LABORATORY ParaProf/Prof SAMS-IDL

University of Georgia; Athens (GA); On-site; USD 35,000 - 40,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of Georgia’s Infectious Diseases Laboratory seeks a Laboratory Tech-Medical Science I to join the VetMed-SAMS Infect Disease Lab. The role focuses on processing samples, conducting PCR, ELISAs, and related diagnostic assays using aseptic techniques.

You will manage submissions in VetView, record results accurately, and assist with method development and assay troubleshooting. This is a full-time, on-site position in Athens with an advertised salary of 35,000–40,000 USD per year.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Strong general laboratory skills and willingness to learn new techniques.
• Proficiency in aseptic techniques for sample handling and processing.
• Knowledge of standard software applications.
• Accurate recording and reporting of results.

Responsibilities

• Process samples (choanal, cloacal swabs, feces and blood) and perform diagnostic assays including PCR and ELISAs.
• Develop and troubleshoot new methods to enhance lab capacity.
• Manage submissions and maintain VetView database with accurate data and submission numbers.
• Maintain lab cleanliness, assist with miscellaneous tasks, and ensure proper disposal of materials.

Skills

Highly organized

Bench work

Sterile techniques

Software proficiency

Attention to detail

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Tools

PCR thermocycler

Agarose gel electrophoresis

Real-time PCR

VetView database

Job description

Posting Details

Posting Number: S15938P

Working Title: LABORATORY ParaProf/Prof SAMS-IDL

Department: VetMed-SAMS Infect Disease Lab

About the University of Georgia: Chartered by the state of Georgia in 1785, the University of Georgia is the birthplace of public higher education in America and is the state's flagship university (https://www.uga.edu/). The proof is in our more than 240 years of academic and professional achievements and our continual commitment to higher education. UGA is currently ranked among the top 20 public universities in U.S. News & World Report. The University's main campus is located in Athens, approximately 65 miles northeast of Atlanta, with extended campuses in Atlanta, Griffin, Gwinnett, and Tifton. UGA employs approximately 3,100 faculty and more than 7,700 full-time staff. The University's enrollment exceeds 41,000 students including over 31,000 undergraduates and over 10,000 graduate and professional students. Academic programs reside in 19 schools and colleges, including our newly established School of Medicine.

Posting Type: External

Retirement Plan: TRS

Employment Type: Employee

Benefits Eligibility: Benefits Eligible

Full/Part time: Full Time

Additional Schedule Information: Mon-Fri

Advertised Salary: 35,000-40,000

Posting Date: 10/22/2026

Open until filled: Yes

Proposed Starting Date: 11/01/2026

Location of Vacancy: Athens Area

EEO Policy Statement: The University of Georgia is an Equal Opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, color, disability, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex, or veteran status or other protected status. Persons needing accommodations or assistance with the accessibility of materials related to this search are encouraged to contact Central HR ([e-mail]).

USG Core Values Statement: The University System of Georgia is comprised of our 25 institutions of higher education and learning, as well the System Office. Our USG Statement of Core Values are Integrity, Excellence, Accountability, and Respect. These values serve as the foundation for all that we do as an organization, and each USG community member is responsible for demonstrating and upholding these standards. More details on the USG Statement of Core Values and Code of Conduct are available in USG Board Policy 08.02.18.01.02. Additionally, USG supports Freedom of Expression as stated in Board Policy 06.05 Freedom of Expression and Academic Freedom.

Position Information

Classification Title: Lab Tech-Medical Science I

FLSA: Non-Exempt

FTE: 1.00

Minimum Qualifications: High school diploma or equivalent

Position Summary: This is a responsible technical position in the Infectious Diseases Laboratory (IDL) within the Department of Small Animal Medicine and Surgery in the College of Veterinary Medicine. The position primarily requires strong general laboratory skills, as well as a willingness to learn new techniques. Proficiency in aseptic techniques for sample handling and processing is essential. This role involves nucleic acid purification and amplification, as well as performing polymerase chain reaction (PCR) tests using a thermocycler, agarose gel electrophoresis, and real-time PCR. This position will also involve performing ELISAs for avian species and sea turtles.

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities and/or Competencies:

• Highly organized with exceptional attention to detail
• Willingness to perform scientific bench work
• Knowledge of sterile techniques as they apply to the role
• General proficiency with standard software applications
• Demonstrates attention to detail across all aspects of work, including assigning submission numbers, sample processing, test execution, and accurate recording and reporting of results

Physical Demands: Ability to sit for long periods of time and repetitive hand movement (ex. pipetting, writing, computer typing)

Is driving a responsibility of this position? No

Is this a Position of Trust? Yes

Does this position have operation, access, or control of financial resources? No

Does this position require a P-Card? No

Is having a P-Card an essential function of this position? No

Does this position have direct interaction or care of children under the age of 18 or direct patient care? No

Does this position have Security Access (e.g., public safety, IT security, personnel records, patient records, or access to chemicals and medications)? Yes

Credit and P-Card policy: Be advised a credit check will be required for all positions with financial responsibilities. For additional information about the credit check criteria, visit the UGA Credit Background Check website.

Background Investigation Policy: Offers of employment are contingent upon completion of a background investigation including, a criminal background check demonstrating your eligibility for employment with the University of Georgia; confirmation of the credentials and employment history reflected in your application materials (including reference checks) as they relate to the job-based requirements of the position applied for; and, if applicable, a satisfactory credit check. You may also be subject to a pre-employment drug test for positions with high-risk responsibilities, if applicable. Please visit the UGA Background Check website.

Duties/Responsibilities

Percent of time: 70%

• The majority of time will be spent processing samples-primarily choanal and cloacal swabs, feces, and blood from exotic avian species-and performing routine diagnostic assays, including Avian Gastric Yeast and Pasteurella PCR and ELISAs for Avian Bornavirus, Fibropapilloma virus, and LET virus for sea turtles.
• A working knowledge of these diagnostic assays, including the use and interpretation of appropriate positive and negative controls, is essential for accurate result interpretation, data collection, and analysis. This knowledge is also critical for integrating findings into technical reports that can be clearly communicated to clients.
• This position requires the ability to develop new and/or improved methods to enhance the laboratory's capacity to accurately detect disease-causing organisms of concern to clients. Additionally, the individual must possess the knowledge and skills necessary to troubleshoot serological tests effectively.

Percent of time: 20%

• Management of laboratory submissions and maintenance of the VetView database are key components of this role. This diagnostic service laboratory receives samples from both national and international sources. It is imperative that all samples are labeled accurately and processed efficiently, with close attention to detail.
• Each sample is assigned a unique submission number, which must be carefully entered into the database. The system maintains client information, animal identification, sample type, requested tests, and results, as well as supporting the financial management of each account.

Percent of time: 10%

• Perform miscellaneous laboratory tasks as needed
• Maintain laboratory cleanliness and organization, including cleaning, autoclaving, and routine upkeep
• Manage sample logging and disposal in accordance with established protocols
• Handle surplus materials and supplies
• Perform additional duties as assigned by the co-director