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Job Summary:

The Sample Receiving section is on the frontlines of the Wisconsin Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory. We are responsible for receiving, organizing, verifying, preparing, and distributing diagnostic specimens to the lab sections. This position works on a team with internal and external clients to help achieve high-quality testing for veterinarians and other stakeholders. The testing affects animal and animal product movement and supports the lab's mission and the state's and country's agriculture industry.

This position involves detail-oriented work in a fast-paced environment. Staff work in a BSL2 lab with proper PPE provided. We rotate different job roles to keep everyone engaged and fully trained. There is a fair amount of repetitive tasks such as labeling individual specimens with barcode labels while doing a positive identification check. The job also includes using laboratory equipment such as centrifuges and an automated liquid handler to process samples before distributing them to testing sections.

Responsibilities:
Receives, processes, accessions, assigns, enters, and distributes specimens to uphold quality assurance and control to ensure the workflow of the laboratory.

• 15% Prepares specimens for scientific examination and analysis


• 35% Performs specimen preparation, intake, screening, and/or receiving/warehousing while using Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)


• 5% Schedules logistics and secures resources for laboratory supplies, and maintains and organizes inventory


• 10% Develops and updates preparation methods and policies to ensure quality control, quality assurance, and to maintain Standard Operation Procedures (SOP)


• 15% Collects, prepares, and updates specimen records in various mediums to ensure compliance with established policies, procedures


• 20% Process specimens for testing sections using lab equipment including centrifuges and automated liquid handlers.

Tasks:

• Receive and process specimen mailings from commercial delivery services and walk-in clients.


• Screen submission forms for completeness, informing clients if further information is necessary when appropriate


• Enter submission date into the Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS) database to create an accession.


• Process accession information submitted electronically.


• Ensure positive identification of specimens utilizing barcode labels from LIMS database.


• Comply with WVDL safety and quality requirements (see Quality and Safety manuals)


• Distribute specimens to appropriate testing section according to SOPs.


• Receive, process, and distribute supplies to testing sections, and clients. Update inventory system per SOPs.


• Package samples for shipping to referral laboratories according to current biohazardous shipping regulations.


• Client communication and support for submission, shipping, and supply/media ordering.


• Maintain the sample receiving laboratory in a clean and sanitary condition following SOPs.


• Perform daily, weekly and monthly maintenance on lab equipment including centrifuges and automated liquid handler.


• Operate an automated liquid handler to create plate for testing sections including the creation of plate maps using Excel or other similar software. .


• Centrifuge serum samples prior to distribution to testing sections


• Confirm serum samples are properly centrifuged and troubleshoot as needed

Institutional Statement on Diversity:

Diversity is a source of strength, creativity, and innovation for UW-Madison. We value the contributions of each person and respect the profound ways their identity, culture, background, experience, status, abilities, and opinion enrich the university community. We commit ourselves to the pursuit of excellence in teaching, research, outreach, and diversity as inextricably linked goals.

The University of Wisconsin-Madison fulfills its public mission by creating a welcoming and inclusive community for people from every background - people who as students, faculty, and staff serve Wisconsin and the world.

For more information on diversity and inclusion on campus, please visit: Diversity and Inclusion

Education:

Required
H.S. Diploma or G.E.D.

Qualifications:

PREFFERED:
- Ability to effectively communicate both orally and in writing with internal and external customers
- Attention to detail, with the ability to focus on meticulous execution and small details to ensure accuracy and quality
- Ability to work both independently and as part of a team
- Experience working in a BSL2 lab, which involves adhering to specific safety protocols to handle moderate-risk biological agents

Work Schedule:

Primary schedule is Monday through Friday, 7:45am until 4:30pm Monday. There are occasional weekend hours on alternating Saturdays 9am until 1pm to maintain our business commitment to our clients.

Work Type:

Full Time: 100%

It is anticipated this position requires work be performed in-person, onsite, at a designated campus work location.

Appointment Type, Duration:

Ongoing/Renewable

Salary:

Minimum $21.00 HOURLY
Depending on Qualifications
Salary is determined based on experience and qualifications.

Employees in this position can expect to receive generous vacation, holidays, and sick leave; competitive insurances and savings accounts; retirement benefits, including participation in WI State Pension Plan for eligible employees. Additional benefits information can be found at: https://www.wisconsin.edu/ohrwd/benefits/download/univstaff.pdf

Additional Information:

We encourage entry-level candidates to apply for this position. Comprehensive training will be provided for the selected candidate.

Physical demands:
- Standing, walking, lifting (less than 20 pounds) - frequently
- Carrying, pushing, lifting (up to 50 pounds), hoist operation - occasionally

Please note that successful applicants must be authorized to work in the United States without need of employer sponsorship, on or before the effective date of appointment. University sponsorship is not available for this position.

The WVDL is dedicated to fostering a healthy work environment that emphasizes mutual respect, integrity, trust, and accountability. Because of our core values, WVDL seeks to recruit, retain, and develop talented team members to help contribute to WVDL's ability to continue setting high standards for excellence in our field of expertise.

WVDL Website: https://www.wvdl.wisc.edu/
University of Wisconsin-Madison: https://www.wisc.edu/about/ & https://transportation.wisc.edu/
Transportation Services: https://transportation.wisc.edu/commuter-solutions/
City of Madison: https://www.cityofmadison.com/

How to Apply:

Please click "Apply Now" and follow the instructions. You will be required to create a profile and upload the following documents: (a) resume/CV, and (b) brief cover letter explaining your interest in the position and how your work experience relates to the listed qualifications for this role.

The deadline for assuring full consideration is May 5, 2025; however, this position will remain open and applications will be considered until the position is filled.

Contact:

Heather Groff
heather.groff@wvdl.wisc.edu
608-262-5432
Relay Access (WTRS): 7-1-1. See RELAY_SERVICE for further information.

Official Title:

Specimen Receiving Technician(HS055)

Department(s):

A88-WIS VET DIAGNOSTIC LAB/MSN ADMIN/CLIENT SRV

Employment Class:

University Staff-Ongoing

Job Number:

314194-CP

The University of Wisconsin-Madison is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to, including but not limited to, race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, pregnancy, disability, or status as a protected veteran and other bases as defined by federal regulations and UW System policies. We promote excellence by acknowledging skills and expertise from all diverse backgrounds and encourage all qualified individuals to apply. For more information regarding applicant and employee rights and to view federal and state required postings, click here

If you need to request an accommodation because of a disability, you can find information about how to make a request at the following website: https://employeedisabilities.wisc.edu/disability-accommodation-information-for-applicants/

Employment may require a criminal background check. It may also require you and your references to answer questions regarding sexual violence and sexual harassment.

The University of Wisconsin System will not reveal the identities of applicants who request confidentiality in writing, except that the identity of the successful candidate will be released. See Wis. Stat. sec. 19.36(7).

The Annual Security and Fire Safety Report contains current campus safety and disciplinary policies, crime statistics for the previous 3 calendar years, and on-campus student housing fire safety policies and fire statistics for the previous 3 calendar years. UW-Madison will provide a paper copy upon request; please contact the University of Wisconsin Police Department.