Microbiology Technician- AZ - College of Veterinary Medicine
About the role
The Microbiology Technician at the Animal Health Institute (AHI) is responsible for the day-to-day operations in the microbiology laboratory, located in the Companion Animal Clinic (CAC). This position reports to the Manager of Diagnostic Pathology Center.
Core responsibilities
- Accessioning of clinical specimens submitted to the Microbiology Laboratory for diagnostic work up
- Process a variety of clinical specimens for primary isolation and identification of bacterial and fungal pathogens
- Use diagnostic equipment and molecular methods, such as the Matrix-Assisted Laser Desorption Ionization time-of-Flight Mass Spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS), polymerase chain reaction (PCR), for identification of bacterial, yeast and viral pathogens
- Perform DNA and RNA isolation
- Perform antimicrobial susceptibility testing
- Perform parasite identification
- Report test results to clients
- Maintain laboratory equipment
- Ensure adequate inventory of laboratory supplies and reagents
- Ship and archive samples as needed
- Develop and maintain records and support quality assurance and compliance responsibilities
- Develop, review and maintain standard operating procedures (SOPs)
- Maintain a safe work environment following OSHA requirements and institutional policies
- Maintain and update safety data sheets (SDS)
- Other job-related duties as assigned
Level I
Primary Focus: Execution of core and key lab responsibilities. Training and support will be provided while developing technical proficiency.
Key Responsibilities:
- Perform basic sample processing and testing with oversight
- Accurately enter and maintain patient/sample records
- Follow established SOPs and workflows
- Assist with inventory management and stocking
- Perform basic equipment maintenance and cleaning
- Escalate equipment or result issues to senior staff
- Support teaching environment (students/faculty interaction)
Level II
Primary Focus: Execution of core and key lab responsibilities. Independent operation with strong troubleshooting skills and workflow ownership.
Key Responsibilities:
- Independently perform and validate diagnostic testing
- Troubleshoot equipment, assays, and LIS/EMR issues
- Perform and document QA/QC processes
- Coordinate sample submissions to external laboratories
- Assist with training and mentoring Level I technicians and students
- Assist in development and refinement of SOPs
- Communicate findings effectively with clinicians and faculty
- Identify workflow inefficiencies and recommend improvements
Level III
Primary Focus: Execution of core and key lab responsibilities. Provides expertise in lab operations, quality assurance, training, and process optimization.
Key Responsibilities:
- Oversee daily laboratory operations and workflow efficiency
- Lead QA/QC programs and ensure regulatory compliance
- Serve as primary liaison for equipment vendors and technical support
- Develop, implement, and maintain SOPs and best practices
- Assist with training, mentoring, and assessing technicians and students
- Support new test development and laboratory expansion initiatives
- Partner with leadership on strategic planning and lab growth
- Analyze lab performance metrics and implement improvements
- Assist with budgeting, supply forecasting, and resource allocation
Qualifications
- Excellent oral and written communication
- Confident general computer skills (e.g. outlook, word, excel)
- EMR and/or other laboratory related software experience
- Laboratory QA/QC and record keeping
- Basic bacteriology/microbiology laboratory skills
- Proactive personality
Education and experience
Level I: Bachelor's degree; 1-3 years of related experience; basic familiarity with laboratory equipment preferred
Level II: Bachelor's degree; 3-5 years microbiology or diagnostic lab experience; demonstrated proficiency with lab instrumentation and LIS
Level III: Bachelor's degree; 5+ years microbiology lab experience; proven leadership, training, and operational oversight experience; ASCP Certification in Medical Laboratory Technician (MLT), Medical Laboratory Scientists (MLS), or Microbiology (M ASCP)
Skills
- Computer proficiency in MS Office (Word, Excel, Power Point, Outlook)
- No inhibiting allergies to animals, hay, or dust
Physical demands
- Frequently stand for short periods of time, walk, and use hands to handle or feel and reach with hands and arms
- Frequently required to sit, talk and hear
- Specific vision abilities required include close vision, color vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus
- Occasionally lift and/or move up to 40 lbs
Work environment
- Fumes or airborne particles, toxic or caustic chemicals will be regularly present
- Occasionally there will be a risk of electrical shock, risk of radiation and vibration of equipment
- Noise level is usually moderate
Benefits
- Medical, dental, and vision insurance plans
- Life insurance, short/long term disability and pet insurance
- Flexible spending accounts including healthcare reimbursement and child/dependent care account
- Competitive time off package including paid holidays, sick/flex days, personal days and vacation days
- 403(b) retirement plan
- Tuition reimbursement
- Child care subsidy reimbursement program
- Identity theft protection and an employee assistance program
- Wellness facility on-site with a fully equipped fitness facility