LABORATORY TECHNICIAN

About the role

The Medical Lab Technician II position in the VetMed-Athens Diagnostic Lab at the University of Georgia assists in veterinary diagnostic microbiology work and reports to lab managers and section heads. Specific duties include general laboratory maintenance, processing a wide variety of animal specimens for bacterial and fungal culture, meticulous record keeping, and data entry. Cross-training in other lab sections is also a requisite.

Responsibilities

• Animal Diagnostic Microbiology Benchwork: Prepare veterinary specimens for diagnostic testing, document all setup steps
  Perform bacterial and fungal isolation, identification and susceptibility testing, document all tests
  Analyze cultures to determine how the case should be executed and what are the bacterial colonies clinically relevant. This requires a high level of knowledge and experience.
  Enter preliminary and final results into the lab’s LIMS system
  Cross-train in Serology/Virology sections with the ability to assist in duties as needed. This duty will vary, depending on lab needs and workflow

• General Laboratory Maintenance: Ensure daily, weekly, and monthly lab tasks are completed. Including but not limited to the following:
  Equipment maintenance
  Biohazardous and chemical waste disposal and management
  Maintain log sheets and QC documents
  Clean laboratory areas, including biosafety cabinets
  Prepare lab media and sanitation solutions
  Scan, file, and maintain paperwork
  Check Eye Wash Stations

• Client Communication: Consult with clients on test results, help to interpret results, and perform additional testing if necessary.
  Recommend tests to clients, advise on sample collection, and refer clients to the proper department if needed.

Requirements

• High school diploma or equivalent and 2 years of related experience

Qualifications

• Knowledge of aseptic (sterile) techniques
• Knowledge and skills in the culture and identification of bacterial and fungal isolates
• Ability to accurately observe/interpret test results and report them using laboratory information software
• Ability to effectively communicate both verbally and in writing
• Ability to manage time well and carefully follow both written and verbal instructions

Skills

• Excellent manual dexterity
• Lift with assistance up to 50 lbs, and unassisted up to 30 pounds
• See details and colors to correctly interpret laboratory results
• Normal laboratory environment including exposure to chemicals, odors, and specimens
• Stand for extended periods of time
• Sit at lab bench for extended periods of time

Physical Demands

• Excellent manual dexterity
• Lift with assistance up to 50 lbs, and unassisted up to 30 pounds
• See details and colors to correctly interpret laboratory results
• Normal laboratory environment including exposure to chemicals, odors, and specimens
• Stand for extended periods of time
• Sit at lab bench for extended periods of time

Benefits

• Retirement Plan: TRS
• Benefits Eligibility: Benefits Eligible
• Employment Type: Employee
• Full/Part Time: Full Time
• Work Schedule: Monday through Friday, 8am-5pm
• Additional Schedule Information: Monday through Friday, 8am-5pm
• Advertised Salary: Commensurate with Experience
• Posting Date: 06/03/2026
• Open until filled: Yes
• Posting Number: S15233P
• Working Title: LABORATORY TECHNICIAN
• Department: VetMed-Athens Diagnostic Lab
• Location of Vacancy: Athens Area
• EEO Policy Statement: The University of Georgia is an Equal Opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, color, disability, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex, or veteran status or other protected status. Persons needing accommodations or assistance with the accessibility of materials related to this search are encouraged to contact Central HR (hrweb@uga.edu).
• USG Core Values Statement: The University System of Georgia is comprised of our 25 institutions of higher education and learning, as well the System Office. Our USG Statement of Core Values are Integrity, Excellence, Accountability, and Respect. These values serve as the foundation for all that we do as an organization, and each USG community member is responsible for demonstrating and upholding these standards. More details on the USG Statement of Core Values and Code of Conduct are available in USG Board Policy 08.02.18.01.02. Additionally, USG supports Freedom of Expression as stated in Board Policy 06.05 Freedom of Expression and Academic Freedom.

Contact Information

For questions concerning this position or recruitment progression, please refer to the Recruitment Contact listed below.
Recruitment Contact Name: Amy McKinney
Recruitment Contact Email: amymc@uga.edu