Laboratory Technician III - Wyoming State Veterinary Laboratory

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Why Choose Us?

At the University of Wyoming, we value our employees and invest in their success. Our comprehensive benefits package is designed to support your health, financial security, and work-life balance. Benefits include:

• Generous Retirement Contributions : The State contributes 14.94% of your gross salary, and you contribute 3.68%, totaling 18.62% toward your retirement plan.
• Exceptional Health & Prescription Coverage : Enjoy access to medical, dental, and vision insurance with competitive employer contributions, that include 4 deductible options to suit your needs .
• Paid Time Off : Benefit from ample vacation, sick leave, paid holidays, and paid winter closure.
• Tuition Waiver : Employees and eligible dependents can take advantage of tuition waivers, supporting continuous education and professional growth.
• Wellness and Employee Assistance Programs : Stay healthy with wellness initiatives, counseling services, and mental health resources.

At the University of Wyoming , were committed to creating a supportive and enriching workplace. To learn more about what we offer, please refer to UWs Benefits Summary .

JOB TITLE:

Laboratory Technician III

JOB PURPOSE:

Operate and Manage the Wyoming State Veterinary Laboratory (WSVL) Accessioning/Shipping & Receiving/Necropsy and Trimming Laboratories. This will include, but is not limited to the following: receiving of animal carcasses, samples/ specimens, and equipment/supplies from clients; assisting pathologists with necropsy, sample collection, and sample routing; accessioning and shipping of diagnostic specimens; specimen fixation/decalcification/trimming/and specimen maintenance in the tissue trimming laboratory; hiring, training and management of student assistant; and participation in WSVL teaching/instructional efforts, including field disease investigations and assistance with research projects.

This position has been deemed essential as addressed in the University of Wyomings Employee Handbook . Employees in essential positions may be required to work during emergency closures and winter closure based on the nature of their job duties and the reasons for the closure.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Work with two other Laboratory Technician IIIs to complete the daily operations of the Accessioning/Shipping & Receiving, Necropsy, and Trimming laboratory sections, including autonomously managing and directing these sections as needed.
• Perform necropsies alongside pathologists, and independently collect biological specimens for diagnostic testing.
• Perform dissection of animal heads for brain tissue collection and routing of tissue for rabies testing.
• Independently perform routine procedures for formalin-fixed diagnostic specimens including trimming, decalcification, and maintenance of archived specimens.
• Perform accessioning and shipping of diagnostic specimens.
• Perform routing of diagnostic specimens to appropriate lab sections.
• Collect, assimilate and record relevant information from clients upon receipt of a diagnostic submission.
• Communicate directly with internal and external clients and direct questions and calls to appropriate staff/faculty.
• Develop and maintain quality control procedures to ensure accuracy of results.
• Assist with development and implementation of new laboratory procedures and methodologies as needed.
• Operate, maintain and repair research instruments, equipment, tools, and machinery.
• Instruct faculty, staff, and students in the operation and maintenance of laboratory equipment.
• Assist with hiring, training, and management of undergraduate student assistants.
• May assist with or teach necropsy short courses and/or workshops.
• May assist with research projects and/or field investigations with various staff and faculty according to need and interest.

SUPPLEMENTAL FUNCTIONS:

• Maintain inventory and purchase laboratory supplies.
• Maintain hazardous materials in accordance with standard operating procedures (SOP).
• Assist with or perform ante-mortem collection of diagnostic specimens from large or small animals.
• May assist in writing contracts, newsletters, and/or grants.

COMPETENCIES:

• Analysis/Problem Identification
• Attention to Detail
• Quality Orientation
• Safety Awareness
• Service Orientation
• Teamwork (cooperation)
• Work Standards

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

Education: Bachelors degree in related field (animal science, veterinary or health science, biology, anatomy/physiology or related field)

Experience: 2 years work-related experience in diagnostic services, veterinary medicine, laboratory procedures/techniques, or a related field or educational equivalent

Required licensure, certification, registration, or other requirements:

• Valid driver's license with a motor vehicle record (MVR) that is compliant with the University Vehicle Use Policy .

DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Knowledge of diagnostic laboratory assays, protocols, and practices.
• Knowledge of anatomy, physiology, and medical terminology.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to perform physically demanding work that may require lifting of up to 50 lbs.
• Experience in handling and collecting biological samples, including whole animal carcasses, fresh and fixed tissues, blood, urine, and feces.
• Ability to supervise, train, and evaluate assigned staff.
• Ability to perform focused work and autonomously make decisions in a fast-paced environment.
• Knowledge of safety, radiological, chemical, and biological hazards of the occupation.
• Ability to travel on occasion for continuing education, conference participation, and/or other opportunities (locally, nationally, or internationally, as needed).
• Ability to communicate effectively, foster a cooperative team environment, and perform as a member of a team.

REQUIRED APPLICATION MATERIALS:

Complete the online application. The department additionally requests candidates upload the following document(s) for a complete application:

1. Cover letter
2. Resume or C.V.
3. Contact information for four work-related references (references will only be contacted if you are selected as a finalist for the position).

This position will remain open until filled. Complete applications received by 06/04/2025 will receive full consideration.

WORK LOCATION:

On-campus: This position provides vital support to campus customers, and the successful candidate must be available to work on campus.

WORK AUTHORIZATION REQUIREMENTS:

The successful candidate must be eligible to work in the United States. Sponsorship for H-1B work authorization or work visa is not available for this position.

HIRING STATEMENT/EEO:

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran. In compliance with the ADA Amendments Act (ADAAA), if you have a disability and would like to request an accommodation to apply for a position, please contact us at ... or email ... .

ABOUT LARAMIE:

The University of Wyoming is located in Laramie, a charming town of 30,000 residents nestled in the heart of the Rocky Mountain West. The state of Wyoming continues to invest in its only 4-year university, helping to make it a leader in academics, research, and outreach with state-of-the-art facilities and strong community ties. We invite you to learn move about Laramie, by visiting the About Laramie website .

Located in a high mountain valley near the Colorado border, Laramie offers both outstanding recreational opportunities and close proximity to Colorados Front Range and the metropolitan Denver area. Laramies beautiful mountain landscape offers outdoor enjoyment in all seasons, with over 300 days of sunshine annually. For more information about the region, please visit