Diagnostic Associate I

Position Title:

Diagnostic Associate I

Job Group:

Professional & Scientific

Required Minimum Qualifications:

Bachelor’s degree

Preferred Qualifications:

Experience with microbiology techniques such as tissue preparation, streaking, culturing, or analyzing culture plates.
Experience with isolation. Experience with Sterile techniques.
Experience with basic identification or microorganisms.
Experience working in a microbiology or diagnostic laboratory.

Job Description:

Summary

Are you a recent graduate passionate about microbiology and veterinary diagnostics? Start your career as a Diagnostic Associate I in the Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory’s Bacteriology section at the College of Veterinary Medicine! This entry-level position offers hands-on experience in diagnostic testing, pathogen identification, and antimicrobial susceptibility analysis, all while working in a supportive and collaborative environment.

In this role, you’ll be instrumental in identifying pathogens that impact animal health, contributing to important research projects, and exploring new diagnostic techniques. You’ll gain valuable experience using advanced laboratory systems such as Sensititre ARIS, Vizion, and LIMS, and MALDI-TOF providing a strong foundation for a successful career in laboratory science or veterinary diagnostics.

Why Join Us?

• Hands-on training in a state-of-the-art diagnostic laboratory
• Opportunities to contribute to impactful research and diagnostic projects
• Mentorship and skill development to help you grow professionally
• Be part of a team making a real difference in animal health

Job Duties:

Diagnostic Testing

• Culture animal tissues and specimens for pathogens by preparing culture plates, searing/incising tissue, and swabbing onto appropriate media.
• Analyze culture plates for pathogenic organisms and make case-by-case decisions for appropriate identification techniques.
• Perform antimicrobial susceptibility testing using Sensititre ARIS, Vizion systems, and SWIN software.
• Accurately enter test results into the Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS).
• Communicate test results effectively with clients and colleagues in a team-oriented environment.

Research and Development

• Participate in collaborative research and diagnostic investigations, both internal and external.
• Oversee sample processing, isolation, identification, and data collection in accordance with established protocols.
• Assist in developing and improving testing procedures for classical and molecular biology techniques.
• Provide input for protocol development and implementation using Q-Pulse document control software.

Laboratory Maintenance

• Maintain a clean and safe laboratory environment by following safety protocols, disposing of biohazardous waste, and disinfecting workspaces.
• Replenish laboratory supplies and maintain equipment used for diagnostic testing.
• Contribute to overall laboratory organization and upkeep.

If you’re ready to apply your education, build technical skills, and make an impact, this role is the perfect place to begin your career!

Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the U.S. on an on-going basis without sponsorship.

Level Guidelines
• Individual contributor position with developing professional and/or technical skills working under immediate to general supervision
• Grasps professional-level knowledge and concepts of field while working in a progressive learning mode
• Works on problems and issues of somewhat limited scope
• Follows standard practices and procedures in analyzing situations or data for which answers are available or can be obtained
• Responds to inquiries and issues, escalating to manager or higher level workers as appropriate
• May lead projects of limited scope and complexity
• May provide guidance to students

Appointment Type:

Regular

Number of Months Employed Per Year:

12 Month Work Period

Time Type:

Full time

Pay Grade:

PS806

Application Instructions:

To apply for this position, please click on “Apply” and complete the Employment Application. Please be prepared to enter or attach the following:

1) Resume/Curriculum Vitae
2) Letter of Applica