HC Pro 1 Clinical Lab Science
About The Job
MPTL is a collaborative facility between the University of Minnesota Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory (UMN VDL) and the Minnesota Board of Animal Health (MBAH). The laboratory serves as Minnesota’s official National Poultry Improvement Plan (NPIP) laboratory and provides diagnostic testing for the poultry industry, including serology, bacteriology, and molecular testing. MPTL maintains accreditation and program compliance with the National Animal Health Laboratory Network (NAHLN), the American Association of Veterinary Laboratory Diagnosticians (AAVLD), and NPIP standards.
Duties
Sample Receiving and Case Triage: Facilitate the daily receipt of a high volume of diagnostic samples. Interpret case submissions, sample data, sample type, integrity, and client history to determine appropriate priority status. Identify and track samples submitted for MBAH regulatory and NPIP testing. Coordinate the shipment of biological samples to other laboratories for outsourced testing. Communicate with clients to collect account details and relevant clinical history. Utilize the Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS) to create unique case numbers and track samples. Evaluate LIMS data for errors and notify supervisor or lab lead as needed.
Lab Float and Inventory Management: Assist with sample check-in and initial sample processing. Support media preparation and basic lab maintenance tasks. Complete result review. Perform scanning, electronic filing, and recordkeeping to ensure data integrity and compliance. Provide general assistance to maintain workflow efficiency and testing timelines. Prepare supply kits for send out. Track inventory of MBAH-purchased supplies for sample send-outs. Monitor and restock UMN MPTL section-purchased supplies for lab receiving.
Quality Assurance/Quality Control and Compliance: Perform QA/QC procedures and maintain documentation per established standards. Use Q-Pulse, the VDL’s QA/QC information management system. Review SOPs annually and initiate change requests. Create or revise forms and daily worksheets. Identify and report incidents or initiate remedial actions. Raise non-conformances through Q-Pulse. Participate in staff meetings, continuing education, and NPIP-required training. Maintain current certification in required shipping courses. Use Mesa Labs monitoring system to document equipment performance systems.
Qualifications
Required Qualifications: BA/BS degree or a combination of related education and work experience to equal four years. Applies knowledge and skill to recurring tasks or activities, with an emphasis on precision and timeliness of execution.
Preferred Qualifications: Familiarity with NPIP programs and MBAH testing requirements. Experience with complex laboratory equipment (e.g., pipettes, sterilizers). Working knowledge of Microsoft Office programs. Proficiency with software such as Perceptive Content, Q-Pulse, MVDL LIMS, or similar platforms. Strong organizational skills, recordkeeping accuracy, and ability to manage high sample volumes.
Physical Requirements
Ability to lift and carry up to 30 lbs. occasionally. Ability to stand or walk for extended periods during laboratory shifts. Frequent use of fine motor skills for specimen handling, labeling, and computer data entry. Ability to bend, reach, and retrieve materials from shelving and laboratory storage areas. Visual acuity for close computer work and specimen identification. Auditory awareness to respond to laboratory alarms and communicate effectively in an active laboratory environment.
About The Department
The University of Minnesota Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory (VDL) is a national leader in providing rapid diagnosis of animal diseases, identifying emerging diseases, developing new diagnostic methods, and training diagnosticians and veterinarians. The VDL serves the interests of the livestock and poultry industry, animal research scientists and educators, and companion animal owners. We provide strong support to the state as the official laboratory of the Minnesota Board of Animal Health as well as supporting the national animal and human health system. The laboratory is a part of the University of Minnesota College of Veterinary Medicine and serves as Minnesota’s only full-service laboratory for animal health diagnosis.
Pay And Benefits
Pay Range: $21.93 - $27.03/hr ; depending on education/qualifications/experience
Time Appointment: 100% Appointment
Position Type: Civil-Service & Non-Faculty
Labor Represented Staff
Please visit the Office of Human Resources website for more information regarding benefit eligibility.
The University Offers a Comprehensive Benefits Package That Includes Competitive wages, paid holidays, and generous time off
Continuous learning opportunities through professional training and degree-seeking programs supported by the Regents Tuition Benefit Program
Low-cost medical, dental, and pharmacy plans
Healthcare and dependent care flexible spending accounts
University HSA contributions
Disability and employer-paid life insurance
Employee wellbeing program
Excellent retirement plans with employer contribution
Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) opportunity
Financial counseling services
Employee Assistance Program with eight sessions of counseling at no cost
Employee Transit Pass with free or reduced rates in the Twin Cities metro area
While our salary ranges provide a framework, it is important to note that most of the time, the initial pay may not reach the maximum of the range. This approach ensures that compensation reflects the value and unique contributions of each candidate while maintaining equity within our organization.
How To Apply
Applications must be submitted online. To be considered for this position, please click the Apply button and follow the instructions. You will be given the opportunity to complete an online application for the position and attach a cover letter and resume. Additional documents may be attached after application by accessing your "My Job Applications" page and uploading documents in the "My Cover Letters and Attachments" section. To request an accommodation during the application process, please e-mail jobcentr@umn.edu.
Diversity
The University recognizes and values the importance of diversity and inclusion in enriching the employment experience of its employees and in supporting the academic mission. The University is committed to attracting and retaining employees with varying identities and backgrounds. The University of Minnesota provides equal access to and opportunity in its programs, facilities, and employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, age, marital status, disability, public assistance status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression.
Employment Requirements
Any offer of employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a background check. Our presumption is that prospective employees are eligible to work here. Criminal convictions do not automatically disqualify finalists from employment.