Lab Research Technician

J  o  b    D  e  s  c  r  i  p  t  i  o  n

JOB INFORMATION

Effective Date:

7/10/2024

Entity:

Wisconsin

Job Code:

530026

Job Title:

Lab Research Technician

FLSA Exemption Status:

Non-Exempt

Management Level:

Individual Contributor

JOB SUMMARY

The Clinical Laboratories Research Technician is responsible for serving as the main contact in the Clinical Labs for handling research related work and inquiries. The incumbent is responsible for receiving specimens and research kits into the laboratory, checking specimens and requisitions for correct labeling and appropriateness, entering tests into the Laboratory Information System, processing and shipping specimens and loading them onto instruments, or directing them to the appropriate workstation, technologist, or storage area. In addition, the incumbent will be the main contact in the Clinical Labs for research personnel needing assistance with research kits, patient results, and other lab related questions.

Problems encountered are of a moderate degree of complexity but may require innovation because reference sources and subject matter experts are not always readily available.

The incumbent may interact daily with research coordinators, pathologists, residents, physicians, technologists, clinical staff, nursing unit personnel, couriers, outside clients and patients. Decisions are made in consultation with technical staff, the Laboratory Research Coordinator, Laboratory Manager, or Director of Lab Services. This position operates under general supervision and requires a high degree of organizational skills and the ability to multi-task.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES

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Receive research kits and specimens and carefully check paperwork for accuracy and completeness. Contact ordering source if any information is incomplete.

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Monitor specimen identification using the laboratory’s specimen identification policies. Resolve problems and complete documentation as required.

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Process test requests with accompanying specimens and enter orders as required. Use established policies and procedures for specimen acceptability and troubleshoot or clarify questions regarding specimen integrity.

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Process research specimens per written instructions.

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Prepare, package and ship research specimens per written instructions.

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Retrieve and prepare residual specimens for research studies as requested.

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Retrieve temperature charts and instrument maintenance certifications as needed for research studies.

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Respond to telephone inquiries from researchers regarding add-on tests, patient results, availability of products, and department procedures. Refer calls to medical technologists/medical laboratory technicians or Lab Research Coordinator when appropriate.

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Review and assist with editing of research lab processing sheets and other materials as needed.

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Practice universal safety precautions according to Infection Control policy and procedures at all times (e.g. use of gloves, lab coat, and other Personal Protective Equipment).

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Train other laboratory staff on research related activities.

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Communicate training needs and materials to the Laboratory Research Coordinator, Lab Manager, or Lab Director as appropriate.

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Performs additional clinical duties, such as phlebotomy, as time allows or assigned.

As needed, additional responsibilities reasonably within the scope of duties and physical requirements may be assigned.  ALL DUTIES AND REQUIREMENTS MUST BE PERFORMED CONSISTENT WITH THE UW HEALTH PERFORMANCE STANDARDS AND RESPECT FOR PEOPLE COMMITTMENTS.

X

Non-Clinical

JOB REQUIREMENTS

High School Diploma

Required

1 year

of healthcare or lab related work experience

Required

Medical Laboratory Assistant (MLA) certification (American Society for Clinical

Pathology) or equivalent

Preferred

LICENSE, CERTIFICATIONS, AND REGISTRATIONS MUST BE MAINTAINED PER UW HEALTH POLICY. 

•

High level of communication skills and the ability to maintain good interpersonal relationships with co-workers and clients.

•

Ability to organize and prioritize work.

•

Competence in problem identification and resolution.

•

Ability to work independently.

•

Knowledge of laboratory medicine and universal precautions preferred.

•

Knowledge of medical terminology preferred.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS/WORKING CONDITIONS

☐

Sedentary: Ability to lift up to 10 pounds maximum and occasionally lifting and/or carrying such articles as dockets, ledgers and small tools. Although a sedentary job is defined as one, which involves sitting, a certain amount of walking and standing is often necessary in carrying out job duties. Jobs are sedentary if walking and standing are required only occasionally and other sedentary criteria are met.

Up to 10#

Negligible

Negligible

☒

Light: Ability to lift up to 20 pounds maximum with frequent lifting and/or carrying of objects weighing up to 10 pounds. Even though the weight lifted may only be negligible amount, a job is in this category when it requires walking or standing to a significant degree.

up to 20#

Up to 10# or requires significant walking or standing or requires pushing/pulling of arm/leg controls.

Negligible or constant push/pull of items of negligible weight

☐

Medium: Ability to lift up to 50 pounds maximum with frequent lifting and/or carrying objects weighing up to 25 pounds.

20-50#

10-25#

Negligible-10#

☐

Heavy: Ability to lift up to 100 pounds maximum with frequent lifting and/or carrying objects weighing up to 50 pounds.

50-100#

25-50#

10-20#

☐

Very Heavy: Ability to lift over 100 pounds with frequent lifting and/or carrying objects weighing over 50 pounds.

Over 100#

Over 50#

Over 20#

Other - list any other physical requirements or bona fide occupational qualifications not indicated above:

Over 50 lbs.

UW Health does not require, nor does it expect that its employees lift more than 50 lbs unassisted. Objects in excess of 50 lbs should be lifted or moved with mechanical means or through a team lift. Employees in patient care areas are expected to utilize mechanical lifts and adhere to the "Use of Mechanical Lifts (Liko)" policy in the Patient Services Policy and Procedure Manual.

Note: The purpose of this document is to describe the general nature and level of work performed by personnel so classified; it is not intended to serve as an inclusive list of all responsibilities associated with this position.

THE EMPLOYEE MUST BE ABLE TO COMPLETE ALL PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS OF THE JOB WITH OR WITHOUT AN APPROVED ACCOMODATION. Note: The purpose of this document is to describe the general nature and level of work performed by personnel so classified; it is not intended to serve as an inclusive list of all responsibilities associated with this position.