Laboratory Technician II

at  Iowa State University

REQUIRED MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

• Two years of related laboratory experience including one year as a Laboratory Technician I or equivalent level experience, or Certified Laboratory Assistant (CLA) certification, or Any combination of related post high school education and experience which totals two years.

SPECIAL REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

Must have accurate color recognition

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

Degree in Biology, Animal Science, Microbiology or related area.
Experience working in a lab.
Experience with Microbiology techniques.
Experience working with lab equipment.

JOB DESCRIPTION:

Are you passionate about animal health and ready to dive into the exciting world of veterinary diagnostics?
The Vet Diagnostic Lab (VDL) is seeking a Lab Tech II to join the bacteriology lab. The ISU VDL bacteriology section handles a variety of specimens from both companion and production food animals. These services include antibiotic sensitivity panels, bacterial identification, Salmonella monitoring, and milk quality testing.

The qualified candidate will be responsible for the following:

• Sample Processing.
• Culturing.
• Equipment maintenance.
• Monitoring systems in the Lab and calibration of equipment.

Under general supervision, performs difficult technical procedures and allied duties related to a function of a clinical, environmental, teaching or research laboratory; maintains laboratory area and equipment. Provides functional supervision to Laboratory Assistants as required.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

• Knowledge of care and use of laboratory equipment.
• Knowledge of principles of sanitation, health hazards, and the necessary precautionary measures.
• Knowledge of standard cleaning techniques and equipment and supplies required.
• Knowledge of keyboarding and computer data entry skills.
• Ability to use proper lifting and bending techniques.
• Ability to communicate effectively with others.
• Ability to follow oral and written instructions.
• Ability to collect data, keep accurate records, and prepare reports.
• Ability to count, add, subtract, multiply, divide, and determine percentages.
• Ability to work with computerized inventory control systems.
• Ability to use and care for tools in maintenance and repair work.
• Ability to perform difficult lab procedures and prepare chemical solutions according to instructions.
• Ability to organize and prioritize multiple tasks.
• Ability to exercise functional supervision over employees.

CHARACTERISTIC DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Records data from somewhat complex electrical and mechanical recording and display devices as well as from observations from other tests.
• Performs standardized statistical analyses on data as required using computer software programs.
• Prepares and may direct the preparation of standardized mixes of chemicals for media, reagents, etc., according to established procedures.
• Assembles and dismantles standard laboratory equipment for experiments and instruction.
• Cleans and maintains a medium-sized laboratory area and equipment therein, makes inventory reports and performs simple maintenance on complex laboratory equipment.
• Maintains supplies and equipment in medium sized laboratory area and reports stock deficiencies.
• Distributes incoming freight, laboratory supplies, environmental samples, or biological specimens and packs outgoing sample or specimen containers.
• Performs, or may direct performance of, data entry, labeling and processing of laboratory specimens.
• Responds to, or may direct response to, telephone inquiries regarding laboratory specimens or samples.
• Investigates and resolves laboratory questions with minimum guidance.
• Assists in training of laboratory staff.

The qualified candidate will be responsible for the following:

• Sample Processing.
• Culturing.
• Equipment maintenance.
• Monitoring systems in the Lab and calibration of equipment