Clinical Lab Specialist I, Bacteriology, Veterinary Medical Diagnostic Laboratory

$45k to $48k

ColumbiaFull-timePosted Oct 14, 2026

Against the Columbia typical range

Job description

Veterinary Medical Diagnostic Laboratory

The College of Veterinary Medicine at MU is on a mission to inclusively educate and train outstanding clinicians and scientists, generate new knowledge, engage stakeholders, and foster economic growth, all of which promote and protect the health and welfare of animals and people. Simply put, our mission is to Teach, Heal, Discover, and Serve. The Veterinary Medical Diagnostic Laboratory is a full-service laboratory accredited by the American Association of Veterinary Laboratory Diagnosticians and member of the National Animal Health Laboratory Network (NAHLN). It provides in-depth laboratory diagnostic support to veterinary practitioners, livestock and poultry industry interests, companion animal interests, wildlife conservationists, scientists utilizing animals in their research throughout the university, state and regulatory officials, and clinicians of the MU Veterinary Health Center. The laboratory handles more than 200,000 specimens a year and serves Missouri’s 114 counties and surrounding states by performing over 170,000 diagnostic tests annually. The VMDL also conducts fundamental and applied research to address animal health and public health issues. The Veterinary Medical Diagnostic Laboratory (VMDL) is seeking to hire a Clinical Lab Specialist I to work in the Bacteriology Section. Representative Duties Include: Perform diagnostic microbiology analysis to include processing and inoculation of veterinary clinical specimens (tissues, fluids and swabs) onto appropriate media; isolation of bacteria and fungi from primary plates; identification of organisms using biochemical techniques or automated equipment; microscopy; and set up of antimicrobial susceptibility testing. Work in a biosafety cabinet may be required. Follow laboratory Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and appropriate Quality Control/Quality Assurance guidelines. Be willing to be trained in Environmental Health and Safety procedures and to follow EHS and biosafety protocols for a BSL-2 laboratory. Complete assigned projects within a timely manner and maintain turnaround time for diagnostic usefulness. Assist the Laboratory Supervisor and Section Head in the development or revision of Standard Operating Procedures. Perform specialized bacterial testing to include fluorescent antibody staining and bacterial serogrouping. Participate in internal and external proficiency testing required to maintain laboratory accreditation. Set up and operate standard equipment. Participate in laboratory organization and general cleaning. Participate in media inventory and FIFO protocols. Participate in laboratory recordkeeping and record management.

8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. (M-F) with some Saturday half-days.

High school diploma or equivalent and at least two years of experience from which comparable knowledge and skills can be acquired is necessary.

Two or more years of progressively responsible laboratory or research experience is preferred. One or more years of college-level biology, microbiology or biochemistry course work is preferred.

Salary Range $21.50 - $23.00 per hour, salary commensurate with education and experience Grade: GGS-007 University Title: Research Specialist I Internal applicants can determine their University title by accessing the Talent Profile tile in myHR.

Online application, resume and list of three references.

Employment visa sponsorship is not available for this position.

This position is eligible for University benefits. As part of your total compensation, the University offers a comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental and vision plans, retirement, paid time off, short- and long-term disability, paid parental leave, paid caregiver leave, and educational fee discounts for all four UM System campuses. For additional information on University benefits, please visit the Faculty & Staff Benefits website at https://www.umsystem.edu/departments-staff/human-resources/benefits-retirement Equal Employment Opportunity The University of Missouri is an Equal Opportunity Employer. To request ADA accommodations, please call the Director of Accessibility and ADA at 573-884-7278.

Description copied from University of Missouri's careers page. Read the full posting before you apply.

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