Position Title: Laboratory Technician

Reports To: Laboratory Director

FLSA Status: Salary—Exempt

Job Summary

The technician is responsible for conducting laboratory testing and research projects according to established protocols and within specified time constraints. The technician will document the process, analyze results, and communicate findings to the supervisor and customer. Any testing materials and tissue sample disposal will be in accordance will all regulatory requirements. The technician's main focus will be daily routine testing associated with Serology, Bacteriology and Feed Testing. Versova is a support lab for our poultry farms in Iowa, Ohio, Oregon, Washington and works closely with the farms for timely results. We follow NPIP standards for testing associated with the Egg Safety Rule.

Essential Functions

• Sample processing & routine testing for Serology & Bacteriology & Feed testing.
  • Working Closely with Elisa Automated Robot
  • SE testing of environmental, chick papers, and eggs.
  • NIR testing of Feed samples including Meat & Bone Meal, Soybean Meal, Corn, Oils, Complete Feed
• Prepare samples for analysis, which may include labeling, weighing, grinding, recording, pipetting, and plating.
• Read, calculate, and record analysis data to produce reports for internal and external clients.
• Create reports for all routine testing.
• Inventory/preparation of reagents, media, and supplies.
• Autoclaving Waste and disposal in compliance with Environmental Health and Safety Requirements.
• Knowledge of current regulations applying to farm and lab environments.
• Comply with Quality Control procedures.
• Write, maintain, and follow Standard Operating Procedures.
• Maintain accurate quality control documentation of analysis procedures, reagents, and media.
• Maintain equipment maintenance.
• Test Development as needed.
• Keeping Chemical Inventory
• Updated SDS's and keeping them current.
• Cleaning of daily equipment
• Other duties as assigned.

Competencies

• Organize and plan projects.
• Work independently and in a team environment.
• Clear understanding of biosecurity, cross-contamination prevention, and aseptic technique.
• Visual acuity for observation and attention to detail.
• Analytical and critical thinking skills.
• Experience performing high-throughput and ability to multi-task.
• Good interpersonal skills.
• Computer, data management and processing skills.

Work Environment:

• The position operates in a research lab. This role routinely uses standard lab equipment such as beakers, pipettes, test tubes, Bunsen burners Autoclaves, flasks, thermometers, microscopes, and computers.
• Opportunity for farms visits as determined by Lab Supervisor and employee, while following biosecurity protocol.
• Occasional trips to NVSL in Ames or UPS for sample drop off.

Physical Demands:

The employee may be required to sit or stand for long periods of time. May occasionally climb, balance, stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl. The employee must frequently lift and/or move up to 10 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus.

Required Education and Experience:

• A bachelor's degree in the life sciences (Molecular Biology or Microbiology).
• Minimum of 1-year full time experience in a laboratory testing environment.

Preferred Education and Experience:

• A master's degree in molecular biology or Bacteriology

Other Duties

Please note that this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for the job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice.