University of Nebraska-Lincoln

Job Summary:

The Nebraska Veterinary Diagnostic Center (NVDC) employs state-of-the-art testing procedures to provide disease surveillance and diagnostic services to veterinarians, livestock producers, pet owners and researchers.

As a Veterinary Bacteriology Research Technician III, you will:

• Determine, prepare, analyze, examine and interpret microbiological tests in the diagnostic and research laboratory including morphological, serological, proteomic, antimicrobial susceptibility, quantity, and biochemical tests for infectious agents including bacteria and parasites from a variety of clinical samples.
• Prepare and process clinical and postmortem specimens from animals or the environment for microbiological testing.
• Perform specialized testing which may include fungal culture, select agent testing, immunodiagnostics, and parasitology.
• Prepare reports for veterinarians and animal owners.
• Communicate effectively with clientele.
• Prepare packages for shipment of infectious and non-infectious samples.
• Chart and monitor the laboratory's quality control system.
• Support ongoing quality assurance and quality control of assays and continual improvement upon documents and procedures.
• Complete and maintain proficiency certification tests required by the National Animal Health Laboratory Network (NAHLN) to a satisfactory manner.
• Maintain compliance with NVDC quality assurance and quality control and a variety of national standards and programs (AAVLD, NDHS, CDC, USDA, etc.).

This position will include weekend and holiday rotations and is considered essential during university closures. Irregular hours may be required in times of animal disease outbreaks or to meet required turnaround times. Within the UNL system, this position is categorized as a Research Technician III.

About Us:

At the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, we're proud to be consistently recognized by Forbes as a top employer, known for our welcoming and supportive work environment, commitment to professional growth, and outstanding benefits. UNL isn't just a workplace, it's a place to build your career and make a real impact in Nebraska.

When you join our team as a full-time, regular staff member, you'll enjoy:

• Ample paid time off, including vacation, sick leave, parental leave, and holidays
• Comprehensive insurance options including medical, dental, vision, and life insurance
• Employee & dependent scholarship program to pursue higher education
• Generous retirement plans with university match

Discover more about working at UNL: https://go.unl.edu/aboutus

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Microbiology, Clinical Laboratory Technology, or related field, and
• One (1) year lab or related experience.  Additional completed relevant education or experience may substitute on a year-for-year basis.
• Knowledge of microbiology including bacteriology, mycology, and parasitology.
• Good interpersonal skills.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills including the ability to communicate clearly to VDC clients and faculty.

Preferred Qualifications:

The following qualifications are preferred but not required:

• Experience in a bacteriology lab.
• ASCP certification preferred.
• Veterinary microbiology and clinical laboratory experience.

Compliance Requirements:

If selected for this position and a verbal offer is accepted, the final written offer will be contingent upon the successful completion of the following required pre-employment check(s): 

• Criminal history background check