Clinical Lab Specialist I, Bacteriology, Veterinary Medical Diagnostic Laboratory

University of Missouri-Columbia; Columbia Township (MO); On-site; USD 30,000 - 32,000; Full time

Job summary

University of Missouri-Columbia seeks a Clinical Lab Specialist I to join the Bacteriology Section of the Veterinary Medical Diagnostic Laboratory. The role involves performing diagnostic microbiology analyses on veterinary specimens, following SOPs, and ensuring timely results.

Shift is 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. (Mon–Fri) with some Saturday half-days; the position offers competitive hourly pay and benefits. Salary range is $21.50–$23.00 per hour, with a GGS-007 grade and University benefits.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent and at least two years of experience are required.
• Laboratory experience in microbiology or related fields is preferred.
• Willingness to follow SOPs and QA guidelines; training in EHS procedures may be provided.

Responsibilities

• Perform diagnostic microbiology analysis on veterinary specimens and inoculate media.
• Identify organisms using biochemical methods or automated systems; conduct antimicrobial susceptibility testing.
• Follow SOPs and QA guidelines; maintain turnaround times for diagnostic usefulness.

Skills

Laboratory techniques

Quality control

Biosafety procedures

Documentation

Safety awareness

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Tools

Biosafety cabinet

Laboratory equipment

Job description

Hiring Department

Veterinary Medical Diagnostic Laboratory

Job Description

The College of Veterinary Medicine at MU is on a mission to inclusively educate and train outstanding clinicians and scientists, generate new knowledge, engage stakeholders, and foster economic growth, all of which promote and protect the health and welfare of animals and people. Simply put, our mission is to Teach, Heal, Discover, and Serve.

The Veterinary Medical Diagnostic Laboratory is a full-service laboratory accredited by the American Association of Veterinary Laboratory Diagnosticians and member of the National Animal Health Laboratory Network (NAHLN). It provides in-depth laboratory diagnostic support to veterinary practitioners, livestock and poultry industry interests, companion animal interests, wildlife conservationists, scientists utilizing animals in their research throughout the university, state and regulatory officials, and clinicians of the MU Veterinary Health Center. The laboratory handles more than 200,000 specimens a year and serves Missouri’s 114 counties and surrounding states by performing over 170,000 diagnostic tests annually. The VMDL also conducts fundamental and applied research to address animal health and public health issues.

The Veterinary Medical Diagnostic Laboratory (VMDL) is seeking to hire a Clinical Lab Specialist I to work in the Bacteriology Section.

Representative Duties Include

• Perform diagnostic microbiology analysis to include processing and inoculation of veterinary clinical specimens (tissues, fluids and swabs) onto appropriate media; isolation of bacteria and fungi from primary plates; identification of organisms using biochemical techniques or automated equipment; microscopy; and set up of antimicrobial susceptibility testing. Work in a biosafety cabinet may be required.
• Follow laboratory Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and appropriate Quality Control/Quality Assurance guidelines.
• Be willing to be trained in Environmental Health and Safety procedures and to follow EHS and biosafety protocols for a BSL-2 laboratory.
• Complete assigned projects within a timely manner and maintain turnaround time for diagnostic usefulness.
• Assist the Laboratory Supervisor and Section Head in the development or revision of Standard Operating Procedures.
• Perform specialized bacterial testing to include fluorescent antibody staining and bacterial serogrouping.
• Participate in internal and external proficiency testing required to maintain laboratory accreditation.
• Set up and operate standard equipment.
• Participate in laboratory organization and general cleaning.
• Participate in media inventory and FIFO protocols.
• Participate in laboratory recordkeeping and record management.

Shift

8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. (M-F) with some Saturday half-days.

Minimum Qualifications

High school diploma or equivalent and at least two years of experience from which comparable knowledge and skills can be acquired is necessary.

Preferred Qualifications

Two or more years of progressively responsible laboratory or research experience is preferred. One or more years of college-level biology, microbiology or biochemistry course work is preferred.

Anticipated Hiring Range

Salary Range $21.50 - $23.00 per hour, salary commensurate with education and experience

Grade

GGS-007

University Title

Research Specialist I

Internal applicants can determine their University title by accessing the Talent Profile tile in myHR.

Sponsorship Information

Employment visa sponsorship is not available for this position.

Benefit Eligibility

This position is eligible for University benefits. As part of your total compensation, the University offers a comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental and vision plans, retirement, paid time off, short- and long-term disability, paid parental leave, paid caregiver leave, and educational fee discounts for all four UM System campuses. For additional information on University benefits, please visit the Faculty & Staff Benefits website at https://www.umsystem.edu/departments-staff/human-resources/benefits-retirement

Equal Employment Opportunity

The University of Missouri is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

To request ADA accommodations, please call the Director of Accessibility and ADA at 573-884-7278.