Diagnostic & GQC Technologist II/III

at The Jackson Laboratory in Bar Harbor, Maine, United States

Job Description

The Jackson Laboratory has an opening for a Diagnostic & GQC Technologist II/III!
The Diagnostic Laboratory at The Jackson Laboratory assures the health and well-being of our animal colonies by routine health monitoring for undesirable infectious agents. Our diagnostic program serves to monitor against potential disease outbreaks in the Production, Research, and Repository colonies, as well as verifying the health status of foster mothers used for rederivation of mouse strains by Reproductive Sciences. The Diagnostic Laboratory also performs environmental monitoring via microbiologic culture of mouse room swabs. This testing strategy includes necropsy, serology, microbiology, and parasitology. The Genetic Quality Control (GQC) Laboratory at The Jackson Laboratory serves to detect and eliminate contamination in the genetic background of all of our Production and Repository colonies by routine and investigative screening using a panel of molecular assays.
The incumbents described in this job description are crucial to the effective functioning of the Diagnostic & GQC laboratories. The work schedule for the incumbents is established based on operational demands and may fluctuate based on the changing needs of the two laboratory areas, and thus incumbents in these roles may be assigned to any of the testing areas (Necropsy, Serology, Microbiology, Parasitology, and GQC) as necessary.
Diagnostic & GQC Technologist III: performs all the Diagnostic & GQC Technologist II duties under minimal supervision. In addition, the Diagnostic & GQC Technologist III has an advanced level of technical proficiency in all areas, works on special projects, and is able to independently troubleshoot common problems. The Diagnostic & GQC Technologist III also assists in the training of staff.

Key Responsibilities
Necropsy:
Complete necropsy involves the visual observation of all the organs, a description of any lesions seen, and the use of proper necropsy procedures. Selection of abnormal tissues for testing or histopathology. Use of aseptic techniques for the procurement of tissue samples for microbiological testing, for molecular testing, and for parasitology. Obtain blood samples from caudal venous and arterial sites or cardiac puncture for serological evaluation.
Parasitology:
Perform parasitological examinations for ectoparasites with the use of a dissecting stereoscope. Parasitological examinations for endoparasites are done visually and microscopically. Further, perform specialized testing (fecal floatations, tape tests, etc) as required.
Serology:
Performance of Luminex, ELISA and IFA procedures. This involves dilution of samples, preparation of reagents, performance of the assay, operation and maintenance of sophisticated instrumentation, and interpretation of results.
Microbiology:
Preparation and quality control of microbiological media and chemical solutions. Further, this involves performance of subcultures, setting up biochemical identification testing for microbes, operation and maintenance of sophisticated instrumentation, and performance of other microbiological assays as required.
GQC:
Digestion of routine tissue samples for extraction/purification of DNA when applicable, and coordination of outsourcing SNP assays for the purpose of monitoring genetic background. May be required to perform molecular assays in house. This includes processing of samples as necessary and analysis, interpretation, and reporting of GQC results.
Data Recording/Reporting:
Performs data entry in database used for animal health & genetic quality. May be required to produce standard and ad hoc reports required including, but not limited to, reports used for shipment of animals, utlized by veterinarians, investigators, and production managers.
Miscellaneous lab work:
Duties necessary for the processing of incoming samples and for maintenance of the laboratory, such as filtration and culture of water for microbiological evaluation, inoculation of anaerobic specimens, and other samples that are submitted for testing. Logging autoclave monitoring data, proper disposal of biohazardous materials, operation of autoclave, preparation of buffers, etc. Sanitation of the laboratory areas including decontamination of biohazardous waste containers/areas as well as sweeping and mopping floors on a routine schedule.

Minimum Qualifications
The ideal candidate will possess a Bachelor's degree, Microbiology is preferred but Biological Sciences or closely related disciplines will also be considered.
Tech II: 1-2 years of experience working in a diagnostic laboratory setting. Other means of acquiring this knowledge may be evaluated on a case-by-case basis.
Tech III: 2-5 years of experience working in a diagnostic laboratory... For full info follow application link.

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