Full job description

Position Location

Grand Junction, CO

Work Location

Position is fully in-office/in-person

Research Professional Position

Posting Number

202400538AP

Position Type

Admin Professional/ Research Professional

Classification Title

Technical/Support II

Number of Vacancies

Work Hours/Week

Proposed Annual Salary Range

$48,000 - $55,000 with benefits (salary is commensurate with experience and qualifications)

Employee Benefits

Colorado State University is not just a workplace; it’s a thriving community that’s transforming lives and improving the human condition through world-class teaching, research, and service. With a robust benefits package, collaborative atmosphere, commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion , and focus on work-life balance, CSU is where you can thrive, grow, and make a lasting impact.

Review our detailed benefits information here.
Explore the additional perks of working at CSU here .
For the total value of CSU benefits in addition to wages, use our compensation calculator .
Lastly, click here for more information about why Fort Collins is consistently ranked in the top cities to live in !

Desired Start Date

05/01/2024

Position End Date (if temporary)

To ensure full consideration, applications must be received by 11:59pm (MT) on

04/19/2024

Description of Work Unit

Work Unit | Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratories
Faculty and staff at the CSU Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratories (VDL) are among the nation’s finest in their fields of expertise and offer comprehensive diagnostic services. The mission of the Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory (VDL) is to provide timely, accurate and pertinent animal disease diagnostic services and educational outreach to veterinarians, animal industries and animal interests. The Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory will strive to meet the goals the College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences and the University through research to develop new approaches to disease identification, investigation, prevention and through education of professional veterinary medical, graduate, and post-doctoral students.

The Western Slope Branch Laboratory, located in Grand Junction, Colorado, is heavily involved in the agricultural activities of Western Colorado. We work closely with livestock producers and veterinarians to diagnose and prevent livestock disease. In addition, the laboratory serves companion animal owners and other animal services such as Parks and Wildlife, law enforcement, and Animal Control. The laboratory and its staff play an integral role in ensuring the safety of food production, diagnosing zoonotic disease, and interfacing human and animal health.

Why work at Colorado State University?
CSU was recently ranked first among Colorado-based educational employers and fifth among all in-state employers in Forbes magazine’s “America’s Best Employers by State!”

We are looking to add individuals to our team who have the following characteristics: Confidence – they expect success in what they do Compassion – they have genuine care and concern for others Commitment to Inclusive Excellence – they engage principles of diversity, equity, inclusion, and justice in all they do, valuing a supportive community where everyone’s contributions are valued, and all voices are heard Empowerment – they use their knowledge and skills to adjust, change, and improve daily tasks/work for themselves and others Integrity – they are honest, and others trust them Responsibility – they take ownership of decisions and actions

Our Investment in You
Colorado State University (CSU) is committed to providing employees with a strong and competitive benefits and well-being package that supports you, your health, and your family.

These CSU resources help with many aspects of your life – financial, physical, emotional, family, workplace wellness. These resources are part of our investment in you.

Employees are benefits eligible when working a minimum of 20 hours per week; benefits outlined below reflect full-time status of 40 hours per week; some benefits would be prorated for part-time status.

Paid time off to include 24 vacation days, 15 sick days, 11 paid holidays annually Attractive evening work schedule that is flexible yet consistent Monday-Friday Comprehensive benefits programs and services including Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Disability, Parental Leave, work/life resources, and more Robust Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for your overall well-being FREE college credit courses (up to 9-semester credits per year) through the Employee Study Privilege program Tuition Scholarships up to 50% for eligible family members FREE employee growth opportunity through CSU training and development opportunities After-school programs and summer camps for kids Community Discounts FREE MAX transit use with CSU identification.

For more detail about these and other Health and Welfare benefits and Commitment to Campus programs, visit our CSU Well-Being Hub at and our Benefits programs for Administrative Professional employees: .

Retirement Programs While employees of CSU do not contribute to Social Security, the University and the state of Colorado offer competitive retirement plans. As a condition of employment and required by Colorado law, employees are required to participate in either the University’s Defined Contribution Plan (DCP) or the Public Employee’s Retirement Plan (PERA) of Colorado. Each plan offers a generous employer match between 10% – 21%. For more information, visit: .

Campus Culture and Principles of Community
Colorado State University has a campus culture that is driven by a desire always to do better and a vision to be the best place to learn, work, and discover. Our Principles of Community – Inclusion, Integrity, Respect, Service, and Social Justice – reflect our core values and support CSU’s mission and vision of access, research, teaching, service, and engagement. Each member of our community has a responsibility to uphold these principles when engaging with one another and acting on behalf of the University. For more information visit: .

Tobacco and Smoke-Free
Colorado State University is a tobacco and smoke-free campus. For the health of our university community, the use of smoking, vaping or tobacco products is prohibited on CSU grounds or in buildings.

Position Summary

The incumbent will perform and report a variety of diagnostic tests including, but not limited to bacteriology, virology, serology, molecular diagnostics, and parasitology. This position will also assist the veterinary diagnostician in necropsy examination of livestock, wildlife, and companion animals. In addition, the technician will have responsibilities involving customer service, administrative paperwork, quality control, and community outreach.

This position is full-time with schedule based on laboratory needs. This is an essential worker position and may require after-hours and weekend work, based on case load, staff scheduling, and urgent testing needs. This position is required to report to work, without delay, on all/most weather closure days and various holidays throughout the year. This position will be required to report to work for emergency disease response requests and may be required to work significant hours (exceeding 40 hours per week) during a disease outbreak detection and response effort or other important diagnostic effort.

A signing bonus may be available for eligible and well qualified candidates.

Colorado State University has a campus culture that is driven by a desire to always to do better and a vision to be the best place to learn, work, and discover. Our Principles of Community – Inclusion, Integrity, Respect, Service, and Social Justice – reflect our core values and support CSU’s mission and vision of access, research, teaching, service, and engagement. Each member of our community has a responsibility to uphold these principles when engaging with one another and acting on behalf of the University.

The incumbent will be required to be rabies vaccinated upon hire and/or have protective titers drawn every two years to evaluate status.

The incumbent must safely lift and carry items that weigh up to 50lbs.

The incumbent must have a valid driver’s license or the ability to obtain a driver’s license or access to a licensed driver by the employment start date.

The successful candidate must be legally authorized to work in the U.S. by proposed start date; Colorado State University Diagnostic Laboratories will not provide visa sponsorship for this position.

Required Job Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree in microbiology, biology, or a related scientific field
Bachelor’s degree in any field plus a minimum of two years of laboratory experience can substitute for the Bachelor’s degree in a related scientific field
Competency using common computer applications such as Microsoft Office and Adobe Acrobat.
Successful candidate will be required to be current on Rabies vaccination and have protective titers drawn every two years to evaluate status.
Must be able to safely lift and carry items that weigh up to 50lbs.
Must have a valid driver’s license or the ability to obtain a driver’s license or access to a licensed driver by the employment start date.
The successful candidate must be legally authorized to work in the U.S. by proposed start date; Colorado State University Diagnostic Laboratories will not provide visa sponsorship for this position.

Preferred Job Qualifications

Diagnostic laboratory or veterinary medical experience.
Familiarity with LIMS (Laboratory Information Management System) and/or Electronic Quality Management Software applications.
Familiarity with medical and anatomical terminology
Excellent written communication skills as evidenced by submitted application materials.

Diversity Statement

Ability to advance the department’s commitment to diversity and inclusion through research, teaching and outreach with relevant programs, goals and activities.

Essential Duties

Job Duty Category

Laboratory Testing

Duty/Responsibility

Perform diagnostic testing for a variety of pertinent veterinary and zoonotic diseases. Test assays include, but are not limited to ELISAs, immunofluorescent assays, AGIDs, real-time PCR, fecal flotation, and protozoan culture.
Utilize diagnostic equipment and laboratory software as a part of sample testing.
Troubleshoot test procedure, controls, and instrumentation when test results fall outside expected standards.
Organize and review case paperwork and data entry to ensure the release of professional and timely reports to clients.
Report test results to clients using the laboratory information management system (LIMS).
Prepare test reagents and media as needed. Make antigen-coated plates for ELISA testing. Perform quality control measures to monitor the functionality of reagents and media.
Maintain a clean and organized laboratory environment by regularly maintaining the space and equipment. Autoclave and dispose biological waste as needed. Properly store and dispose of hazardous waste according to CSU Environmental Health Services protocols. Wash and store glassware, utensils, and lab supplies.
Order laboratory reagents/supplies and continually evaluate mechanisms for cost savings. Research new equipment before purchase. Coordinate with lab supply vendors to set up pricing agreements.
Participate in the training of new staff in laboratory technical procedures.

Percentage Of Time

Job Duty Category

Necropsy Assistance

Duty/Responsibility

Receive and prepare necropsy cases for examination and sample collection.
Assist with necropsy procedures through sample collection and organization. Support the veterinary diagnostician by photographing and documenting relevant lesions.
Route collected necropsy samples to appropriate laboratory sections and referral laboratories. Assist in case coordination to ensure results are received within a reasonable time frame.
Clean and disinfect the necropsy suite and instruments following use. Properly dispose of necropsy waste according to the standard operating procedure (SOP), and use of the laboratory vehicle.
Manage carcass disposal

Percentage Of Time

Job Duty Category

Quality Assurance & Management

Duty/Responsibility

Review, create, and revise standard operating procedures (SOPs) using the quality management system, Q-Pulse.
Regularly perform quality control measures including, but not limited to monitoring equipment temperatures, recording test control performance, and ensuring the functionality of safety equipment.
Complete proficiency tests to demonstrate ongoing competence in performing all diagnostic tests.
Perform basic equipment/software maintenance, calibrations, and troubleshooting as needed. Arrange equipment replacement, service, and repair.

Percentage Of Time

Job Duty Category

Team Efficiency & Community Outreach

Duty/Responsibility

Actively participate in team meetings to improve lab workflow and customer service.
Contribute to community outreach by preparing educational materials and publicly presenting information.

Percentage Of Time

Job Duty Category

Client Services/Administrative

Duty/Responsibility

Interface with clients by answering phones, greeting walk-in customers and couriers, and assisting in appropriate test selection and sample submission.
Receive samples, enter accession data into the information management system (LIMS), and route samples to the appropriate testing section.
Prepare and package samples for shipment to referral laboratories as needed.
Accurately invoice clients for all completed tests and services.
Manage accounts payable and pay bills using Kuali Financial System, purchase orders, and disbursement vouchers.

Percentage Of Time

Application Details

Special Instructions to Applicants

This posting will be open until filled. For full consideration, please apply on or before 11:59 PM, 04/19/2024. Interested applicants must submit a cover letter which addresses how professional experiences align with the posted required and preferred qualifications of the position, a current resume, and names, email addresses, and telephone numbers of three (3) professional references. References will not be contacted without prior notification of candidates.

CSU is committed to full inclusion of qualified individuals. If you are needing assistance or accommodations with the search process, please reach out to the listed search contact.

Conditions of Employment

Pre-employment Criminal Background Check (required for new hires), Essential Services Designation - Required to report without delay or interruption to provide essential or emergency services to ensure health, safety, and welfare., Shift Work - CSU Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory does not follow standard University Holiday Schedule due to the nature of the business. Monday through Friday is typical schedule but rotation of holidays is required and occasional Saturdays needed., On-call Status - In the event of an emergency is declared by the Veterinary Diagnostic Lab Director, needed to meet NAHLN requirements, overtime work or work outside normal operating ours will be required., Use, Handling, or Exposure to hazardous materials - Exposure to formalin & formalin-fixed tissues. This position handles samples that may contain infectious agents and must follow PPE guidelines and appropriate standard operating procedures.

Search Contact

Raye Walck, r.walck@colostate.edu, 9702430673

EEO Statement

Colorado State University is committed to providing an environment that is free from discrimination and harassment based on race, age, creed, color, religion, national origin or ancestry, sex, gender, disability, veteran status, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, or pregnancy in its employment, programs, services and activities, and admissions, and, in certain circumstances, marriage to a co-worker. The University will not discharge or in any other manner discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay or the pay of another employee or applicant. Colorado State University is an equal opportunity and equal access institution and affirmative action employer fully committed to achieving a diverse workforce and complies with all Federal and Colorado State laws, regulations, and executive orders regarding non-discrimination and affirmative action. The Office of Equal Opportunity is located in 101 Student Services.

The Title IX Coordinator is the Director of the Office of Title IX Programs and Gender Equity, 123 Student Services Building, Fort Collins, CO 80523-0160, (970) 491-1715, titleix@colostate.edu .

The Section 504 and ADA Coordinator is the Director of the Office of Equal Opportunity, 101 Student Services Building, Fort Collins, CO 80523-0160, (970) 491-5836, oeo@colostate.edu .

The Coordinator for any other forms of misconduct prohibited by the University’s Policy on Discrimination and Harassment is the Vice President for Equity, Equal Opportunity and Title IX, 101 Student Services Building, Fort Collins, Co. 80523-0160, (970) 491-5836, oeo@colostate.edu .

Any person may report sex discrimination under Title IX to the Office of Civil Rights, Department of Education .

Background Check Policy Statement

Colorado State University strives to provide a safe study, work, and living environment for its faculty, staff, volunteers and students. To support this environment and comply with applicable laws and regulations, CSU conducts background checks for the finalist before a final offer. The type of background check conducted varies by position and can include, but is not limited to, criminal history, sex offender registry, motor vehicle history, financial history, and/or education verification. Background checks will also be conducted when required by law or contract and when, in the discretion of the University, it is reasonable and prudent to do so.