Diagnostic Technician I or II - NGS

Kansas State University; Manhattan (KS); On-site; USD 42,000 - 64,000; Full time

Job summary

Kansas State University is seeking a Diagnostic Technician I or II - NGS to support the Kansas Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory. The role focuses on wet-lab workflows, including nucleic acid extraction, PCR-based testing, NGS library prep, sequencing, and QC to ensure accurate diagnostic results.

Work is performed on-site in Manhattan, KS, with collaboration across the NGS team and adherence to SOPs and accreditation standards.

Qualifications

• DTI: Requires a high school diploma (or equivalent) and two years of relevant experience.
• DTII: High school diploma (or equivalent) and four years of relevant experience.
• Familiarity with NGS data analysis and interpretation is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Process diagnostic specimens via nucleic acid extraction and purification.
• Perform PCR-based testing and NGS library preparation.
• Conduct sequencing and quality control across multiple NGS platforms (Illumina, Oxford Nanopore).
• Maintain laboratory documentation and SOP compliance.

Skills

Wet-lab techniques

PCR-based testing

Nucleic acid extraction

Lab documentation

Education

High school diploma (DTI)

High school diploma (DTII)

Tools

Illumina

Oxford Nanopore

PacBio

Job description

Diagnostic Technician I or II - NGS

Kansas State University

About This Role

This position is for a BSL-2 Laboratory Diagnostic Technician I - Next Generation Sequencing (NGS) within the Kansas Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory (KVDL). The primary responsibility is to support diagnostic testing activities, with a focus on performing wet-lab workflows required to produce accurate and timely test results for clinical cases.

Responsibilities include processing veterinary diagnostic specimens through nucleic acid extraction and purification, PCR-based testing, NGS library preparation, sequencing, quality control, and laboratory documentation in accordance with established SOPs, quality standards, and accreditation requirements. The position will operate multiple NGS platforms, including but not limited to Illumina and Oxford Nanopore, following established protocols. The role will perform routine diagnostic and NGS workflows under the guidance of the NGS Section Head and in collaboration with the NGS team, supporting laboratory operations and Service Objectives. Additional Responsibilities Include Maintaining laboratory supplies and inventory, assisting with SOP documentation, assisting with training of student workers, participating in training and educational activities, and supporting laboratory safety and compliance.

Worksite Description

This position is On-site.

All employees must reside in the United States when they begin working to comply with state law. K-State is unable to provide remote or hybrid work opportunities for residents of the state of Idaho.

What You'll Need to Succeed

Minimum Qualifications

• DTI: Requires a high school diploma (or equivalent) and two years of

Relevant Experience. Requirements May Be Met Through a Combination

of education and experience.

• DTII: High school diploma (or equivalent) and four years of relevant

Preferred Qualifications

• Familiarity with NGS data analysis and interpretation with focus pathogen detection and microbial genomics.

Additional Role Information

• Familiarity with Illumina, Oxford Nanopore, and Pacbio NGS platforms

Sponsorship Eligibility

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

Application Window

Applications close on: September 17, 2026

Anticipated Hiring Pay Range

• Hiring manager will determine appropriate position level candidates will be hired into based on candidate education, experience, and department needs.*
• To apply, please visit: https://careers.k-state.edu/jobs/diagnostic-technician-i-or-ii-ngs-manhattan-kansas-united-states