Laboratory Technician II, Molecular Diagnostics

Murray State University; Hopkinsville (KY); On-site; USD 40,000 - 55,000; Full time

Job summary

Murray State University is seeking a Laboratory Technician II for the Breathitt Veterinary Center in Hopkinsville, KY. This full-time position involves performing molecular diagnostics, supervising staff, and ensuring laboratory safety and quality. Ideal candidates will have a Bachelor of Science degree and laboratory experience. The role offers a comprehensive benefits package and a supportive work environment.

Benefits

Health Insurance

Retirement

Tuition Waivers

Generous Paid Holidays

Paid Parental Leave

Qualifications

• One year of laboratory experience required.
• Familiar with collegiate level scientific processes.

Responsibilities

• Collects and organizes samples for testing.
• Performs laboratory procedures and documents findings.
• Supervises and reviews Laboratory Technician I results.

Skills

Analytical Ability

Communication

Problem Solving

Interpersonal Skills

Organizational Skills

Education

Bachelor of Science

Bachelor's degree in Biology

Bachelor's degree in Microbiology

Bachelor's degree in Molecular Biology

Job description

Laboratory Technician II, Molecular Diagnostics

Please see Special Instructions for more details.

Located in the west Kentucky city of Hopkinsville, the Breathitt Veterinary Center is part of Murray State University and is a nationally recognized, AAVLD accredited, USDA NAHLN Level 1 animal disease diagnostic laboratory. The city of Hopkinsville, a 1-hour drive from Nashville, TN, is an agricultural center of the region and has been dubbed the Batter Capital of the World because of its large wheat production and milling companies. With a population of 31,000, Hopkinsville offers a small-town feel with city amenities, and is also home to Murray State University’s Hopkinsville Regional Campus.

Position Information

Posting Number

Posting Number 20250072NE

Job Title

Job Title Laboratory Technician II, Molecular Diagnostics

Number of Vacancies

Number of Vacancies 1

About Murray State

Located in the West Kentucky region, Murray State University is a public, comprehensive University which offers a low cost of living, low property taxes, and a four-season climate. Murray has a friendly, small-town atmosphere with locally-owned specialty shops and restaurants, an acclaimed community theater, art guild and award-winning public schools. The area is home to Kentucky Lake and Land Between the Lakes, a 170,000-acre National Recreation Area, which offers a wide-range of activities and amenities for residents and visitors alike. Located in close proximity to major cities and nearby access to Interstate 24, Murray is just a few hours from Nashville, St. Louis, Louisville and Memphis. Learn more about Careers at Murray State University.

About Murray State Benefits

Faculty and staff of Murray State University have access to a comprehensive benefits package including health insurance, retirement, tuition waivers, generous paid holidays, vacation, sick, and paid parental leave, as well as many other benefit offerings. Please refer to the Murray State Benefits page for more information.

Equal Opportunity Employment

Murray State is committed to attracting, developing and maintaining a high-quality faculty, staff, and student body. Murray State is an equal education and employment opportunities, Vets/Disabled employer.

Type of Employment

Type of Employment Regular Full-Time

Work Location

Work Location Hopkinsville, KY

Employment Term

Employment Term 12 Months

Position Type

Position Type Staff - Non-Exempt (Hourly)

Department

Department Breathitt Veterinary Center

Summary of Job Duties and Responsibilities

Collects and organizes samples for testing, performs laboratory procedures, document and communicate findings.

• Collects and organizes processes samples for Molecular Diagnostics and Microbiology testing.
• Utilizes validated Molecular Diagnostics tests using DNA / RNA extraction, operates conventional and Real Time Polymerase Chain ( PCR ) instruments, gel electrophoresis system, gel documentation imaging system to identify bacterial and viral pathogenic agents
• Supervises and reviews Laboratory Technician I results
• Utilizes validated laboratory techniques and processes to collect and analyze patient specimens.
• Assists pathologist in removing samples from dead animals for diagnosis.
• Package biological samples for forwarding to other laboratories.
• Interacts with customers to receive biological samples, and collect case history.
• Cleans and disinfects work area to include coolers, loading dock, tools, hoists, equipment, and work surfaces.
• Disposes or biological waste to include incinerator operation.
• Maintain inventory and order consumables/supplies for lab.
• Operates sensitive scientific equipment during the analytical process.
• Recognizes, documents, and provides input to correct substandard quality.
• Develops, reviews and evaluates processes as necessary.
• Maintain customer confidentiality.
• Strict adherence to the Quality Management System and Laboratory safety rules.
• Participates in university and laboratory committees.
• Other duties as assigned.
• Bachelor of Science degree related to the area of work to be performed.

Minimum Experience and Skill Requirements

• One year of laboratory experience.
• Familiar with collegiate level scientific processes.
• Alertness, memory for verbal and written directions and details, analytical ability, ability to logically plan and organize analytical processes.
• Ability to handle demanding situations, and work with a team.
• Excellent communication, interpersonal, supervisory, multi-tasking, and organizational skills.
• Problem solving ability to troubleshoot deficiencies, identify corrective actions, evaluate new processes and materials/equipment, implement plans, and develop preventive actions.

Preferred Education and/or Experience Qualifications

• Strong emphasis in the related area of work to be performed is preferred.
• Bachelor’s degree in Biology, Microbiology, Molecular Biology or related field

Posting Date

Posting Date 05/02/2025

Closing Date

Closing Date 05/16/2025

Open Until Filled No

Special Instructions to Applicants

Located in the west Kentucky city of Hopkinsville, the Breathitt Veterinary Center is part of Murray State University and is a nationally recognized, AAVLD accredited, USDA NAHLN Level 1 animal disease diagnostic laboratory. The city of Hopkinsville, a 1-hour drive from Nashville, TN, is an agricultural center of the region and has been dubbed the Batter Capital of the World because of its large wheat production and milling companies. With a population of 31,000, Hopkinsville offers a small-town feel with city amenities, and is also home to Murray State University’s Hopkinsville Regional Campus.

Hourly Rate/Annual Salary

Staff Grade

Staff Grade 110

Work Hours

Physical Demands

• Handling of hazardous materials and biological contaminants.

Posting Specific Questions

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).

• * Do you have a Bachelor of Science degree related to the area of work to be performed?

  (Open Ended Question)

• * Do you have at least one year of laboratory experience?
  • Yes
  • No
• * Are you familiar with collegiate level scientific processes?

  (Open Ended Question)

Documents Needed to Apply

Required Documents

• Cover Letter
• Curriculum Vitae
• List of References with Contact Information
• Unofficial Transcripts
Optional Documents
• Other Document

412 Sparks Hall Murray, KY 42071 - [e-mail] - [phone]