JOB SUMMARY:

The Pathology Services Unit of the Wisconsin National Primate Research Center (WNPRC) is seeking a highly motivated, detail oriented, and organized individual with excellent written and verbal skills to work as part of a team of research specialists and veterinary pathologists in providing diagnostic services and research support to investigators on campus, as well as across the United States and internationally.
The Pathology Services Unit provides timely and accurate diagnostic testing, postmortem sample collection and processing, and determination of causes of morbidity and mortality through clinical and anatomic pathology services in support of clinical veterinary medicine and scientific research. The Unit is responsible for the development of new techniques necessary to meet the needs of investigators and clinical veterinarians. The Unit works closely with researchers on a variety of studies, including vaccine development for global infectious diseases, reproductive health, transgenic animal models, models of aging, models of neurodegenerative diseases and neurophysiology, and stem cell biology. The WNPRC holds the service contract for the National Institute on Aging (NIA) nonhuman primate tissue bank, a repository of tissues primarily from aged nonhuman primates available for use in research on aging. Additionally, the Unit distributes biological samples and tissues to investigators through the WNPRC Nonhuman Primate Biological Materials Distribution Core.

EDUCATION:

Required
Bachelor’s Degree
BS/BA from an accredited university in zoology, biology, medical technology, clinical laboratory science, animal sciences, or related field required. Will consider veterinary technicians and laboratory animal technicians with a BS/BA in conjunction with relevant experience.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• At least one year of experience in a research or clinical laboratory setting; laboratory experience gained through coursework or professional training will be considered
• Self-motivated with excellent interpersonal skills
• Must be able to work as an integral part of a team, as well as work independently
• Demonstrated ability to learn and perform complicated tasks through instruction and independent study
• Meticulous attention to detail, as well as strong organization and prioritization skills
• Demonstrated customer service skills necessary
• Excellent verbal and written communications skills
• Demonstrated proficiency with Microsoft Word, Excel and PowerPoint, as well as complex online databases
• Must be comfortable working with Macintosh and PC computers
• Demonstrated complex problem-solving skills

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Clinical pathology and/or necropsy skills highly desirable
• Prior experience working with animals and/or biological materials, in particular nonhuman primates (NHPs), strongly preferred
• Experience in an academic research laboratory desirable

Develops, designs, and conducts one or more research projects and organizes daily operation of projects and specialized research areas to ensure work meets established objectives under moderate supervision.

• 60% Conducts research experiments according to established research protocols with moderate impact to the project(s). Collects data and monitors test results
• 15% Operates, cleans, and maintains organization of research equipment and research area. Tracks inventory levels and places replenishment orders
• 5% Reviews, analyzes, and interprets data and/or documents results for presentations and/or reporting to internal and external audiences
• 5% Participates in the development, interpretation, and implementation of research methodology and materials
• 5% Provides operational guidance on day-to-day activities of unit or program staff and/or student workers
• 5% Performs literature reviews and writes reports
• 5% Serves as a liaison with internal and external investigators and program clients