Job Type/Hours per Week
Full-time/40 Hours per Week
This position is for a one (1) year appointment subject to budgetary review.
Salary
Commensurate with experience.
Hiring Department
Mycobacteria/Nocardia Clinical Reference Laboratory
Location
UT Tyler Health Science Center
Required Application Materials
A single PDF or Word document containing a resume, letter of interest, and a list of the names and contact information for three (3) professional references is required to apply.
Important Instructions:
When prompted to upload your “resume”, upload your combined documents as one file.
- Please do not upload documents to “Cover Letter” or “References”.
If the required application materials were not uploaded at the “resume” prompt, please withdraw your application, and re-apply to upload your combined documents as one file.
Job Summary
This Laboratory Technician Clinical Reference Lab position supports the daily operations of the clinical reference laboratory. This role involves specimen processing, culture preparation, media preparation, quality control, and general laboratory maintenance.
Key Responsibilities
Specimen Processing & Laboratory Support
- Receive, log, and prepare clinical specimens for testing.
- Perform culture inoculation, staining (e.g., acid-fast, Gram stain), and basic microbiological techniques.
- Assist in molecular and antimicrobial susceptibility testing workflows by preparing reagents, media, and testing plates.
- Maintain detailed documentation of forms in accordance with laboratory protocols.
Testing Report Submission & Customer Communication
- Assist with the submission of completed testing reports to hospitals, and other laboratory clients.
- Ensure accuracy and completeness of test reports before they are sent to customers.
- Communicate with the customer to clarify requisition and test report details as needed.
Quality Control & Compliance
- Perform routine quality control (QC) checks on media, reagents, and equipment to ensure accuracy and compliance.
- Follow biosafety level (BSL-2 and BSL-3) procedures when handling infectious agents.
- Maintain strict adherence to CLIA, CAP, and laboratory accreditation guidelines.
Equipment & Laboratory Maintenance
- Operate and maintain laboratory equipment such as centrifuges, incubators, biosafety cabinets, and microscopes.
- Conduct regular cleaning, decontamination, and waste disposal following biosafety protocols.
- Assist in inventory management and ordering, ensuring sufficient stock of supplies, reagents, and consumables.
Collaboration & Communication
- Work closely with laboratory technologists and supervisors to support testing workflows and troubleshoot issues.
- Participate in team meetings, training sessions, and laboratory improvement initiatives.
- Communicate effectively with laboratory staff and other personnel regarding specimen processing and testing status.
- Other duties as assigned.
Required Qualifications
- High school diploma or equivalent required.
Preferred Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in microbiology, biology, medical laboratory science, or a related field.
- Prior laboratory experience in a clinical microbiology or research setting for at least 1 year.
Accompanying Knowledge, Skills, Abilities and Competencies
- Understanding of basic microbiology techniques, including culture handling, staining, and microscopy preferred.
- Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and ability to follow SOPs accurately.
- Proficiency in data entry and documentation.
- Ability to work in a team environment and adapt to evolving laboratory needs.
About The University of Texas at Tyler and UT Tyler Health Science Center
The University of Texas at Tyler is part of the prestigious University of Texas System that includes 14 institutions located throughout the state. Founded in 1971, UT Tyler today enrolls over 10,000 students and consists of six colleges.
Designated an R2 research institution by the Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education, UT Tyler supports our surrounding region through innovation intended to uplift communities, spearhead sustainability initiatives, preserve ecosystems and support entrepreneurship. UT Tyler has the highest Carnegie classification in East Texas.
Providing exceptional patient care, comprehensive education and innovative research, The University of Texas at Tyler Health Science Center and UT Health East Texas combine to serve as the university medical center for Northeast Texas and beyond.
For more information, please visit https://www.uttyler.edu/about .
Additional Information
The retirement plan for this position is Teacher Retirement System of Texas (TRS), subject to the position being at least 20 hours per week and at least 135 days in length. This position has the option to elect the Optional Retirement Program (ORP) instead of TRS, subject to the position being 40 hours per week and at least 135 days in length.
This position is security-sensitive and subject to Texas Education Code Section 51.215, which authorizes the employer to obtain criminal history record information. Applicants selected must be able to show proof of eligibility to work in the United States by time of hire.
For more information regarding benefits offered by UT Tyler, please visit https://www.uttyler.edu/offices/human-resources/employees/benefits .
Clinical Position Requirements
Clinical positions require pre-screening through our Occupational Health department, including a drug test. Employees are required to obtain annual influenza vaccines.
EEO Statement
The University of Texas at Tyler is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer.