Laboratory Technician III Molecular

Inside Higher Ed; Murray (KY); On-site; USD 43,150 - 52,739; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Retirement benefits

Tuition waivers

Generous paid holidays

Job summary

An academic institution in Hopkinsville, Kentucky, seeks a Laboratory Technician III Molecular to manipulate veterinary samples for diagnosing diseases using advanced molecular diagnostic techniques. Candidates must hold a master's degree and have two years of relevant experience. The role involves supervising lab personnel and ensuring quality management while working in a recognized animal disease diagnostic laboratory. Generous benefits and support for ongoing training are offered.

Qualifications

• Two years related work experience.
• Advanced training in microbiology laboratory techniques and molecular diagnostics.

Responsibilities

• Manipulate veterinary samples using molecular diagnostic techniques.
• Supervise other laboratory personnel.
• Utilize validated laboratory techniques to identify organisms.
• Maintain and verify sensitive laboratory equipment.
• Document findings in the Laboratory Information Management System.

Skills

Molecular diagnostic techniques

Microbiology laboratory techniques

DNA sequencing

Bioinformatics

Education

Master’s Degree in relevant area

Job description

Posting Number

20260028EX

Job Title

Laboratory Technician III Molecular

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

Equal Opportunity Employer/AA. Murray State University does not discriminate based on race, color, national origin, sex, gender, identity, sexual orientation, religion, age, veteran status, disability or political or social viewpoint. All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply.

Type of Employment

Regular Full-Time

Work Location

Hopkinsville, KY

Employment Term

12 Months

Position Type

Staff - Exempt (Monthly)

Department

Breathitt Veterinary Center

Summary of Job Duties and Responsibilities

Manipulation of various veterinary samples for the purpose of identification of bacterial, fungal or vital organisms causing disease using molecular diagnostic techniques like PCR or Real-Time qPCR. Supervise other laboratory personnel in molecular diagnostic section.

• Utilization of validated laboratory techniques and processes to identify bacterial organisms leading to diagnosis.
• Utilizes sensitive laboratory equipment during the analytical process leading to diagnosis.
• Verifies and maintains sensitive laboratory equipment through the online remote system.
• Maintains inventory and orders consumables/supplies for the section.
• Documents diagnostic findings in BVC’s Laboratory Information Management System.
• Recognizes, documents and provides input to correct substandard quality.
• Provides updates to work protocols as necessary.
• Schedules work activities.
• Maintains customer confidentiality.
• Strictly adheres to the Quality Management System and Laboratory Safety Rules.
• Participates in university and laboratory committees.
• Other duties as assigned.

Minimum Education Requirements

• Master’s Degree in relevant area.

Minimum Experience and Skill Requirements

• Two years related work experience.
• Advanced training in microbiology laboratory techniques and molecular diagnostics.

Preferred Education and/or Experience Qualifications

• Previous experience in DNA sequencing and bioinformatics preferred.

Physical Demands

• Exposure to contagious bacterial and fungal organisms, exposure to noxious odors and contaminated veterinary tissues and samples submitted to the laboratory.

Work Hours

• May be required to work overtime during veterinary disease outbreaks or with large sample numbers.

Hourly Rate/Annual Salary

$47,945 (Additional pay dependent upon qualifications)

Staff Grade

113

Posting Date

03/12/2026

Closing Date

04/02/2026

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.

Along with the application, the following items must be included:

• Letter of application describing training and work experience
• Resume
• Copies of transcripts