CWD Diagnostics Technician

University of Pennsylvania; Philadelphia (Philadelphia County); On-site; USD 45,278 - 62,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of Pennsylvania is seeking a CWD Diagnostics Technician within the School of Veterinary Medicine to support diagnostic testing for chronic wasting disease using antigen-capture ELISA. The role involves tissue sample prep, ELISA testing, and LIMS data management.

The candidate will participate in QA activities and may assist in developing new diagnostic assays such as molecular or serological methods during off-peak periods. Some weekend or extended day work may be required.

Qualifications

• Bachelor of Science required with 0–1 year of experience.
• Advanced laboratory skills in ELISA or similar antigen-detection assays.
• Experience with molecular or serological methods is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Perform routine CWD diagnostic testing using antigen-capture ELISA.
• Prepare fresh and fixed tissue samples for testing.
• Operate a computer-based LIMS for accessioning, results and finalizing cases.
• Maintain proficiency in CWD ELISA testing and QA activities.
• Assist in development and validation of new diagnostic assays.

Skills

ELISA

RT-QuIC

PCR

LIMS

Serology

Education

Bachelor of Science

Tools

LIMS

Job description

University Overview

The University of Pennsylvania, the largest private employer in Philadelphia, is a world-renowned leader in education, research, and innovation. This historic, Ivy League school consistently ranks among the top 10 universities in the annual U.S. News & World Report survey. Penn has 12 highly-regarded schools that provide opportunities for undergraduate, graduate and continuing education, all influenced by Penn’s distinctive interdisciplinary approach to scholarship and learning. As an employer Penn has been ranked nationally on many occasions with the most recent award from Forbes who named Penn one of America’s Best Large Employers in 2023. Penn offers a unique working environment within the city of Philadelphia. The University is situated on a beautiful urban campus, with easy access to a range of educational, cultural, and recreational activities. With its historical significance and landmarks, lively cultural offerings, and wide variety of atmospheres, Philadelphia is the perfect place to call home for work and play. The University offers a competitive benefits package that includes excellent healthcare and tuition benefits for employees and their families, generous retirement benefits, a wide variety of professional development opportunities, supportive work and family benefits, a wealth of health and wellness programs and resources, and much more.

Posted Job Title

CWD Diagnostics Technician

Job Profile Title

Research Specialist A

Job Description Summary

This technical laboratory position supports the Wildlife Futures Program's diagnostic testing efforts for chronic wasting disease (CWD) and other wildlife diseases. The Research Specialist is responsible for preparing tissue samples, performing all aspects of antigen-capture ELISA testing for CWD, maintaining proficiency in diagnostic procedures, and ensuring laboratory operations comply with accreditation and quality assurance standards. During the non-peak CWD testing season, the position will have the opportunity to support the development and implementation of additional diagnostic assays and cross-train in advanced techniques such as RT-QuIC, PCR, and other molecular or serological methods, based on laboratory needs and individual experience.

Job Description

Job Responsibilities: The Wildlife Futures Program, in conjunction with the Pennsylvania Animal Diagnostic Laboratory System (PADLS) at New Bolton Center in Kennett Square, PA, is seeking an individual to perform routine diagnostic testing for chronic wasting disease (CWD) using antigen-capture ELISA, as well as testing for other wildlife-related diseases. Duties will include preparing fresh and fixed tissue samples and performing all aspects of antigen-capture ELISA for CWD. Responsibilities also include use of a computer-based laboratory information management system (LIMS) for accessioning, resulting, and finalizing cases, as well as performing daily quality assurance activities. The selected candidate must maintain proficiency in CWD ELISA testing. During the non-peak CWD testing season, this position will play a key role in the development, validation, and implementation of new diagnostic assays to support program needs. This may include molecular, serological, and prion amplification techniques (e.g., RT-QuIC), with all methods developed and performed in accordance with applicable accreditation standards.

*Rabies vaccination is required for this position.

* This position is contingent upon grant funding.

*Extended day or weekend work may occasionally be required.

This position is located in Kennett Square, PA (Chester County), which is approximately 33 miles outside of Philadelphia. There is no public transportation at this location. You must have your own transportation.

Qualifications

Research Specialist A - Bachelor of Science and 0 to 1 year of experience or equivalent combination of education and experience is required.

Research Specialist B - Bachelor of Science and 1 to 2 years of experience or equivalent combination of education and experience is required.

This position will be filled at either the Research Specialist A or Research Specialist B level. Candidates meeting the minimum qualifications listed above will be considered for the Research Specialist A position. Candidates with additional relevant laboratory experience (3+ years beyond the minimum requirements) and/or advanced education may be considered for the Research Specialist B level, commensurate with qualifications and experience.

Additional Qualifications

• Experience in performing serology and molecular assays is and diagnostic experience is preferred.
• Computer skills and good interpersonal skills, written and verbal, are needed to effectively communicate with faculty, staff, and clients.
• Occasional extended day or weekend work will be required.

*Please include a cover letter with your resume*

Job Location - City, State

Kennett Square, Pennsylvania

Department / School

School of Veterinary Medicine

Pay Range

$45,278.00 - $62,000.00 Annual Rate

Salary offers are made based on the candidate’s qualifications, experience, skills, and education as they directly relate to the requirements of the position, and in alignment with salary ranges based on external market data for the job’s level. Internal organization and peer data at Penn are also considered.

Equal Opportunity Statement

The University of Pennsylvania is an equal opportunity employer. Candidates are considered for employment without regard to race, color, sex, sexual orientation, religion, creed, national origin (including shared ancestry or ethnic characteristics), citizenship status, age, disability, veteran status or any class protected under applicable federal, state or local law.

Special Requirements

Background checks may be required after a conditional job offer is made. Consideration of the background check will be tailored to the requirements of the job.

University Benefits

• Health, Life, and Flexible Spending Accounts: Penn offers comprehensive medical, prescription, behavioral health, dental, vision, and life insurance benefits to protect you and your family’s health and welfare. You can also use flexible spending accounts to pay for eligible health care and dependent care expenses with pre-tax dollars.
• Tuition: Take advantage of Penn's exceptional tuition benefits. You, your spouse, and your dependent children can get tuition assistance here at Penn. Your dependent children are also eligible for tuition assistance at other institutions.
• Retirement: Penn offers generous retirement plans to help you save for your future. Penn’s Basic, Matching, and Supplemental retirement plans allow you to save for retirement on a pre-tax or Roth basis. Choose from a wide variety of investment options through TIAA and Vanguard.
• Time Away from Work: Penn provides you with a substantial amount of time away from work during the course of the year. This allows you to relax, take vacations, attend to personal affairs, recover from illness or injury, spend time with family—whatever your personal needs are.
• Long-Term Care Insurance: In partnership with Genworth Financial, Penn offers faculty and staff (and your eligible family members) long-term care insurance to help you cover some of the costs of long-term care services received at home, in the community or in a nursing facility. If you apply when you’re newly hired, you won’t have to provide proof of good health or be subject to underwriting requirements. Eligible family members must always provide proof of good health and are subject to underwriting.
• Wellness and Work-life Resources: Penn is committed to supporting our faculty and staff as they balance the competing demands of work and personal life. That’s why we offer a wide variety of programs and resources to help you care for your health, your family, and your work-life balance.
• Professional and Personal Development: Penn provides an array of resources to help you advance yourself personally and professionally.
• University Resources: As a member of the Penn community, you have access to a wide range of University resources as well as cultural and recreational activities. Take advantage of the University’s libraries and athletic facilities, or visit our arboretum and art galleries. There’s always something going on at Penn, whether it’s a new exhibit at the Penn Museum, the latest music or theater presentation at the Annenberg Center, or the Penn Relays at Franklin Field to name just a few examples. As a member of the Penn community, you’re right in the middle of the excitement—and you and your family can enjoy many of these activities for free.
• Discounts and Special Services: From arts and entertainment to transportation and mortgages, you'll find great deals for University faculty and staff. Not only do Penn arts and cultural centers and museums offer free and discounted admission and memberships to faculty and staff. You can also enjoy substantial savings on other goods and services such as new cars from Ford and General Motors, cellular phone service plans, movie tickets, and admission to theme parks.
• Flexible Work Hours: Flexible work options offer creative approaches for completing work while promoting balance between work and personal commitments. These approaches involve use of non-traditional work hours, locations, and/or job structures.
• Penn Home Ownership Services: Penn offers a forgivable loan for eligible employees interested in buying a home or currently residing in West Philadelphia, which can be used for closing costs or home improvements.
• Adoption Assistance: Penn will reimburse eligible employees on qualified expenses in connection with the legal adoption of an eligible child, such as travel or court fees, for up to two adoptions in your household.

To learn more, please visit: https://www.hr.upenn.edu/PennHR/benefits-pay