SSIU Laboratory Technician II

General Laboratory Support 

• Ensure timely specimen processing for clinical samples 

• Maintain laboratory organization, cleaning schedules, reagent and freezer inventories 

• Work with hazardous chemicals and biological materials (handling and disposal) using appropriate PPE 

• Maintain laboratory supplies and equipment 

• Prepare, package and ship sampling supplies, isolates or specimens according to SOPs in timely manner 

• Maintain accurate bench records and or assist with developing record forms 

• Follow established SOPs and contribute to, or write SOPs and when necessary 

• Prepare media or reagents used in laboratory tests and maintain preparation records 

• Basic knowledge of Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS ). Enter data into and retrieve data from LIMS as needed 

• Intermediate knowledge of Microsoft Excel and Word proficiency 

• Prepare reports as needed for customers 

• Provide cross-disciplinary support and other duties as assigned  

• Adherence to, and participate in the implementation of safety and quality initiatives 

• Participate in and support on the job training and required training of others 

Bacteriology Support 

• Intermediate knowledge of bacterial propagation and identification methods, including microscopy, gram stain and bacterial plating methods 

• Perform classical bacteriology methods on clinical samples to support isolation and identification of significant bacterial pathogens from avian, porcine and other sources 

• Demonstrate good aseptic techniques in the manipulation of bacterial samples and strains such as streaking agar plates for isolation and passage 

• Demonstrate good aseptic techniques with bacterial cultures used for small-scale expansion of isolates in broth culture and the preparation of working stocks frozen archive 

• Provide administrative support with the tracking of data on bacterial isolates, including dates of expiry, inventory control and adherence to quality standards 

Virology Support 

• Intermediate knowledge of aseptic technique while working in a biosafety cabinet,  

• Intermediate knowledge of cell counting, calculating cell density and dilution, and microscopic examination 

• Intermediate knowledge of adherent and suspension cell culture methods, viral identification, propagation, and enumeration methods 

• Participate in clean room laboratory work such as: Cell line passage processes, inoculation and harvesting of viral antigen 

• Demonstrate good aseptic techniques with methods for archive and small-scale expansion of viral isolates 

• Participate in solution/buffer/ media preparations 

• Participate in inactivation of live antigen process 

• Provide administrative support with the tracking of data on viral isolates, including dates of expiry, inventory control and adherence to quality standards 

Molecular Support 

• Perform routine sample processing and DNA extractions for incoming samples 

• Fundamental working knowledge of molecular methods, particularly conventional PCR and real-time PCR for bacterial, viral, and parasites 

• Work with various molecular instruments (automated nucleic acid extraction equipment, conventional PCR thermocyclers, real-time PCR thermocyclers, other) 

• Perform methods supporting the Next Generation Sequencing workflows and outsourced sequencing workflows 

Teamwork with SID, R&D, and Sales & Marketing 

• Communicate and track the results/data and organize information efficiently 

• Review all test requests and results thoroughly for errors, omissions, and clarify any potential problems and notify supervisors of discrepancies and perform corrective actions 

• Assist in animal trials or studies as needed 

• Cross-train with other internal teams – molecular, serology, virology techniques to perform other tasks as needed 

USDA Regulations and Internal Quality Assurance 

• Maintain and review complete and accurate bench records following appropriate guidelines 

• Understand and follow methods to support Autogenous outlines as needed 

• Follow internal quality assurance guidelines 

• Shape solutions out of complexity - Work to evolve immediate environment and accepts need for flexibility 

• Client focus - Make sure needs and requests are treated equally and in a positive way 

• Collaborate with empathy - Fully takes part in the working group to share information, listens to others and have a clear idea of the decisions taken 

• Engage and develop - Open to share knowledge and to receive feedback from others 

• Drive ambition and accountability - Ensure accuracy of work the use of KPI's and a responsible commitment to reaching target 

• Influence others - Show structure and confidence while speaking, consciously tries to persuade 

• Aseptic technique 

• Knowledge of animal infectious diseases 

• Microbiology laboratory function 

• Mathematical aptitude 

• Effective communication skills – both written and verbal 

• Self-starting 

• Initiative to work independently, within a team and under supervision as needed 

• Organized with the ability to prioritize 

Education – MS in Virology, Microbiology, Molecular Biology, Biology or equivalent preferred; or BA/BS in science related field with 1-3 years of relevant experience in virology/microbiology/or molecular laboratory or diagnostic setting. 

Work Experience - 

• Intermediate knowledge in microbiology 

• Intermediate knowledge of classical bacteriology and/or viral culture methods 

• Fundamental working knowledge of molecular biology techniques and analysis 

• Able to read, write, and communicate in English 

• Bending 20% 

• Lifting up to 30 pounds 

• Standing 10% 

• Visual inspection 75% 

• Verbal communication 80%