Laboratory Technician III - Wyoming State Veterinary Laboratory

The University of Wyoming is delighted to receive your interest in our vacant position!  We strive to connect with qualified and uniquely talented individuals to join our campus community.  We would love to hear how your experiences translate to this position, the University’s Mission, Vision, and Values, and encourage you to submit an application today! 

JOB TITLE:   

Laboratory Technician III  

JOB PURPOSE:

Operate and Manage the Wyoming State Veterinary Laboratory (WSVL) Accessioning/Shipping & Receiving/Necropsy and Trimming Laboratories. This will include, but is not limited to the following: receiving of animal carcasses, samples/ specimens, and equipment/supplies from clients; assisting pathologists with necropsy, sample collection, and sample routing; accessioning and shipping of diagnostic specimens; specimen fixation/decalcification/trimming/and specimen maintenance in the tissue trimming laboratory; hiring, training and management of student assistant; and participation in WSVL teaching/instructional efforts, including field disease investigations and assistance with research projects.

 This position has been deemed essential as addressed in the University of Wyoming’s Employee Handbook. Employees in essential positions may be required to work during emergency closures and winter closure based on the nature of their job duties and the reasons for the closure.  

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Work with two other Laboratory Technician IIIs to complete the daily operations of the Accessioning/Shipping & Receiving, Necropsy, and Trimming laboratory sections, including autonomously managing and directing these sections as needed.
• Perform necropsies alongside pathologists, and independently collect biological specimens for diagnostic testing.
• Perform dissection of animal heads for brain tissue collection and routing of tissue for rabies testing.
• Independently perform routine procedures for formalin-fixed diagnostic specimens including trimming, decalcification, and maintenance of archived specimens.
• Perform accessioning and shipping of diagnostic specimens.
• Perform routing of diagnostic specimens to appropriate lab sections.
• Collect, assimilate and record relevant information from clients upon receipt of a diagnostic submission.
• Communicate directly with internal and external clients and direct questions and calls to appropriate staff/faculty.
• Develop and maintain quality control procedures to ensure accuracy of results.
• Assist with development and implementation of new laboratory procedures and methodologies as needed.
• Operate, maintain and repair research instruments, equipment, tools, and machinery.
• Instruct faculty, staff, and students in the operation and maintenance of laboratory equipment.
• Assist with hiring, training, and management of undergraduate student assistants.
• May assist with or teach necropsy short courses and/or workshops.
• May assist with research projects and/or field investigations with various staff and faculty according to need and interest.

SUPPLEMENTAL FUNCTIONS:

• Maintain inventory and purchase laboratory supplies.
• Maintain hazardous materials in accordance with standard operating procedures (SOP).
• Assist with or perform ante-mortem collection of diagnostic specimens from large or small animals.
• May assist in writing contracts, newsletters, and/or grants.

COMPETENCIES:

• Analysis/Problem Identification 
• Attention to Detail
• Quality Orientation
• Safety Awareness
• Service Orientation
• Teamwork (cooperation)
• Work Standards

REMOTE WORK ELIGIBILITY: 

This position provides vital support to campus customers and requires the successful candidate to be available to work on-site.

The successful candidate must be eligible to work in the United States. Sponsorship for H1-B work authorization or work visa is not available for this position. 

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:  

Education:  Bachelor’s degree in related field (animal science, veterinary or health science, biology, anatomy/physiology or related field)

Experience: 2 years work-related experience in diagnostic services, veterinary medicine, laboratory procedures/techniques, or a related field or educational equivalent

Required licensure, certification, registration, or other requirements: