LABORATORY TECHNICIAN II

About the Role

This is a responsible technical position in the Infectious Diseases Laboratory (IDL) in the Department of Small Animal Medicine and Surgery in the College of Veterinary Medicine. The position will primarily require good general lab techniques and a willingness to learn new techniques are important. The use of aseptic techniques for sample handling, and processing are necessary.

Responsibilities

• Develop and validate diagnostic assays as well as process samples (mainly exotic avian species choanal/cloacal swabs, feces, and blood) and run diagnostic assays (mainly VNs, ELISAS, EBAs and PCRs) routinely.
• Apply working knowledge of diagnostic assays and respective positive and negative controls for accurate interpretation of results, data collection, analysis and the incorporation of combined evaluated material into technical reports conveyed to clients.
• Develop new and/or improved methods that enhance the lab’s capability to successfully and accurately detect disease causing organisms of major concern to clients.
• Troubleshoot serological tests.
• Manage laboratory submissions and computer database (VetView), ensuring samples are labeled accurately and efficiently with attention to detail. Assign identifying submission numbers and carefully enter into computer database that maintains client information, animal identification, sample type, test requested and results, along with financial management of each account.
• Perform miscellaneous laboratory tasks including laboratory maintenance (cleaning, autoclaving, sample logging/disposal, surplus) and any additional tasks deemed necessary by the co-director.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent and 2 years of related experience.
• Well organized with absolute attention to detail.
• Willing to perform scientific bench work.
• Knowledge of sterile technique as it applies to the job.
• General software competency.
• Attention to detail in every aspect of work ranging from assigning submission number to processing to running tests to recording and reporting results.

Physical Demands

• Sit for long periods of time and repetitive hand movement (e.g., pipetting, writing, computer typing).