, you will be required to comply with the vaccination and medical surveillance policies of the facilities or clinics where you work, visit, or volunteer, respectively. In addition, if you work in certain research areas or perform certain safety sensitive job duties, you must enroll in the occupational health medical surveillance program.