Laboratory Technologist

Michigan State University; East Lansing (MI); On-site; USD 52,000 - 78,000; Full time

Job summary

Michigan State University’s Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory (VDL) in East Lansing seeks a microbiology-focused professional to process and test specimens from animals and the environment. You will identify organisms, perform antimicrobial susceptibility testing, and manage data in the LIMS, Cerner, and Office tools.

The role requires attention to safety, quality control, and collaboration with clients and laboratory staff; some duties may occur in Biosafety Level 3 settings and include weekend

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in microbiology, medical technology, clinical laboratory science, or related field.
• 1–3 years of related and progressively more expansive work experience in a high-volume diagnostic laboratory.
• Certification as MT/CLS/MLS (ASCP) or equivalent is preferred but not required.

Responsibilities

• Identify organisms and perform antimicrobial susceptibility testing.
• Enter and retrieve information in the Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS).
• Communicate with clients and laboratory personnel regarding specimens, workload, and clarifying orders.
• Operate and maintain laboratory equipment and perform quality control procedures.

Skills

Laboratory procedures

Bacterial identification

Antimicrobial susceptibility testing

Education

Bachelor's degree in microbiology/clinical laboratory science

MT/CLS/MLS (ASCP) certification

Tools

LIMS (Laboratory Information Management System)

Cerner

Microsoft Office

Job description

Position Summary

Processing and testing specimens from animals and the environment to detect the presence of pathogenic bacteria and fungi. This includes performing bacterial identification and antimicrobial susceptibility testing, as well as entering and retrieving information from the Laboratory Information Management System. This position will also communicate with clients, and other laboratory personnel/sections, regarding sharing of specimens, workload volume, and clarifying orders. Other duties include operation and routine maintenance of laboratory equipment, performing quality control procedures, and review of standard operating procedures.

The position has responsibility for the safety and health of others and therefore involves strict attention to detail and protocol, exposure to materials containing organisms that are highly pathogenic for animals and humans, and close teamwork with others in the laboratory. Some work may be required to take place in Biosafety Level 3. Working hours are between 8:30 a.m. and 5:30 p.m. and will vary to include weekends and holidays on a rotational basis. The position will also require flexibility in scheduling and is subject to callback in the case of laboratory need and/or in emergency response situations.

Percentage Breakdown Of Duties

• 60% - Identifies organisms using appropriate methods and performs antimicrobial susceptibility testing. Monitors for accuracy/unusual results and issues reports using Cerner
• 20% - Perform laboratory assays and procedures, including confirmatory and quality control testing to produce results for the health maintenance, diagnosis, and treatment of animals. Participate in scheduled proficiency testing.
• 10% - Communicate with clients, and other laboratory personnel/sections, regarding sharing of specimens, workload volume, and clarifying orders.
• 10% - Other duties include operation and routine maintenance of laboratory equipment, performing quality control procedures, and review of standard operating procedures.

The VDL is a premier veterinary diagnostic laboratory for companion animals and horses as well as for livestock, laboratory, zoo, and wildlife species. The VDL performs more than one million tests per year on samples submitted from across the state of Michigan, the United States, and more than 25 countries. It has outstanding veterinary medical professionals and facilities and is world-renowned for expertise in endocrinology and cancer diagnostics.

The College's vision is to be the destination for teaching, innovation, care, and service. Six goals, backed by specific strategies, guide our organization as we move forward. Read more at https://cvm.msu.edu/about/strategic-planning-2021-26/goals to learn about the MSU College of Veterinary Medicines goals, strategies and progress.

Minimum Requirements

Knowledge equivalent to that which normally would be acquired by completing a four-year college degree in microbiology, medical technology, clinical laboratory science or a related science field; one to three years of related and progressively more expansive work experience in a high-volume diagnostic laboratory or equivalent combination of education and experience.

Desired Qualifications

MT, CLS, MLS (ASCP) or equivalent certification is preferred, but not required. Also desired is laboratory experience in diagnostic clinical bacteriology including bacterial identification from various sources and susceptibility testing, anaerobic bacteriology, and mycology. Also valued are experience working under biosafety level 3 conditions: experience in PCR and DNA extraction procedures; specimen processing and serology; performing quality control; equipment maintenance; customer service experience: experience using a Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS) and/or Microsoft Office programs.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, citizenship, age, disability or protected veteran status.

Work Hours

Working hours are between 8:30 a.m. and 5:30 p.m. and will vary to include weekends and holidays on a rotational basis. The position will also require flexibility in scheduling and is subject to callback in the case of laboratory need and/o

Website

HTTPS://CVM.MSU.EDU/VDL

Summary of Health Risks

Exposure to unfixed animal tissue.

Bidding eligibility ends August 18, 2026 at 11:55 P.M.