Laboratory Technologist

Position Summary

Michigan State University Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory (MSU VDL) is seeking an experienced laboratory technologist to perform high-volume diagnostic testing in the Endocrinology Section. The individual will be responsible for performing automated assays and radioimmunoassays on animal samples (serum, plasma, urine) for diagnostic purposes, ensuring quality control, maintaining instruments, documenting results, and answering client questions. This position requires excellent written and verbal communication skills, knowledge of laboratory information management systems, and the ability to work collaboratively in a fast-paced environment.

Michigan State University Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory (MSU VDL), a service unit in the College of Veterinary Medicine, is a premier, full-service, fully accredited veterinary diagnostic laboratory for all species. Serving livestock, poultry, horses, and wildlife as well as companion, exotic, aquatic and zoo animals, the MSU VDL is equipped to assist with the care of animals throughout every stage of their life cycle. Our comprehensive test offerings give clients easy access to routine and specialty diagnostics. The VDL performs more than one million tests per year on samples submitted from across the state of Michigan, the United States, and more than 25 countries. It has outstanding veterinary medical professionals and facilities and is world-renowned for expertise in endocrinology and cancer diagnostics.

This state-of-the-art facility is a critical first line of defense in safeguarding domestic animals and wildlife from deadly diseases including foreign animal diseases, in alerting public health officials to the presence of diseases transmissible from animals to humans and partnering with state and federal agencies to monitor and prepare to respond if needed to threats that may impact animal or human health.

The endocrinology section performs over a half million tests per year, and is responsible for providing rapid, accurate results to veterinarians and researchers. The quality of the results and consultation from our experienced endocrinologists has made the MSU VDL a world leader in endocrinology. The endocrinology section performs a variety of assays for assessment of thyroid, adrenal, parathyroid, reproductive, pancreatic, pituitary, and gastric function in multiple species.

60% - Perform automated assays and radioimmunoassays on animal samples (serum, plasma, urine) for diagnostic purposes.

15% - Data reduction and assessment of assay performance through quality control (QC) to ensure an accurate diagnosis.

10% - Operate, maintain, and calibrate instruments and equipment. Ensure appropriate operation of analyzers by performing calibration and preventative maintenance. Troubleshoot and call for service if needed.

10% - Interact with veterinarians, veterinary technicians / nurses, other VDL laboratory sections, and reference laboratories. Provide guidance on sample quality, diagnostic findings, and test capabilities.

5% - Perform additional tasks as assigned to support laboratory operations.

Minimum Requirements

Knowledge equivalent to that which normally would be acquired by completing a four-year college degree in biological or clinical laboratory sciences or medical technology or a related science field; one to three years of related and progressively more responsible or expansive work experience in high volume diagnostics, knowledge of research methodology, developing and implementing procedures and programs, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

Desired Qualifications

The ideal candidate for this position is detail oriented, organized, and has great problem-solving skills; able to multitask and prioritize while seeing tasks and projects through to completion. The successful candidate is team oriented, collaborative by nature, customer service focused, and able to remain calm, cool, and collected under pressure while also maintaining a positive attitude and professional demeanor; experience with word processing and spreadsheet software; experience running automated analyzers as well as use of manual pipetting. Certification as a Medical Laboratory Technician or Medical Laboratory Scientist is preferred.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, citizenship, age, disability or protected veteran status.

Required Application Materials

Resume/CV, cover letter, and 3 professional references (phone number and email address)

Work Hours

Working hours are between 8:30 a.m. and 5:30 p.m. and will vary to include weekends and holidays on a rotational basis. The position will also require flexibility in scheduling and is subject to callback in the case of laboratory need and/o

Website

https://cvm.msu.edu/vdl

Summary of Health Risks

Exposure to radioimmunoassays

Bidding eligibility ends November 17, 2026 at 11:55 P.M.