What are the responsibilities and job description for the Diagnostic Laboratory Scientist position at Prairie Holdings?
Cambridge Technologies
Position Guidelines
JOB TITLE: Diagnostic Laboratory Scientist
DEPARTMENT: Molecular Diagnostics DATE CREATED: 12/2/2025
SUMMARY
A Diagnostic Laboratory Scientist will provide specialized technical support in the livestock diagnostic laboratory focused on molecular testing. This role is responsible for performing and assisting with next-generation sequencing (NGS), quantitative PCR (qPCR), bioinformatic analysis, and related molecular workflows used to detect, monitor, and characterize pathogens in livestock populations. This role also contributes to troubleshooting laboratory assays, maintaining instrumentation, implementing new methodologies, and supporting lab-wide quality assurance efforts. This role will interact with other diagnostic lab members, research team members, and other departments as needed.
ACCOUNTABILITIES
Reports to: Supervisor, Molecular Diagnostics
Supervises: Has no supervisory responsibilities
ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES
- Lead and execute advanced molecular diagnostic workflows, including nucleic acid extraction, PCR/qPCR assay development and optimization, next-generation sequencing (NGS) library preparation, and bioinformatic data analysis in accordance with company SOPs and quality standards.
- Work with various animal tissues and pathogens in a Biosafety level 2 environment, adhering to company safety policies.
- Conduct and coordinate assigned projects, experiments, or departmental activities to meet goals and timelines.
- Collect, maintain, and organize data in the form of a laboratory notebook, bench record, animal record, electronic project database, and/or production record
- Communicate data/results in the form of written or oral reports and provide suggestions for next steps.
- Maintain laboratory and equipment in order to meet project and regulatory requirements.
- Collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams, including R&D, quality assurance, production, and regulatory affairs, serving as a scientific resource and technical subject matter expert.
- Must be able to conduct assignments with limited supervision and accurately communicate results to the supervisor.
- Provide accurate and honest documentation and reporting of research data and results.
- Work in a safe and productive manner with the guidelines established by policy and follow good laboratory practices.
- Accountable for complying with the company handbook and all policies set by the company and delegated authority.
- Performs other duties as assigned.
EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE
- Bachelor’s degree required; advanced degree (M.S. or Ph.D.) strongly preferred in Microbiology, Molecular Biology, Veterinary Science, or a related life sciences discipline, with demonstrated experience in animal health diagnostics or veterinary biologics.
- Extensive hands-on experience with molecular diagnostic techniques (PCR/qPCR, sequencing, nucleic acid extraction) and with bioinformatics tools and pipelines.
- Working knowledge of veterinary biologics principles, including diagnostic assay development, vaccine/biologic production, quality control testing, regulatory expectations, and industry standards.
- Strong communication skills, including the ability to write technical reports, interpret complex data for diverse audiences, and collaborate across multidisciplinary teams.
- Demonstrated adherence to GMP, GLP, and general laboratory safety practices, with experience working in BSL-2 environments preferred.
LANGUAGE SKILLS
Ability to read and interpret documents such as safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions, and procedure manuals. Ability to write routine reports and correspondence. Ability to speak effectively before groups of customers or employees of organization.
MATHEMATICAL SKILLS
Ability to calculate basic laboratory mathematical calculations such as stock dilutions.
REASONING ABILITY
Ability to apply common sense understanding to carry out instructions furnished in written, oral, or diagram form. Ability to deal with problems involving several concrete variables in standardized situations.
OTHER SKILL & ABILITIES
Attention to detail. Communication skills - verbal and written. Data collection, management and analysis. Problem analysis and problem solving. Planning and organizing. Judgement. Decision-making. Customer service orientation. Teamwork.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
The employee is frequently required to stand; walk; sit; reach with hands and arms; stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl and talk or hear. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25-40 pounds, with occasional lifting up to 60 pounds.
WORK ENVIRONMENT
This position may work in a laboratory, research farm, manufacturing facility, and office setting where they conduct experiments and analyze the results. Technicians and scientists who work with biosafety level 2 organisms must follow appropriate safety procedures.
Salary : $50,000 - $80,000