Wildlife Diagnostics Technician

About the role

The Wildlife Diagnostics Technician supports the Wildlife Futures Program by managing wildlife diagnostic cases from specimen receipt through laboratory processing, necropsy support, data management, and biobanking. Working closely with wildlife pathologists, this position assists with disease surveillance, diagnostic testing, and laboratory operations while ensuring the accurate handling, documentation, and tracking of biological specimens.

Responsibilities

• Receive, open, and process wildlife submissions, including deceased animals and biological specimens (e.g., blood, swabs, tissues, organs, feces).
• Verify submission documentation and accession cases into Laboratory Information Management Systems (LIMS) and associated databases (WHIN, eLabs, Pennsylvania Game Commission systems, and others as applicable).
• Organize, label, distribute, store, and ship specimens for internal laboratory testing and external collaborators.
• Maintain biobank inventory and associated databases, ensuring accurate specimen tracking and long-term storage.
• Aid wildlife pathologists with necropsy examinations of wildlife and occasional domestic animals, including tissue collection for diagnostic testing such as Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD).
• Process tissues and prepare samples for laboratory analysis while maintaining accurate case documentation and data entry.
• Provide intensive support for seasonal CWD surveillance and testing, including several months each year dedicated to high-volume sample processing and data management.
• Enter laboratory findings into internal and external databases and assist with diagnostic reporting.
• Maintain laboratory and necropsy facilities through routine cleaning, disinfection, equipment maintenance, supply organization, and proper biohazard waste disposal.
• Communicate with submitting agencies and collaborators to obtain case histories and resolve submission discrepancies.
• Support the laboratory's Quality Management System through document control, report generation, and compliance with accreditation standards, including those of the American Association of Veterinary Laboratory Diagnosticians (AAVLD).

Qualifications

• A Bachelor's degree in Biology, Animal Science, Animal Husbandry, or a related field and 0-1 years of relevant experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience, is required.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to work effectively in a collaborative laboratory environment.
• Experience handling biological specimens and comfort working with animal carcasses, tissues, and other biological materials.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and the ability to learn Laboratory Information Management Systems (LIMS) and other database platforms.
• Ability to safely operate laboratory equipment, hand tools, and power tools (including saws and hoists) following established safety procedures.
• Physical ability to lift and carry up to 50 pounds and perform work involving standing, bending, and extended periods in laboratory and necropsy environments.
• A valid driver's license and the ability to operate a University vehicle for work-related duties.
• Willingness to obtain and maintain rabies vaccination and titer (provided by the University) and comply with all institutional health and safety requirements, including respiratory mask fit testing.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in one or more of the following areas: Wildlife or domestic animal handling in laboratory, veterinary, research, or field settings.
• Diagnostic laboratory workflows, including specimen accessioning and necropsy assistance.
• Wildlife disease surveillance or diagnostic testing.
• Laboratory Information Management Systems (LIMS) or other scientific databases.
• Biobanking, specimen inventory management, and sample tracking.
• Working safely with biohazardous materials and animal dissection.