The Pathology Department is seeking a Laboratory Technician who will provide routine clerical and limited technical support to the laboratory manager and staff. Under supervision this person is taught to perform and understand the principles for: routine specimen handling, accessioning and laboratory preparation following established procedures. They will perform routine maintenance, organization of worksheets and will be expected to gain an understanding of laboratory operation to assist investigators as needed.

Specific Duties & Responsibilities

• Work closely with the laboratory technical staff, following laboratory procedures and policies.
• This individual will provide routine technical support, handling/processing specimens.
• Perform routine and preventative maintenance on laboratory equipment.
• Prepares standard media, reagents, and chemical solutions used for testing purposes, and the physical processing of specimens prior to testing.
• Accessioning of specimens, etching of slides and cassettes.
• Embedding of specimens.
• Transportation of diagnostic material between laboratories.
• Complete required documentation of logs and supporting documents.
• Archival of slides and blocks.

Special Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Work requires precision and attention to detail.
• Individual should have strong written communication and interpersonal skills.
• Must have the ability to read and interpret direction, both oral and written, organize and prioritize work and follow through on assignments.
• Must be able to work successfully as part of a team in a high volume, dynamic laboratory.

Specific Physical Requirements

• While performing the duties of this job, the employee may remain in a stationary position (sitting or standing). Occasionally required to traverse throughout the laboratory or to retrieve equipment, supplies, or specimens from other locations on campus. The employee is required to operate computer keyboard, laboratory instruments, and small laboratory tools such as pipettes, cutting instruments, glass tubes, dishes, and/or slides. Constantly repositions self to perform duties at laboratory work stations, gathering specimens, and loading equipment.
• Prolonged vision requirements including viewing computer screen, paper reports/documents, charts and results. Visual acuity is required to distinguish fine gradation of color or structure and closely examine specimens (including via a microscope).
• Laboratory environment - Exposure to toxins and infectious agents exist, but potential for personal injury or harm is minimized if established safety and health precautions are followed. Must refer to and are expected to comply with procedure manuals, follow proper laboratory protocols and safety policy/procedures, and be familiar with material data safety sheets in assigned work areas. Able to read and understand all Health, Safety and Environment (HSE) guidelines applicable to assigned work area. Working in laboratory where there may be discomforts due to odors, noise, temperature fluctuations, and working around lab equipment. Research areas may include animal, human, human products, DNA, and radiation protocols. Use of personal protective equipment may be advised or required.
• May transport equipment and supplies usually less than 40 pounds from one area to another (in the laboratory or on campus (specify)). May be required to lift and/or move up to 50 pounds with proper training, or precautions/lifting aides (example: supply boxes or Formalin cubes). In some areas workspace is limited.
• Staff may be required to complete annual competency review, and must insure compliance with Johns Hopkins Policy, Laboratory Policy & Procedure, Health, Safety & Environment regulations, and all applicable privacy & confidentiality laws/practices.
• Many department laboratories operate 24/7 with schedules on day, evening, or night shift. Rotating schedules which may include weekend work and holiday assignment. (Overtime possible when authorized/needed to meet business and patient needs).

• High School Diploma or graduation equivalent with some science coursework.
• Certificate from technical institute or internship experience preferred. Training Certificate from Technical Institute preferred.

• Work experience in a laboratory environment, helpful.
• Training Certificate from Technical Institute preferred.

Classified Title: Laboratory Technician   
Role/Level/Range: ACRO40/E/02/CB  
Starting Salary Range: $15.40 - $23.25 HRLY ($37,000 targeted; Commensurate with experience) 
Employee group: Full Time 
Schedule: M-F, 8:00AM-4:30PM 
Exempt Status: Non-Exempt 
Location: School of Medicine Campus 
Department name: ​​​​​​​SOM Pat EM Lab  
Personnel area: School of Medicine