Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory Technician

Job Description

The Veterinary Health System transforms our service units into a comprehensive veterinary medical center governed by responsible management that supports our units' individual missions. Capitalizing on Colorado State University's top ranking in veterinary medicine, and building on our tradition of providing high-quality compassionate care and achieving outstanding clinical outcomes, the Veterinary Health System broadens our expertise and skill to deliver the highest levels of customer service, employee satisfaction, and advancements in medicine through clinical service, diagnostics, research, and innovation.

Work Unit:

Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratories

The mission of the Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory (VDL) is to provide timely, accurate and pertinent animal disease diagnostic services and educational outreach to veterinarians, animal industries and animal interests.

The Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory will strive to meet the goals the College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences and the University through research to develop new approaches to disease identification, investigation, prevention and through education of professional veterinary medical, graduate, and post-doctoral students.

Position Summary:

This position will provide laboratory technical, administrative, and customer services to the Rocky Ford Branch Laboratory.

The applicant should be responsible and able to work in a team environment. This is a temporary, 20-40 hour per week position, to be worked Monday-Friday.

Key Responsibilities

Administrative, Lab Support, and Customer Service:

The applicant will provide administrative and support duties for the laboratory.

• Answer phones, greet clients. Assist clients in appropriate test selection and sample submission according to established testing schedules.
• Receive samples, assign data into appropriate computer database. Route samples to appropriate testing section in laboratory.
• Prepare and package samples for shipment to referral laboratories.
• Ensure accurate invoicing and results reporting of completed tests and services.
• Participate in team meetings and organizational tasks to improve workflow and customer service.
• Assist in community, client and producer outreach and educational activities.

Diagnostic Testing and Laboratory Maintenance:

The applicant will perform daily operations in the laboratory.

• Review accessions, prepare/handle diagnostic samples and set up samples for testing.
• Conduct diagnostic tests, under supervision, including, but not limited to ELISA, PCR, and fecal flotation.
• Report test results and distribute client reports.
• Maintain diagnostic equipment and prepare reagents.
• Maintain temperature and reagent logs as part of quality control.
• Autoclave supplies, media, reagents, trash, and biological waste.
• Maintain QC documentation and ensure quality control procedures are met.
• Perform monthly eye wash, shower, and autoclave performance checks, and equipment calibrations according to established schedule.
• Utilize the laboratory LIMS system and maintain records as directed by lead lab technician and director.
• Maintain clean building and laboratory workspaces to ensure effective workflow and appropriate biosafety.

Veterinary Diagnostician Support:

The applicant will assist the veterinary diagnostician with postmortem examination of submitted animals.

• Receive and prepare necropsy cases for examination and sample collection by veterinary diagnostician.
• Assist with necropsy procedures, including sample collection and labeling for various tests as requested by the veterinary diagnostician.
• Photograph and document relevant lesions during examination, then attach them to casework and database.
• Prepare samples for shipment to referral laboratories as needed.
• Clean and disinfect necropsy suite and instrumentation, properly disposing of waste according to SOP.