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Position Title:        Research Assistant, Veterinary Histology Professional

Rank:                       Professional I

Department:          Cooperative Extension                            

Reports to:             Veterinary Pathologist and Director of the Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory (VDL); VDL Laboratory Manager

Position Type:       Full-time, fiscal year, regular position

Purpose:

The Research Assistant, Veterinary Histology Professional will run operations of the histology lab within the University of Maine Cooperative Extension Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory including support of diagnostic and research applications for the Diagnostic and Research Laboratory in Orono, ME. The candidate will be expected to work independently, demonstrate effective time management for timely release of quality diagnostic specimens, and assess their own work for accuracy.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Coordinate all phases of diagnostic work and developmental research conducted in the histology laboratory.
• Prepare and process animal tissues from necropsies, biopsy/surgical specimens, and aquatic/lab animals for diagnostic and research evaluation using routine trimming, embedding, microtomy, and H&E staining.
• Produce quality diagnostic slides in a timely manner with the ability to identify and correct for common histopathological artifacts.
• Develop and execute special staining, in-situ hybridization, and other laboratory protocols relevant for clinical and research purposes.
• Write and update standard operating procedures (SOPs) for the histology lab and for research projects, as necessary.
• Perform regular maintenance and monitor all histology equipment for repairs and upgrades to ensure critical standards are met.
• Consult with researchers and students requesting guidance with regard to histopathology and provide mentorship/training in histology techniques as requested.
• Maintain laboratory inventory and order supplies as needed.
• Uphold the laboratory quality management system by following quality assurance [QA] and quality control [QC] procedures for all diagnostic and research work pertaining to the histology laboratory.
• Familiarity with hazardous chemical storage, handling, and disposal.
• Ability to follow and enforce biosecurity measures for BSL-2 conditions and report issues in a timely manner to the VDL Safety Officer.
• Assist with writing reports and generating data for contract work.
• Develop and maintain professional relationships that reflect courtesy, civility, and mutual respect when working with coworkers, employer, and outside collaborators.
• Utilize coaching and mentoring methods that provide an environment that is anticipatory, supportive, and encourages constructive feedback on performance.
• Seek ways to reach under-served and under-represented community members while ensuring compliance with affirmative action, equal opportunity, and civil rights guidelines.
• Identify areas of organizational improvement and offer alternatives that promote laboratory efficiency and growth.
• Other relevant duties as assigned.

Work Environment:

• The employee will work independently in the histology lab at the University of Maine Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory within the Diagnostic Research Laboratory (DRL) facility.
• The employee will work closely with the VDL director, lab manager, and VDL/DRL staff to complete essential duties.

Work Schedule:

• The University of Maine Cooperative Extension Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory business hours are Monday through Friday 8:00a.m. to 4:30p.m.
• Regular hours may be adjusted/flexible to facilitate laboratory workflow efficiency and timeliness of diagnostic work.

Supervisory Responsibility:

There are no formal supervisory responsibilities for this position but the position will involve mentorship and coordinating project work activities for UMVDL and DRL staff and students.

Bargaining Unit & Schedule for Evaluation: Universities of Maine Professional Staff Association (UMPSA). In the initial six months of employment then annually thereafter in accordance with the UMS-UMPSA Agreement.

To Apply, Visit: https://umaine.hiretouch.com/job-details?jobid=82819 

To apply, materials must be submitted via "Apply For Position".  The applicant will need to create a profile and application; upload a letter of intent (cover letter) addressing the specific job requirements, updated curriculum vitae, and contact information for three (3) current professional references (names, addresses, phone numbers, e-mail addresses, and relationship to applicant) that may be contacted. The applicant will also need to complete the affirmative action survey, the self-identification of disability form, and the self-identification of veteran status form. Incomplete application materials cannot be considered. 

All UMS employees are required to comply with applicable policies and procedures, as well as to complete applicable workplace related screenings, and required employee trainings, such as Information Security, Safety Training, Workplace Violence, and Sexual Harassment. Appropriate background checks are required.

The University of Maine is an EEO/AA institution and does not discriminate on the grounds of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, transgender status, gender expression, national origin, citizenship status, age, disability, genetic information or veteran’s status in employment, education, and all other programs and activities. The following person has been designated to handle inquiries regarding non-discrimination policies: Director of Equal Opportunity, 101 Boudreau Hall, University of Maine, Orono, ME 04469-5754, 207.581.1226, TTY 711 (Maine Relay System).

Knowledge, Skills, and Qualifications:

Required

• Bachelor’s degree in biology, microbiology, or related field.
• At least 1 year of specialized work experience in tissue processing and staining including special stains and immunohistochemistry.
• Demonstrated expertise in trimming, processing, embedding, sectioning and staining all types of animal tissue.
• Performance of complex tasks within the histology lab to include special staining, immunohistochemistry, high throughput sectioning, and special processing techniques.
• Strong understanding of a variety of special staining and in-situ hybridization techniques and their associated controls used to ensure test validity.
• Working knowledge of Microsoft Word, Excel, Power Point, Access, and Google Drive.
• Ability to communicate effectively using oral, written and electronic methods.
• Exhibit strong problem-solving skills with attention to detail and commitment to quality.
• Ability to work independently and with a team.

Preferred

• Possession of a HT/HTL license preferred, with option to acquire certification within three years of employment.
• Knowledge of University of Maine Cooperative Extension and its educational programs.
• Experience working with diverse audiences; knowledge of diversity, equity and inclusion; and understanding of equal opportunity, affirmative action and civil rights policies.