Laboratory Technician

Aavld; Willmar (MN); On-site; USD 32,000 - 42,000; Full time

Job summary

The Minnesota Poultry Testing Laboratory (MPTL) in Willmar, MN, seeks an entry-level Health Care Professional to support routine laboratory operations and diagnostic testing. This on-site role emphasizes accuracy, precision, and timely execution under supervision, with duties centered on sample intake, data entry, and QA/QC activities.

Ideal for recent graduates or professionals building foundational lab skills in a NALHN/NPIP environment.

Qualifications

• BA/BS degree or equivalent combination of education and work experience.
• Emphasis on precision and timeliness in completing recurring tasks.

Responsibilities

• Facilitate the daily receipt of a high volume of diagnostic samples.
• Interpret case submissions, sample data, and history to determine priority.
• Coordinate shipment of biological samples for outsourced testing.
• Maintain Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS) and track samples.
• Perform QA/QC procedures and maintain required documentation.
• Assist with sample processing and basic lab maintenance tasks.
• Stay compliant with SOPs and regulatory requirements.

Education

BA/BS degree or equivalent combination of education and work experience

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

This position is located at the Minnesota Poultry Testing Laboratory (MPTL) in Willmar, Minnesota. The role requires on-site, hands-on work with diagnostic specimens in a laboratory environment.

MPTL is a collaborative facility between the University of Minnesota Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory (UMN VDL) and the Minnesota Board of Animal Health (MBAH). The laboratory serves as Minnesota’s official National Poultry Improvement Plan (NPIP) laboratory and provides diagnostic testing for the poultry industry, including serology, bacteriology, and molecular testing. MPTL maintains accreditation and program compliance with the National Animal Health Laboratory Network (NAHLN), the American Association of Veterinary Laboratory Diagnosticians (AAVLD), and NPIP standards.

This is the entry-level position within the Health Care Professional job family. The role provides professional support for routine laboratory operations and testing activities. Work at this level involves applying foundational knowledge and skills to standardized tasks with an emphasis on accuracy, precision, and timely execution. Duties are performed according to established procedures, protocols, and regulatory requirements.

Work is performed under general supervision, with progress and results regularly reviewed. Tasks are largely prescribed, and decision-making is limited to routine situations. Employees at this level develop technical proficiency, familiarity with laboratory systems and workflows, and an understanding of quality assurance, safety, and compliance requirements.

Job Responsibilities

65%- Sample Receiving and Case Triage

• Facilitate the daily receipt of a high volume of diagnostic samples.
• Interpret case submissions, sample data, sample type, integrity, and client history to determine appropriate priority status.
• Identify and track samples submitted for MBAH regulatory and NPIP testing.
• Coordinate the shipment of biological samples to other laboratories for outsourced testing.
• Communicate with clients to collect account details and relevant clinical history.
• Utilize the Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS) to create unique case numbers and track samples.
• Evaluate LIMS data for errors and notify supervisor or lab lead as needed.

25%- Laboratory Float and Inventory Management

• Assist with sample check-in and initial sample processing.
• Support media preparation and basic lab maintenance tasks.
• Complete result review.
• Perform scanning, electronic filing, and recordkeeping to ensure data integrity and compliance.
• Provide general assistance to maintain workflow efficiency and testing timelines.
• Prepare supply kits for send out.
• Track inventory of MBAH-purchased supplies for sample send-outs.
• Monitor and restock UMN MPTL section-purchased supplies for lab receiving.

10%- Quality Assurance/Quality Control and Compliance

• Perform QA/QC procedures and maintain documentation per established standards.
• Use Q-Pulse, the VDL’s QA/QC information management system.
• Review SOPs annually and initiate change requests.
• Create or revise forms and daily worksheets.
• Identify and report incidents or initiate remedial actions.
• Raise non-conformances through Q-Pulse.
• Participate in staff meetings, continuing education, and NPIP-required training.
• Maintain current certification in required shipping courses.
• Use Mesa Labs monitoring system to document equipment performance systems.

Qualifications

Required Qualifications

• BA/BS degree or a combination of related education and work experience to equal four years.
• Applies knowledge and skill to recurring tasks or activities, with an emphasis on precision and timeliness of execution.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with complex laboratory equipment (e.g., pipettes, sterilizers).
• Working knowledge of Microsoft Office programs.
• Strong organizational skills, recordkeeping accuracy, and ability to manage high sample volumes.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to lift and carry up to 30 lbs. occasionally.
• Ability to stand or walk for extended periods during laboratory shifts.
• Frequent use of fine motor skills for specimen handling, labeling, and computer data entry.
• Ability to bend, reach, and retrieve materials from shelving and laboratory storage areas.
• Visual acuity for close computer work and specimen identification.
• Auditory awareness to respond to laboratory alarms and communicate effectively in an active laboratory environment.