HC Pro 1-Clinical Lab Science

This position performs routine laboratory procedures to support diagnostic testing within the Bacteriology Laboratory. Responsibilities include analyzing culture results, interpreting organism identification and susceptibility data, and reporting findings to clients and pathologists. The role also involves preparing bacteriological media as needed, operating complex diagnostic equipment, and troubleshooting issues related to instrument performance or test outcomes.

In addition, this position collaborates with Quality Assurance personnel to develop, review, and revise Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), participates in the validation of new methods or instrumentation, and assists in resolving nonconforming work through corrective and preventive action processes.

This position reports to the Section Manager of the Bacteriology Laboratory at the Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory.

The position requires overtime, including weekend and holiday coverage as needed. It is considered an essential position and may require work during University holidays, shutdown periods, emergency responses, or high-demand disease events. The standard schedule is Monday- Friday, 8 am- 4:30 pm.

Responsibilities:

50%- Specimen Processing and Culture Set-up

• Receive, log, and prepare specimens for testing.
• Set up basic cultures from necropsy cases and Laboratory Receiving.
• Follow established procedures to select the correct media and tests for each sample.
• Perform initial reading of culture plates to identify potential pathogens or contaminants and notify senior staff when needed.
• Prepare and run standard susceptibility panels based on animal species and organism type.
• Read routine aerobic cultures and assist with setting up and identifying fungal cultures.
• Follow protocols for packaging and shipping BSL-2 organisms to other laboratories.

20%- Testing, Reporting and Documentation

• Record and enter test results accurately into the LIMS.
• Assist with identifying bacteria using standard methods and references.
• Report preliminary and final results to pathologists and clients within established timelines.
• Verify data accuracy by checking controls and confirming correct documentation.
• Organize daily work to meet deadlines and follow biosafety and biosecurity rules.
• Communicate clearly and professionally with team members, pathologists, and clients.
• Record and enter test results accurately into the LIMS.

10%- Equipment Use and Basic Maintenance

• Receive training on the safe use and routine care of laboratory equipment (e.g., incubators, refrigerators, freezers, water baths, balances, microscopes, mass spectrometer, centrifuge, biological safety cabinets, fume hood, pipettes, autoclaves).
• Perform daily equipment checks to verify proper temperature, CO levels, humidity, and general operation.

10%- Quality Control and Assurance

• Maintain documentation for QC of laboratory tests, reagents, and equipment.
• Follow procedures when QC requirements are not met and record corrective actions.
• Enter non-conforming work into Q-Pulse and assist with identifying areas of improvement.
• Help train student workers on basic QA/QC practices, including media challenges, control checks, and record-keeping.

5%- Media Preparation Support (Back-up)

• Follow media SOPs and recipe cards to prepare laboratory media when needed.
• Operate media equipment such as autoclaves, plate pourers, balances, hot plates, and water purifiers.
• Record media production information and complete sterilitychecks following established procedures

5%- Performs other duties as assigned

All required qualifications must be included in the application materials

Required:

* A Bachelor's degree in Microbiology, Bacteriology, Clinical Microbiology, Animal Science or related field
* At least 1 year of work experience in a microbiology laboratory; or completion of 3-4 microbiology-related college courses, including at least one hands-on laboratory course.
* An equivalent combination of relevant education and laboratory experience will also be considered.

Preferred:

* Knowledge of bacteriology principles and techniques, including proper handling of laboratory specimens.
* Experience working with infectious organisms and demonstrated proficiency in sterile technique.
* Familiarity with quality system requirements and documentation practices.
* Experience operating and maintaining common laboratory equipment such as autoclaves, incubators, and biological safety cabinets.
* Strong professionalism, reliability, self-motivation, and the ability to work independently.
* Excellent communication skills and a commitment to excellence, integrity, and quality in all work performed.
* Ability to work collaboratively and efficiently in a fast-paced team environment.
* Ability to lift and transfer boxes up to 30 lbs from floor level to a waist-height surface.

The University of Minnesota Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory is a national leader in providing rapid diagnosis of animal diseases, identifying emerging diseases, developing new diagnostic methods and training diagnosticians and veterinarians. The VDL serves the interests of the livestock and poultry industry, animal research scientists and educators, and companion animal owners. We provide strong support to the state as the official laboratory of the Minnesota Board of Animal Health as well as supporting the national animal and human health system. The laboratory is a part of the University of Minnesota College of Veterinary Medicine and serves as Minnesota's only full-service laboratory for animal health diagnosis.

Pay Range: $21.44- $24.52 per hour depending on education/qualifications/experience

Time Appointment: 100% Appointment

Position Type: Civil-Service & Non-Faculty Labor Represented Staff

Please visit the Office of Human Resources website for more information regarding benefit eligibility.

The University offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes:

• Competitive wages, paid holidays, and generous time off
• Continuous learning opportunities through professional training and degree-seeking programs supported by the Regents Tuition Benefit Program
• Low-cost medical, dental, and pharmacy plans
• Healthcare and dependent care flexible spending accounts
• University HSA contributions
• Disability and employer-paid life insurance
• Employee wellbeing program
• Excellent retirement plans with employer contribution
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) opportunity
• Financial counseling services
• Employee Assistance Program with eight sessions of counseling at no cost
• Employee Transit Pass with free or reduced rates in the Twin Cities metro area

Applications must be submitted online. To be considered for this position, please click the Apply button and follow the instructions. You will be given the opportunity to complete an online application for the position and attach a cover letter and resume.

Additional documents may be attached after application by accessing your "My Job Applications" page and uploading documents in the "My Cover Letters and Attachments" section.

To request an accommodation during the application process, please e-mail employ@umn.edu or call (612) 624-8647.

The University recognizes and values the importance of diversity and inclusion in enriching the employment experience of its employees and in supporting the academic mission. The University is committed to attracting and retaining employees with varying identities and backgrounds.

The University of Minnesota provides equal access to and opportunity in its programs, facilities, and employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, age, marital status, disability, public assistance status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. To learn more about diversity at the U: http://diversity.umn.edu

Any offer of employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a background check. Our presumption is that prospective employees are eligible to work here. Criminal convictions do not automatically disqualify finalists from employment.

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC)

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC), is among the largest public research universities in the country, offering undergraduate, graduate, and professional students a multitude of opportunities for study and research. Located at the heart of one of the nation's most vibrant, diverse metropolitan communities, students on the campuses in Minneapolis and St. Paul benefit from extensive partnerships with world-renowned health centers, international corporations, government agencies, and arts, nonprofit, and public service organizations.

At the University of Minnesota, we are proud to be recognized by the Star Tribune as a Top Workplace for 2021, as well as by Forbes as Best Employers for Women and one of America's Best Employers (2015, 2018, 2019, 2023), Best Employer for Diversity (2019, 2020), Best Employer for New Grads (2018, 2019), and Best Employer by State (2019, 2022).