Diagnostic Laboratory Specialist 3

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Job Posting Title:

Diagnostic Laboratory Specialist 3

Position Type:

Professional / Unclassified

Department:

LSUAM VetMed - LSU Diagnostics - Bacteriology, Virology, Serology (Maria Schneider Mitchell (00007357))

Work Location:

Veterinary Medicine

Pay Grade:

Professional Hourly

Job Description:

The incumbent's primary responsibilities include performing bench-level diagnostic testing, primarily in Endocrinology, as well as recording, evaluating, and reporting laboratory results to specimen submitters and appropriate government and state agencies. The incumbent will receive, handle, process, and test clinical specimens from all animal species. Duties performed in this position directly support animal patient care and public health and include the handling and testing of potentially zoonotic bacterial and viral pathogens, including Rabies.

The incumbent will also provide technical assistance and cross-trained support to other sections of LSU Diagnostics as needed to support laboratory operations and workflow. The incumbent must be able to work effectively under supervision and independently with minimal supervision, follow established standard operating procedures and laboratory protocols, and maintain the quality and accuracy of testing in accordance with laboratory quality assurance requirements and AAVLD accreditation standards.

The typical work schedule is 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.; however, the incumbent may be required to work weekends, split shifts, overtime, and holidays based on laboratory operational needs. Attendance at scientific meetings, continuing education, and required training may also be necessary.

Job Responsibilities:

70%- Functions as the primary Diagnostic Laboratory Technician for the Endocrinology Laboratory. Performs, evaluates, documents, and reports laboratory testing in accordance with established procedures and protocols. Operates, maintains, and troubleshoots laboratory instrumentation and equipment required for daily testing, including performance and documentation of quality control (QC) and routine maintenance activities. Participates in the laboratory quality assurance (QA) program by monitoring equipment performance, identifying testing issues, and implementing appropriate corrective actions.

Manages laboratory supplies and testing materials by ordering, preparing, maintaining, and monitoring inventory of reagents, consumables, and other supplies necessary to support uninterrupted laboratory operations. Ensures accurate and timely completion of testing and maintains established turnaround times. Develops, reviews, and updates standard operating procedures (SOPs) and participates in the implementation of laboratory procedures and protocols. Participates in proficiency testing (PT), interlaboratory comparisons, and other quality assessment activities to ensure the accuracy and reliability of laboratory testing.

20%- Provides general laboratory support through cross-training and regular performance of diagnostic testing in other laboratory sections, including Serology, Bacteriology, and Virology. Receives, handles, processes, and prepares clinical specimens, including bodily fluids, tissues, and culture materials, using appropriate safety and aseptic techniques. Performs standardized laboratory procedures, including culture, staining, immunological assays, and other diagnostic test methods, in accordance with established protocols and procedures. Maintains competency in assigned testing procedures and supports laboratory operations and workflow across multiple diagnostic laboratory sections as needed.

5%- Communicates effectively with specimen submitters by telephone or other appropriate means regarding specimen requirements, testing, and laboratory results as needed. Consults with appropriate supervisory or professional personnel to troubleshoot testing issues and address abnormal, unexpected, or difficult-to-interpret results.

5%- Performs additional laboratory duties and assignments as directed by the immediate supervisor, Section Head, or Director of LSU Diagnostics to support laboratory operations and respond to workload demands. May be required to work outside of normal business hours, including evenings, weekends, or other nonstandard hours, as operational needs require.

Minimum Qualifications:

Bachelor's degree and 3 years of related experience.

LSU values skills, experience, and expertise. Candidates who have relevant experience in key job responsibilities are encouraged to apply— a degree is not required as long as the candidate meets the required years of experience specified in the job description.

Preferred Qualifications:

Master's degree in biological sciences or related field; and 3+ years of experience working in diagnostic laboratory medicine.

Special and Physical Qualifications:

Requires standing, sitting, walking, bending, reaching (above shoulder), reaching (below shoulder), vision (near sight), vision (far sight), twisting, pushing/pulling, climbing, squatting, and lifting less than 50 pounds.

Safety and Security Sensitive Job - Safety and security-sensitive positions are defined as those positions where any form of substance abuse may affect University activities through unsafe work behaviour/performance or error in judgment; or where substance abuse could jeopardize the safety and well-being of employees, other personnel, or the general public, or cause significant damage to University property. This includes positions requiring firearms, access to controlled substances, handling hazardous material, operating heavy equipment or machinery, etc. These positions are subject to drug screens per PS-67/FASOP HR-04.

Emergency Essential Personnel -This position may be required to report to campus in times of emergency and/or closure per PS-18.

Additional Job Description:

Special Instructions:

Please provide your resume and three professional references including name, title, phone number and e-mail address.

A copy of your transcript(s) may be attached to your application (if applicable).

For questions or concerns regarding the status of your application or salary ranges, please contact Dr. Alma Roy at [email protected].

Skills Needed:

Preferred Skills:

Posting Date:

October 13, 2026

Closing Date (Open Until Filled if No Date Specified):

January 12, 2027

Additional Position Information:

Background Check - An offer of employment is contingent on a satisfactory pre-employment background check.

Benefits - LSU offers outstanding benefits to eligible employees and their dependents including health, life, dental, and vision insurance; flexible spending accounts; retirement options; various leave options; paid holidays; wellness benefits; tuition exemption for qualified positions; training and development opportunities; employee discounts; and more!

Positions approved to work outside the State of Louisiana shall be employed through Louisiana State University’s partner, nextSource Workforce Solutions, for Employer of Record Services including but not limited to employment, benefits, payroll, and tax compliance. Positions employed through Employer of Record Services will be offered benefits and retirement as applicable through their provider and will not be eligible for State of Louisiana benefits and retirement.

Essential Position (Y/N):

Y

LSU is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

All candidates must have valid U.S. work authorization at the time of hire and maintain that valid work authorization throughout employment. Changes in laws, regulations, or government policies may impact the university’s ability to employ individu