HC Pro 1 - Clinical Lab Science

University of Minnesota; Minneapolis (MN); On-site; USD 30,000 - 32,000; Full time

Job summary

The Serology Laboratory Technician at the University of Minnesota Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory performs high-throughput serology testing, including ELISA, under faculty supervision and in accordance with SOPs to support animal health monitoring and disease detection.

Responsibilities include processing samples, reporting results in the LIMS, maintaining QA/QC, safety, and documentation, and assisting with duties as assigned in a fully in-person role within the Serology section.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Microbiology, Biology, Medical Laboratory Science, Biochemistry, or a closely related field or a combination of related education and work experience to equal at least four years.
• Ability to stand for extended periods, safely handle laboratory materials, and perform repetitive manual tasks.

Responsibilities

• Receive, prepare, and organize cases with high attention to detail.
• Perform sample processing as needed and conduct ELISA procedures following SOPs.
• Accurately report test results in the LIMS and maintain paper and computer records.
• Follow QA/QC procedures and safety guidelines; maintain a clean, organized lab environment.
• Maintain inventory of testing kits and reagents; operate required lab equipment.

Skills

ELISA testing

High-throughput testing

Laboratory safety

QA/QC

Communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in Microbiology or related field

4 years education/experience alternative

Tools

LIMS system

Laboratory instruments

Job description

About The Job

The Serology Laboratory Technician, within the Serology Section of the Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory, supports the laboratory’s mission by providing accurate, timely, and high-quality diagnostic testing for animal health monitoring and disease detection. Under the general supervision of a faculty advisor, this position performs clinical diagnostic laboratory procedures in accordance with established Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), with a primary focus on high-throughput serological testing, including ELISA, for the detection of antibodies associated with bacterial and viral diseases in domestic animals.

Job Responsibilities

55% - Laboratory Sample Processing & ELISA Testing

• Receive, prepare, and organize cases according to submission forms while maintaining a high level of attention to detail.
• Perform sample processing as needed.
• Conduct various ELISA procedures to detect antibodies against bacterial and viral diseases by following Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) under the general supervision of senior laboratory professionals.

15% - Teamwork, Communication & Professionalism

• Attend and participate in laboratory staff meetings.
• Organize work effectively and prioritize tasks to meet deadlines.
• Communicate professionally and courteously as a team member while providing excellent customer service.

10% - Laboratory Data Management & Information Systems

• Accurately report test results in the LIMS system.
• Maintain laboratory data generated from testing using both paper and computer-based records.
• Effectively utilize computer hardware and associated software required for laboratory operations.

10% - Quality Assurance, Safety & Laboratory Compliance

• Follow the laboratory’s quality assurance plan and procedures.
• Maintain quality-related documentation for assigned tests and actively adhere to QA/QC policies and procedures.
• Comply with safety guidelines established by the University and the VDL.
• Maintain a clean and organized laboratory environment, including proper disposal of biohazardous and chemical waste according to Environmental Health and Safety and laboratory guidelines.

5% - Laboratory Supplies, Reagents & Equipment

• Maintain appropriate inventory levels of testing kits and supplies for assigned assays.
• Prepare reagents and solutions as needed.
• Operate laboratory equipment necessary to perform assigned testing procedures.

5% - Perform additional duties as assigned by the Section Head.

Perform additional duties as assigned by the Section Head.

Location and Work Environment

• This position is located at the UMN Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory in the Serology section.
• The role is fully in-person.

Work Schedule

• Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM–5:00 PM.
• Occasional overtime may be required, including some holiday and on-call work.

Appointment Term

• 12 -month appointment term

Essential Employee Designation

• Essential Employee

Visa Sponsorship Eligibility

• This position is not eligible for H-1B visa sponsorship

Qualifications

All required qualifications must be included in the application materials.

• Bachelor’s degree in Microbiology, Biology, Medical Laboratory Science, Biochemistry, or a closely related field
• OR a combination of related education and work experience to equal at least four years.
• Physical Requirements: Ability to stand for extended periods, safely handle laboratory materials, and perform repetitive manual tasks as needed.

Preferred Qualifications

• Hands-on experience performing ELISA or other serological assays.
• Strong understanding of laboratory safety practices, quality control, and standard laboratory procedures.
• Experience working within a quality system environment, adhering to established quality assurance and control procedures.
• Experience with the operation, calibration, and maintenance of laboratory instruments and equipment.
• Demonstrated professionalism, responsibility, reliability, and self-motivation, with the ability to work both independently and collaboratively.
• Proven ability to work cooperatively and efficiently in a fast-paced, team-oriented environment.

About The Department

The University of Minnesota Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory (VDL) is a national leader in providing rapid diagnosis of animal diseases, identifying emerging diseases, developing new diagnostic methods, and training diagnosticians and veterinarians. The VDL serves the interests of the livestock and poultry industry, animal research scientists and educators, and companion animal owners. We provide strong support to the state as the official laboratory of the Minnesota Board of Animal Health as well as supporting the national animal and human health system. The laboratory is a part of the University of Minnesota College of Veterinary Medicine and serves as Minnesota’s only full-service laboratory for animal health diagnosis.

Pay And Benefits

Pay Range: $21.93-$23.01/hr; depending on education/qualifications/experience

Time Appointment: 100% Appointment

Position Type: Civil-Service & Non-Faculty Labor Represented Staff

• Competitive wages, paid holidays, and generous time off
• Continuous learning opportunities through professional training and degree-seeking programs supported by the Regents Tuition Benefit Program
• Low-cost medical, dental, and pharmacy plans
• Healthcare and dependent care flexible spending accounts
• University HSA contributions
• Disability and employer-paid life insurance
• Employee wellbeing program
• Excellent retirement plans with employer contribution
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) opportunity
• Financial counseling services
• Employee Assistance Program with eight sessions of counseling at no cost
• Employee Transit Pass with free or reduced rates in the Twin Cities metro area

While our salary ranges provide a framework, it is important to note that most of the time, the initial pay may not reach the maximum of the range. This approach ensures that compensation reflects the value and unique contributions of each candidate while maintaining equity within our organization. As part of our commitment to fair and equitable compensation, please be aware that the salary offered to incoming candidates will be based on their individual credentials and experience.

Diversity

The University recognizes and values the importance of diversity and inclusion in enriching the employment experience of its employees and in supporting the academic mission. The University is committed to attracting and retaining employees with varying identities and backgrounds. The University of Minnesota provides equal access to and opportunity in its programs, facilities, and employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, age, marital status, disability, public assistance status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. To learn more about diversity at the U: http://diversity.umn.edu

Employment Requirements

Any offer of employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a background check. Our presumption is that prospective employees are eligible to work here. Criminal convictions do not automatically disqualify finalists from employment.

About University Of Minnesota

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC) is among the largest public research universities in the country, offering undergraduate, graduate, and professional students a multitude of opportunities for study and research. Located at the heart of one of the nation's most vibrant, diverse metropolitan communities, students on the campuses in Minneapolis and St. Paul benefit from extensive partnerships with world-renowned health centers, international corporations, government agencies, and arts, nonprofit, and public service organizations. At the University of Minnesota, we are proud to be recognized by Forbes as a Best Employer for Company Culture (2026), Best Employer for Women (2023, 2025, 2026), and Best Employer by State (2022-2026). In 2026, we also received Culture Excellence & Industry Awards recognition for employee appreciation and work-life flexibility.