Senior Technician - Lab Services at Covista · Basseterre

Company Description

RUSVM

Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine (RUSVM) is the number one provider of Doctors of Veterinary Medicine (DVMs) to the U.S.* and offers a DVM program that is accredited by the American Veterinary Medical Association Council on Education. Located on St. Kitts, RUSVM includes the Ross University Veterinary Clinic and is accredited by the American Animal Hospital Association. A cutting-edge curriculum, with innovative use of technologies and simulations, provides the best possible training for tomorrow’s veterinarians.

RUSVM prepares students to become veterinary leaders by drawing connections among animals, people and the planet, as a member of the One Health Initiative. We offer research programs focused on emerging infectious and zoonotic diseases, conservation medicine and ecosystem health. Visit ' + 'https://veterinary.rossu.edu' + ' for more information, and follow RUSVM on ' + 'Instagram' + ', ' + 'Facebook' + ' and ' + 'LinkedIn' + '.

We operate on a hybrid schedule with four in-office days per week (Monday–Thursday). This approach enhances creativity, innovation, communication, and relationship-building, fostering a dynamic and collaborative work environment.

*Based on the total number of DVM graduates at RUSVM compared to U.S. schools in 2024.

About Covista

Covista (NYSE: CVSA) is America's largest healthcare educator, serving 100,000 students and supported by a community of 400,000 alumni across five accredited institutions. Through personalized, tech-enabled education powered by 10,000 faculty and colleagues, Covista expands access to healthcare careers and addresses the U.S. healthcare workforce shortage at scale. Covista is the parent company of American University of the Caribbean School of Medicine, Chamberlain University, Ross University School of Medicine, Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine and Walden University.

Our colleagues come from a wide range of backgrounds, business, academia, healthcare, government and nonprofits, and are part of a culture where doing exceptional work and making a meaningful difference for students and society aren't separate goals—they're one and the same. This means creating an environment where colleagues can develop new skills, build careers that match their ambitions and see the tangible impact of their work on healthcare education and workforce development. Colleagues who deliver results and embrace new tools to work smarter are valued for their contributions. But what makes working at Covista distinctive is our impact. Our faculty and colleagues don't just support healthcare education—they shape it. This isn't abstract purpose work. It's solving real problems for real people in real communities while advancing careers.

We operate on a hybrid schedule with four in-office days per week (Monday–Thursday). This approach enhances creativity, innovation, communication, and relationship-building, fostering a dynamic and collaborative work environment.

For more information, visit ' + 'covista.com' + ' and follow us on ' + 'LinkedIn' + ', ' + 'Instagram' + ' and ' + 'YouTube' + '.

Job Description

Opportunity at a Glance

The Divisions of Laboratory Services and Pathology within the Biomedical Sciences Department at RUSVM are looking for a Senior Laboratory Services Technician for the Histology and Pathology sections. The individual will report directly to the Histology Laboratory Manager with a dotted line to Pathology Laboratory Manager.

Responsibilities

Histology Technical Duties and Responsibilities

• Retrieves specimens for processing from different departments: Ross University Veterinary Clinic (RUVC), Pathology Postmortem Trim Room, Research Principal Investigators, and Diagnostic Lab.

• Inking and description of surgical biopsies prior to trimming.

• Trimming of tissue as needed prior to processing.

• Embedding of tissue in cassettes while maintaining proper tissue orientation.

• Trimming and preparation of embedded blocks for and cutting.

• Processing the cutting of sections on microtome including the floatation of sections on water bath and mounting onto microscope slides.

• Rehydration of slides for staining.

• Microscopic examination of quality control (QC) slides to verify proper staining.

• Staining of routine H&E slides and other special stains.

• Cutting paraffin scrolls for PCR.

• Dehydration of slides for cover slipping.

• Maintenance of block storage including filing and block retrieval.

• Decalcification of calcified tissue

• Delivering stained slides to the Pathologists.

Pathology Technical Duties and Responsibilities

• Assist with organizing autopsy classes and managing the use of the Pathology Lab.

• Assist pathologists with post-mortem procedures which include teaching, research, and diagnostic cases.

• Liaise with the RUVC, other clinics and the St. Kitts community to ensure adequate specimen collection and case submissions.

• Prepare animals, tables, room, and instrumentation for autopsy, including laying out instruments and ensuring knives are sharp.

• Store samples selected by the pathologists in formalin or solution.

• Submit selected specimens for further investigation (bacteriology, clinical pathology, toxicology, histopathology) with accurate documentation.

• Prepare tissues for histopathology

• Prepare digital photos of each autopsy for archiving and teaching purposes.

• Store autopsy reports and affiliated lab results in the medical record.

• Organize storage of slides from autopsy, biopsy, and research histology.

• Dissect specimens as needed in the teaching program. Training in animal dissection and anatomy knowledge will be provided.

• Coordinate the incineration and disposal of biohazard waste and biohazard materials.

• Assist with the Packaging of microscope slide for the University’s contribution to Joint Pathology Centre.

Combined Duties

• Manage inventory including the creation of purchase orders using the SIMMS software; stock taking of laboratory supplies, updating of inventory and collection of orders from the Purchasing Department.

• Assist with the preparation of the annual budget.

• Assist with the development and revision of SOPs and maintenance of Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) as needed

• Prepare and maintain solutions/reagents in accordance with the established SOPs.

• Operate and maintain laboratory equipment used in the operations.

• Cleaning and maintenance of laboratory spaces including equipment, cold rooms/freezers, and external areas where applicable.

• Use of Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS) VADDS which include entering of retroactive cases, ordering tests, management of cases and invoicing.

• Manage and process requests from Pathologists for specimens/slides to be sent for external testing to reference laboratory.

• Collaborate with team to develop new initiatives, projects, and services.

• Any other duties assigned by management.

Professional Veterinary Student Teaching

May assist with teaching laboratory-related subject matter to students under the direction and guidance of the instructional team. Opportunities to participate in instructional activities may be available based on the employee’s interest, experience, competency, and departmental needs

The technician will assist the students in their laboratory workups during their practical training and train the students to have good laboratory practice.

Assist the instructional team with the preparation of learning material of the various laboratory disciplines.

Technician will lead on setting up and breaking down of student labs. This includes all necessary preparations, collections, clean-up, and proper disposal for the following student labs:

• Microanatomy: Following successful completion of training and demonstration of competency in Histology and Pathology laboratory operations, contribute to the training of DVM students in the use of the light microscope and provide support for Direct Observed Preclinical Procedure (DOPPS) activities as required. Opportunities to participate in student assessment activities may be introduced as competency and experience are developed.

• Help develop more advanced training and assessment in light microscopy and associated histological techniques for DVM students as required which may include digital modalities.

Be capable of mentoring students who engage in research projects, assisting, and aiding them in any of the above-described techniques.

Qualifications

• Minimum of a Bachelor’s Degree in Biological Sciences, or preferably higher, and additional years of experience in a Histology laboratory setting is required
• Histotechnician or Histotechnologist Certification (HTL, ASCP) desired
• Good knowledge in Microsoft Office Suite, Windows, and database applications.
• Ability to effectively communicate professionally in a corporate veterinary medical environment.
• Flexibility to work overtime, weekends and holidays.
• Physical endurance to withstand the demands of the job, which includes heavy lifting and standing for extended periods.
• Background in laboratory maintenance, animal handling, butchering, and embalming is desired, but not required.
• Strong knowledge of and experience with instruments, equipment, supplies, and procedures used in a histology and post-mortem laboratory is considered an asset.
• Knowledge of animal anatomy is highly desired.
• Good spatial ability to perceive three-dimensional and geometric relationships when cutting paraffin blocks and making embedded molds.
• Competent finger dexterity required to manipulate the micro-thin tissue sections and to mount onto microscope slides

Additional Information

Safety

The successful candidate must adhere to all laboratory safety guidelines established by the institution. These safety procedures include successful completion of laboratory safety trainings; knowledge of basic laboratory safety; emergency procedures; personal protective equipment; and appropriate disposal of biohazard waste. The technician will also be required to stay abreast of all administrative policies and procedures that are available in laboratory safety manuals, material safety data sheets (MSDS), and standard operating procedures (SOPs).

Professional Development and Leadership Training

• Enroll in continuing education courses on an annual basis that are tailored towards personal and professional development.
• Provide and support opportunities for colleagues to cross-train across the different lab departments in the Division of Laboratory Services.

Team Engagement and Enablement

Ability to supervise, motivate staff and promote a collegial work environment in accord with our TEACH values.

Equal Opportunity – Minority / Female / Disability / V / Gender Identity / Sexual Orientation