Seasonal Laboratory Assistant – Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratories TSE Section

CSU Veterinary Health; Fort Collins (CO); On-site; USD 18,000 - 25,000; Full time

Job summary

Colorado State University Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratories is seeking a motivated Laboratory Assistant for a seasonal role in Fort Collins. The position supports diagnostic testing and specimen processing in a fast-paced lab environment, with a commitment of 20-40 hours per week from mid-October to mid-December, potential extension into January 2027.

The role requires attention to detail, organization, and precision.

Qualifications

• Must have high school diploma or GED.
• Laboratory experience preferred but not required.
• Must be able to lift up to 50 lbs and follow PPE guidelines for hazardous materials.

Responsibilities

• Receive, organize, and accession incoming tissue specimens by accurately matching samples with submission documentation.
• Prepare tissue specimens for CWD testing, including cutting, weighing, and processing samples according to procedures.
• Transfer processed (homogenized) specimens into testing plates while maintaining quality and accuracy standards.
• Assist with routine laboratory maintenance, including cleaning work areas and restocking laboratory supplies.
• Support daily laboratory operations while following established quality and safety protocols.

Skills

Precision

Detail-oriented

Organized

Education

High school diploma or GED

Job description

Position Summary

The Colorado State University Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratories is seeking a motivated, dependable, and detail-oriented individual to join our team. This position provides an excellent opportunity to gain hands-on laboratory experience while supporting diagnostic testing that plays an important role in animal health and wildlife disease surveillance. As a Laboratory Assistant, you will help ensure specimens are accurately received, processed, and prepared for testing in a high-quality, fast-paced laboratory environment. The ideal candidate enjoys working with precision, is organized, and takes pride in contributing to meaningful diagnostic work. This is a seasonal position anticipated to run from mid-October through mid-December with the potential to extend into January 2027, depending on specimen submission volume. It requires a minimum commitment of 20-40 hours per week, scheduled in 4-hour blocks between 8:00a.m. and 5:00p.m., Monday through Friday. Availability during Thanksgiving break is required to support testing demands.

Brief Work Unit Description

The mission of the Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratories (VDL) is to provide timely, accurate and pertinent animal disease diagnostic services and educational outreach to veterinarians, animal industries and animal interests. The Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory will strive to meet the goals the College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences and the University through research to develop new approaches to disease identification, investigation, prevention and through education of professional veterinary medical, graduate, and post-doctoral students.

Essential Job Duties

• Receive, organize, and accession incoming tissue specimens by accurately matching samples with submission documentation.
• Prepare tissue specimens for Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) testing, including cutting, weighing, and processing samples according to established laboratory procedures.
• Transfer processed (homogenized) specimens into testing plates while maintaining quality and accuracy standards.
• Assist with routine laboratory maintenance, including cleaning work areas and restocking laboratory supplies.
• Support daily laboratory operations while following established quality and safety protocols.

Conditions of Employment

Pre-employment Criminal Background Check (required for new hires).

Valid Driver’s License – Must possess or obtain a valid driver’s license by the employment start date and maintain such in good standing for duration of active employment.

Essential Services Designation – Required to report without delay or interruption to provide essential or emergency services to ensure health, safety, and welfare.

The CSU Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory does not follow standard University Holiday Schedule due to the nature of the business. After hours and weekend work may be required.

On-Call Status – In the event of an emergency declared by the Veterinary Diagnostic Lab Director, overtime work or work outside normal operating hours will be required.

Handling of and exposure to zoonotic and hazardous materials – This position will handle formalin and formalin-fixed tissues. This position handles samples that may contain infectious agents and must follow PPE guidelines and appropriate standard operating procedures.

Special Requirements/Other – Must safely lift and carry items that weigh up to 50lbs. May be required to be rabies vaccinated upon hire and maintain protective titers (blood drawn on a schedule determined by CSU Occupational Health to evaluate status).

Supervision None.

Minimum Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED.

Preferred Qualifications

Laboratory experience is preferred but not required.

Salary Range

15.50

Employee Benefits

Colorado State University is not just a workplace; it is a thriving community that is transforming lives and improving the human condition through world-class teaching, research, and service. With a robust benefits package, collaborative atmosphere, and focus on work-life balance, CSU is where you can thrive, grow, and make a lasting impact.

Background Check Policy Statement

Colorado State University strives to provide a safe study, work, and living environment for its faculty, staff, volunteers and students. To support this environment and comply with applicable laws and regulations, CSU conducts background checks for the finalist before a final offer. The type of background check conducted varies by position and can include, but is not limited to, criminal history, sex offender registry, motor vehicle history, financial history, and/or education verification. Background checks will also be conducted when required by law or contract and when, in the discretion of the University, it is reasonable and prudent to do so.

EEO

Colorado State University (CSU) provides equal employment opportunities to all applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws. Inspired by its land-grant heritage, Colorado State University is committed to excellence and engagement, setting the standard for public research universities in teaching, research, service and extension for the benefit of the citizens of Colorado, the United States, and the world.

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