Natural Science Laboratory Assistant I

Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory, College of Veterinary Medicine

FUNCTION
The Natural Science Laboratory Assistant I in the VDL works with faculty, staff, and students to facilitate the necropsy of animals for diagnostic purpose, process specimens, maintain and operate equipment, perform routine laboratory procedures, and assist in the daily operations of the VDL receiving office, histopathology and parasitology laboratory and necropsy area.

ORGANIZATIONAL RELATIONSHIP
Dean, College of Veterinary Medicine
Director, Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory
Section Head, Receiving
Natural Science Laboratory Assistant I
Student Hourly Employees

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Perform routine necropsy measurements and identification including animal weights, sex, species, breed, and laboratory accession number.Place animals on necropsy floor in preparation for necropsy. Tissue collection for various testing to be distributed to the laboratory sections in the VDL. Prepare solutions and reagents according to defined Standard Operating Procedures. Perform routine laboratory cleaning – 50%
Handle the disposal stream of necropsy carcasses and tissue. – 15%
Maintain supplies necessary to the VDL receiving section in conjunction with others. Monitor all stock items for expiration dates and report expired items. Order and stock supplies; maintain proper inventory levels. Prepare instrument packs by identifying, packing, and sterilizing equipment for use during necropsy – 10%
Accession cases submitted to the VDL for testing. – 5%
Assure all sample paperwork is completed and properly stamped/marked/scanned and copied.

Assure all samples and paperwork are stored in proper area for pickup by VDL sections.

Enter data into Laboratory Information Management System with accuracy and timeliness.
Answer questions from clients and staff regarding samples submitted to the VDL. Contact clients with questions about sample submissions.
Assist with the trimming of tissues submitted for Necropsy or biopsy services. – 5%
Assist in writing and updating SOP’s. Perform and follow all safety protocols through the VDL’s safety program and DRS.– 5%
Assist with requests to locate and retrieve samples that may have left the service area. – 5%
Perform other duties as assigned. – 5%

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITY
Tasks assigned require excellent manual dexterity and basic knowledge of biomedical and veterinary terminology. The tasks require adherence to standard operating procedures.
The ability to follow set laboratory instructions and protocols
Ability to learn and acquire skills to assist technicians, veterinary medical students, and veterinary technician students in protocol, procedures, and the use of specialized equipment and instrumentation.
Progressive ability to operate independently and anticipate the needs of the staff and students.
Adherence to specific technical procedures, such as aseptic technique, proper specimen collection and orientation, as per specified laboratory guidelines and standard operating procedures.
Attention to detail and ability to accurately observe, learn to record, compile, and assimilate data, explain terminology, and read and assimilate technical materials.
Ability to efficiently perform multiple tasks simultaneously.
Familiarity with computers and the ability to learn to use the VDL LIMS system for accession and data entry

PERSONAL RELATIONSHIPS
The VDL provides diagnostic services to Illinois and out of state veterinarians, laboratories, universities, and businesses. The employee will interact with clients of the VDL, faculty, veterinarians, graduate students, student workers, laboratory helpers, and part-time employees of the VDL. The incumbent must provide excellent customer service when interacting with any staff or clients.

ENVIRONMENTAL DEMANDS
The employee will be expected to work successfully and safely in an environment that daily involves communication with clients, unpleasant odors, handling of specimens, chemicals, and fixatives, use of hoists and other mechanical equipment, and use of chemical and physical methods of restraint and euthanasia of animals. The employee will be expected to observe operating protocols that are designed to minimize hazards. Position may occasionally entail lifting up to 50-pound boxes. To fully function in this position, Rabies vaccination is strongly suggested.

Minimum Qualifications:

1. High school diploma or equivalent.

Appointment Information
This is a 100% full-time Civil Service Natural Science Laboratory I position, appointed on a 12-month basis. The expected start date is as soon as possible after March 9, 2023. Salary is commensurate with experience.

For more information on Civil Service classifications, please visit the SUCSS web site at https://www.sucss.illinois.gov/pages/classspec/default.aspx.

Application Procedures & Deadline Information
Applications must be received by 6:00 pm (CST) on March 9, 2023. Apply for this position using the Apply Now button at the top or bottom of this posting. In order to be considered as a transfer candidate, you must apply for this position. Applications not submitted through https://jobs.illinois.edu will not be considered. If required by the position, transcripts or other documentation of credentials are to be provided no later than the first day of employment. For further information about this specific position, please contact April Edwards (edwardsa@illinois.edu). For questions regarding the application process, please contact 217-333-2137.

The University of Illinois System is an equal opportunity employer, including but not limited to disability and/or veteran status, and complies with all applicable state and federal employment mandates. Please visit Required Employment Notices and Posters to view our non-discrimination statement and find additional information about required background checks, sexual harassment/misconduct disclosures, COVID-19 vaccination requirement, and employment eligibility review through E-Verify.

Applicants with disabilities are encouraged to apply and may request a reasonable accommodation under the Americans with Disabilities Act (2008) to complete the application and/or interview process. Requests may be submitted through the reasonable accommodations portal, or by contacting the Accessibility & Accommodations Division of the Office for Access and Equity at 217-333-0885, or by emailing accessibility@illinois.edu.

Requisition ID: 1015828
Job Category: Technical
Apply at: https://jobs.illinois.edu