Laboratory Technician II at Morrisville Auxiliary Corporation – Ithaca, New York

Job Title: Lab Technician II

Reports To: Laboratory Screening Supervisor

Department: New York Drug Testing and Research Program

Classification: Non-exempt

Grade: 15

Supervises: No supervisory responsibilities

Job Summary:

The New York Drug Testing and Research Program (NYDTRP) provides drug testing services for horse racing throughout the state of New York, running a total of around 70,000 samples per year for a wide range of drugs. This is a nationally recognized program that tests blood and urine samples in accordance with the rules and regulations of New York State Racing and Wagering Board. As part of this program, research and development studies are done to keep up with the demand of new and better means of detecting drugs in horses.

Essential Functions:

• Perform extraction of horse blood and urine using thin-layer chromatographic and ELISA techniques requiring considerable manual dexterity
• Required to use standard lab chemical reagents and supplies
• Proficient in the use of laboratory equipment (rotoracks, centrifuges, pipettes, etc.)
• Responsible for setting up equipment and materials as needed for testing
• Develops various TLC plates in appropriate solvents within given time constraints
• Extract and report samples for drug administration trials, containing known and unknown drugs while working with confidential information with regards to testing
• Assist with TCO2 and steroid testing by following strict guidelines to ensure sample integrity
• Prepare thin layer plates, which include preparing draw lines, cutting plates, spotting standards and making capillary spotters
• Unpack, sort, label and measure samples while making notes of any irregularities and informing supervisor immediately
• Log sample identifications accurately into database containing the official sample logs.
• Records and interprets experimental data
• Assist with inventory of supplies, ordering supplies, and safety practices. Clean and maintain facility and overall lab hygiene
• Perform other duties as assigned

Qualities:

• Ability to effectively communicate with vendors and faculty
• Strong attention to detail
• Able to work independently; as well as, part of a team
• Take initiative, anticipate, prioritize, adjust, and follow tasks through to completion
• Successfully operate within deadlines
• Use creative problem solving skills
• Adhere to company, department and State guidelines as directed
• Handle sensitive and confidential information appropriately
• Predictable and reliable attendance
• Strong customer service skills are a must

Education and Experience:

Associate’s Degree in a relevant field, combined with 0-6 month’s laboratory experience; or, equivalent combination of education and experience is required; experience working with chemicals and biochemicals are preferred; ELISA experience in a high volume environment desired; proficiency in Word and Excel (or other spreadsheet analysis program)

Physical Conditions and Demands:

Typically lifts 20-50 lbs.; close concentration/manual dexterity

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

This job description has been approved by all levels of management: