Position Title:Diagnostic Associate I
Job Group:Professional & Scientific
Required Minimum Qualifications:Bachelor’s degree
Preferred Qualifications:Experience with microbiology techniques such as tissue preparation, streaking, culturing, or analyzing culture plates.
Experience with isolation. Experience with Sterile techniques.
Experience with basic identification or microorganisms.
Experience working in a microbiology or diagnostic laboratory.
Job Description:
Summary
Are you a recent graduate passionate about microbiology and veterinary diagnostics? Start your career as a Diagnostic Associate I in the Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory’s Bacteriology section at the College of Veterinary Medicine! This entry-level position offers hands-on experience in diagnostic testing, pathogen identification, and antimicrobial susceptibility analysis, all while working in a supportive and collaborative environment.
In this role, you’ll be instrumental in identifying pathogens that impact animal health, contributing to important research projects, and exploring new diagnostic techniques. You’ll gain valuable experience using advanced laboratory systems such as Sensititre ARIS, Vizion, and LIMS, and MALDI-TOF providing a strong foundation for a successful career in laboratory science or veterinary diagnostics.
Why Join Us?
+ Hands-on training in a state-of-the-art diagnostic laboratory
+ Opportunities to contribute to impactful research and diagnostic projects
+ Mentorship and skill development to help you grow professionally
+ Be part of a team making a real difference in animal health
Job Duties:
Diagnostic Testing
+ Culture animal tissues and specimens for pathogens by preparing culture plates, searing/incising tissue, and swabbing onto appropriate media.
+ Analyze culture plates for pathogenic organisms and make case-by-case decisions for appropriate identification techniques.
+ Perform antimicrobial susceptibility testing using Sensititre ARIS, Vizion systems, and SWIN software.
+ Accurately enter test results into the Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS).
+ Communicate test results effectively with clients and colleagues in a team-oriented environment.
Research and Development
+ Participate in collaborative research and diagnostic investigations, both internal and external.
+ Oversee sample processing, isolation, identification, and data collection in accordance with established protocols.
+ Assist in developing and improving testing procedures for classical and molecular biology techniques.
+ Provide input for protocol development and implementation using Q-Pulse document control software.
Laboratory Maintenance
+ Maintain a clean and safe laboratory environment by following safety protocols, disposing of biohazardous waste, and disinfecting workspaces.
+ Replenish laboratory supplies and maintain equipment used for diagnostic testing.
+ Contribute to overall laboratory organization and upkeep.
If you’re ready to apply your education, build technical skills, and make an impact, this role is the perfect place to begin your career!
Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the U.S. on an on-going basis without sponsorship. Level Guidelines- Individual contributor position with developing professional and/or technical skills working under immediate to general supervision- Grasps professional-level knowledge and concepts of field while working in a progressive learning mode- Works on problems and issues of somewhat limited scope- Follows standard practices and procedures in analyzing situations or data for which answers are available or can be obtained- Responds to inquiries and issues, escalating to manager or higher level workers as appropriate- May lead projects of limited scope and complexity- May provide guidance to students
Appointment Type:Regular
Number of Months Employed Per Year:12 Month Work Period
Time Type:Full time
Pay Grade:PS806
Application Instructions:
To apply for this position, please click on “Apply” and complete the Employment Application. Please be prepared to enter or attach the following:1) Resume/Curriculum Vitae2) Letter of Application/Cover LetterIf you have questions regarding this application process, please email employment@iastate.edu or call 515-294-4800 or Toll Free: 1-877-477-7485.Why Choose ISU?Iowa State Employees enjoy comprehensive health and work-life benefits, including medical and dental; as well as:- Retirement benefits including defined benefit and defined contribution plans- Generous vacation, holiday and sick time and leave plans- Onsite childcare (Ames, Iowa)- Life insurance and long-term disability- Flexible Spending Accounts- Various voluntary benefits and discounts- Employee Assistance Program- Wellbeing program- Iowa State offers WorkFlex options for some positions. WorkFlex offers flexibility on when, where, and how you do your work. For more information, please speak with the Hiring Manager.
Original Posting Date: December 19, 2024
Posting Close Date:January 2, 2025
Job Requisition Number:R16154
By focusing on the future and providing the best student experience possible, Iowa State attracts students and faculty who want to make a difference. With a comprehensive?land-grant?mission of education, research, extension and outreach, we produce scholars whose ideas change the world. And through Innovate at Iowa State , we provide innovative and entrepreneurial opportunities for students of all backgrounds. Located just 30 minutes north of Des Moines, the city of Ames was recently named one of the Top 10 cities in the U.S. for campus life and career opportunities.
Iowa State University is a welcoming, global, and culturally diverse community of students, faculty, and staff. Campus community members have a wide range of backgrounds and experiences and are committed to engaging with each other respectfully as outlined in the university’s Principles of Community (https://www.iastate.edu/diversity-and-inclusion/principles-community) . Iowa State recognizes that diverse intellectual and philosophical perspectives are vital to innovation, critical thinking skills, and a dynamic academic community that fosters the land-grant ideals of putting science, technology, and human creativity to work.
All offers of employment, oral and written, are contingent upon the university’s verification of credentials and other information required by federal and state law, ISU policies/procedures, and may include the completion of a background check and/or a consumer credit check.
Iowa State University is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, age, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, marital status, disability, or protected veteran status and will not be discriminated against. Inquiries can be directed to the Office of Equal Opportunity, 2680 Beardshear Hall, 515 Morrill Road, 515 294-7612, email eooffice@iastate.edu .
If you have questions about the application process please email employment@iastate.edu or call 515-294-4800 or Toll-Free at 1-877-477-7485 . Iowa State University provides reasonable accommodations to applicants and employees with disabilities. Applicants with questions about access or requiring a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application or hiring process should email employment@iastate.edu or call (515) 294-4800 or Toll-Free: (877) 477-7485 . TTY users are welcome to use the Iowa Relay Service number by dialing 7-1-1 or (800) 735-2942 .
General ISU compensation information can be found on the University Human Resources (https://www.hr.iastate.edu/careers/compensation) website. Please note that this is only a list of ranges and individuals will be paid commensurate with qualifications.
