RainBow: Veterinary Technologist (Histology)
Job Title: Veterinary Technologist (Histology)
Location: Rustenburg
Closing Date: 23 January 2025
Overview:
We are looking for an experienced and dedicated Veterinary Technologist (Histology) to join our dynamic team in Rustenburg. This important role involves preparing animal tissue samples for examination, managing and maintaining histological equipment, and ensuring the overall quality of laboratory operations. As a Veterinary Technologist, your work will directly support pathologists, helping them achieve accurate and timely diagnoses that are crucial for animal health. The ideal candidate for this position should be well-versed in tissue processing, understand histology techniques, and be comfortable working with sophisticated lab equipment. You will be part of a team that plays an essential role in the veterinary diagnostic process, and your expertise will contribute to the successful treatment of animals.
Key Responsibilities:
Tissue Preparation:
One of the most vital aspects of this role is the preparation of animal tissue samples for examination. You will use rapid tissue processing techniques and frozen section methods to ensure that specimens are properly cut, mounted, and stained for microscopic examination. These steps are crucial in obtaining high-quality tissue slides that pathologists can use for accurate diagnoses.
- Rapid Tissue Processing: You will process animal tissue samples efficiently using advanced techniques such as rapid tissue processing and frozen sectioning to ensure fast yet accurate results.
- Slide Preparation: Preparing slides or specimens involves applying the right stains to enhance the visibility of the tissue samples under the microscope, enabling pathologists to observe minute details that are essential for diagnosis.
- Wax Preservation: You will operate computerized laboratory equipment to fix, dehydrate, and infiltrate tissue specimens with wax to preserve them for study by the pathologist. This step requires precision, as proper preservation ensures the tissue remains intact for further analysis.
- Protocol Compliance: As part of the histology team, you will ensure that all procedures adhere to established protocols, ensuring that tissue samples are handled correctly and the highest standards of quality are maintained throughout the entire preparation process.
Equipment Management:
Another key responsibility is the management of the laboratory’s histological equipment. As the technology continues to evolve, it is important to stay up-to-date with new equipment and techniques. You will be responsible for operating, troubleshooting, and maintaining a variety of specialized laboratory equipment.
- Troubleshooting Equipment: The laboratory’s histological equipment must be kept in excellent working condition. When issues arise, you will be responsible for troubleshooting and making necessary adjustments to ensure smooth operations.
- Daily Operations: You will oversee the daily use of laboratory equipment, ensuring all tools are functional, clean, and calibrated. You will also be expected to manage any repairs or replacements when needed.
Data Management:
In addition to the technical responsibilities, you will handle data management tasks. Accurate data entry is essential for maintaining proper records and ensuring that all tissue processing work is documented thoroughly and properly.
- Computerized Data Entry: You will be responsible for performing computerized data entry for all the work you perform in the laboratory. This includes recording information about tissue samples, processing steps, and results. Keeping accurate records is important not only for compliance but also for future reference and audit purposes.
- Report Generation: Based on your data entries, you will generate reports that provide pathologists and other team members with detailed insights into the tissue samples and the results of any procedures performed.
Supervision and Training:
As a senior member of the team, you may also have supervisory responsibilities. You will be tasked with guiding and training junior technicians, ensuring they follow proper histology procedures and maintain high standards of quality and accuracy in their work.
- Training Junior Staff: You will help new team members understand the various aspects of histology procedures, including tissue cutting, embedding, microtomy, and routine staining techniques. This mentorship ensures that the team remains consistent in adhering to established protocols.
- Maintaining High Standards: By overseeing junior staff, you will help maintain the quality of work throughout the laboratory. This includes checking their results and offering constructive feedback to ensure everyone is working efficiently and effectively.
Quality Control and Compliance:
Maintaining the highest standards of quality control and compliance with industry regulations is paramount. You will play a role in ensuring that the laboratory operates according to best practices and meets relevant accreditation requirements.
- Laboratory Documentation: You will ensure that all histology manuals and other essential documentation are maintained and up-to-date, which is critical for both internal and external audits.
- Process Improvement: Your role also involves identifying areas where the laboratory’s operations could be improved. This could involve recommending new services or processes to enhance lab efficiency or reduce turnaround times for tissue processing.
- Safety Standards: In addition to quality control, you will be responsible for ensuring that the laboratory adheres to strict safety, environmental, and infection control standards. This includes regularly monitoring lab operations to make sure staff members are following safety protocols.
Additional Responsibilities:
No two days are exactly the same in this role. You will be expected to perform various ad-hoc duties and respond to any special requirements or urgent tasks that arise in the laboratory.
- Miscellaneous Duties: From time to time, you may be asked to take on tasks that fall outside the regular scope of your responsibilities. These tasks will be aligned with the overall goals of the laboratory and will help improve the efficiency of the team.
- Departmental Needs: You may also need to take on any other responsibilities assigned by management, ensuring that the team’s needs are always met, whether it’s supporting special projects or addressing urgent operational challenges.
Required Qualifications and Experience:
Education:
- Matric Certificate: The minimum educational requirement for this position is a Matric certificate (Grade 12), providing a solid foundation in basic education.
- Relevant Qualification: You must have a Bachelor of Technology in Veterinary Technology or a National Diploma in Veterinary Technology with specialized knowledge or exposure to histology. This educational background ensures you have the necessary theoretical and practical skills for the role.
Certification:
- Registration with the South African Veterinary Council (SAVC): To practice legally as a Veterinary Technologist, you must be registered with the South African Veterinary Council (SAVC). This certification ensures you meet the professional standards required for the job.
Experience:
- Hands-On Experience in Histology: At least 3 to 5 years of experience working in a technical histology laboratory environment is required. During this time, you should have gained experience working with Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), medical equipment, and tissue processing techniques.
- Familiarity with Medical Equipment: You should have experience using medical instruments such as microtomes, cryostats, and other histological equipment commonly used in veterinary laboratories.
- Routine Staining and Processing: Strong practical experience with tissue processing, embedding, sectioning, and routine staining techniques (Haematoxylin and Eosin) is essential for this role.
Required Skills and Competencies:
Technical Proficiency:
- You must have the ability to operate and maintain histological equipment, including performing troubleshooting tasks to ensure the equipment is functioning properly. Additionally, a deep understanding of tissue grossing and the chemicals used in tissue processing is required to ensure precise diagnostic analysis.
Data Management Skills:
- You will need strong computer skills, including the ability to accurately enter data and generate reports. A keen eye for detail is important to ensure that all records are correct and well-documented.
Communication Skills:
- Good verbal and written communication skills in English are essential, as you will need to clearly explain procedures, write reports, and communicate effectively with the rest of the team.
Knowledge of Safety Standards:
- You must be familiar with laboratory safety protocols and infection control standards. This knowledge will ensure that you and your colleagues work in a safe and compliant environment.
Leadership and Training:
- You should have experience supervising and mentoring junior technicians, ensuring high standards of work are maintained. Your leadership will help the laboratory function smoothly and efficiently.
Problem-Solving Skills:
- The ability to identify and resolve issues related to equipment or tissue processing is essential. You must be able to think critically and act quickly when challenges arise in the laboratory.
Experience and Training Requirements:
- Lab Experience: Previous hands-on experience in a histology laboratory, including knowledge of SOPs, medical equipment, and tissue processing, is required.
- Certifications: A valid ISO 17025:2017 Certificate of Competence is an added advantage.
- CPD Points: As per SAVC requirements, you must maintain up-to-date CPD points to ensure ongoing professional development.
This role offers the opportunity to be part of a highly skilled team, contributing to important veterinary diagnostic work. If you meet the qualifications and are ready to take on these responsibilities, we encourage you to apply before the closing date.