CWD Lab Technician

About the role

Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) is a fatal prion disease affecting deer, elk, reindeer, sika deer, and moose. The disease continues to spread throughout Wisconsin and across the United States, and there are currently no treatments or vaccines available. Because prion diseases may pose risks to public health, the World Health Organization recommends preventing the agents of all known prion diseases from entering the human food chain. The Wisconsin Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory (WVDL) plays a critical role in protecting consumers and monitoring the spread of CWD by providing diagnostic testing services. As hunting season approaches and testing demand increases, WVDL is temporarily expanding its workforce to support the additional workload and ensure timely processing of CWD samples.

Key Responsibilities

• Perform pre-analytical tasks associated with Transmissible Spongiform Encephalopathy (TSE) screening using Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA) and Immunohistochemistry (IHC) methods in accordance with established Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).
• Organize, prepare, and document samples and work logs prior to testing.
• Read, record, and enter testing data and results into the Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS) under the guidance and oversight of the Laboratory Manager.
• Complete and verify all quality control (QC) procedures and maintain required records to ensure testing accuracy and compliance.
• Perform routine maintenance and basic troubleshooting of laboratory equipment.
• Maintain a clean, organized, and safe work environment, including routine disinfection of benchtops, biosafety cabinets, and laboratory instruments.
• Adhere to all WVDL quality assurance, biosafety, and workplace safety requirements as outlined in laboratory Quality and Safety Manuals.
• Support the laboratory's efforts to provide accurate and timely CWD diagnostic testing to assist in disease surveillance and consumer protection.
• Use, maintain, calibrate, and set up lab equipment and apparatuses according to established policies and procedures and document activities.
• Complete and acknowledge trainings.
• Perform quality control, acknowledge documents, perform document reviews and/or write and revise documents as assigned.
• Coordinate and participate in a variety of routine technical duties by providing assistance to research and/or laboratory staff in testing and experiments.
• Set up, prepare, and clean laboratory glassware, instruments, equipment, and laboratory work spaces.

Required Qualifications

• HS Diploma or GED, plus two years of relevant experience.
• Ability to sit or stand for extended periods while performing laboratory duties.
• Demonstrated attention to detail and ability to accurately follow established procedures and protocols.
• Ability to perform repetitive tasks and motions throughout the workday while maintaining accuracy and consistency.
• Ability to maintain focus and productivity in a fast-paced, high-volume laboratory environment.
• Strong organizational skills and ability to manage multiple tasks while meeting quality and turnaround time expectations.

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree.
• Familiarity and experience with tissue handling and preparation techniques.
• Familiarity with ELISA procedures, histotechnology, and immunohistochemistry.
• Specific experience with TSE testing.

Pay & Schedule

• Compensation: $23.00/hr
• Schedule: Monday through Friday, 7:45am – 4:30pm. Some overtime work may be available and/or assigned, including evenings and weekends.
• Employment Type: Terminal (Fixed Term). This position is expected to be seasonal and end in January 2027; however, there is a possibility of extension based on funding availability, program need and performance. It is also possible that this position will be made renewable based on funding availability, program need and performance.