Position Details

The Bacterial Diagnostics Laboratory Technician is an integral part of our Bacterial Diagnostics team based out of our Phibro Vaccine Omaha Office, in Omaha, NE. The position will support the Bacterial Diagnostic’s Laboratory in all areas, including; molecular epidemiology, molecular and protein analysis of submissions and traditional bench microbiology techniques. Set up, operate, and maintain laboratory instruments and equipment, monitor experiments, observe, and document results

Key Responsibilities

Necropsy: Perform tissue necropsy/gross pathology observation to allow appropriate sample selection for infectious agent isolation. Bacteriology Bench: Receive in/track isolates using electronic lab systems. Isolate/identify pathogenic bacteria from clinical specimen. Carry out serotyping and other identification procedures on pathogenic bacteria. Pass pathogenic bacteria in pure culture for autogenous seed. Prepare/store autogenous bacterial seeds. Perform in-vitro antibiotic sensitivity testing, Gram stain slides of various organisms and infectious agent characterizations including toxin testing. Molecular Biology: Assist Molecular biologist with PCR procedures. Operate thermocyclers, sequencer and Gel Doc System. Perform gel electrophoresis and antigen characterization using appropriate assays such as ELISA and Western blots. Additional Responsibilities: Transport media and glassware between warehouse and production areas. Autoclave infectious materials generated in Diagnostics, PCR, and R&D areas. Analyze experimental data and interpret results to write reports and summaries of findings. Keep detailed logs of all work-related activities. Use computers, computer-interfaced equipment, and high-technology industrial applications to perform work duties. Clean, maintain and prepare supplies/ work areas. Set up, adjust, calibrate, maintain, and troubleshoot lab equipment and make recommendations on upgrading. Measure or weigh compounds/solutions for use in testing. Perform building security and equipment checks on a rotating weekend basis. 

Key Competencies

Skills

Education & Experience

• Education and/or Experience: Bachelor of Science degree with 2 or more years of laboratory experience required.
• Reasoning Ability: Requires critical thinking to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approached to problems.  Complex problem solving to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions and systems analysis to determine how changes in conditions, operations, and the environment will affect outcomes.
• Analytical and Communication Skills: Ability to read, analyze, interpret and correspond in the English language for general business reports, professional journals, technical procedures, and reports. Ability to apply routine scientific mathematical formulas, statistics, as well as applying scientific rules and methods to solve problems.
• Physical Demands: Lift 50 lbs. occasionally. Must be able to move from place to place in all areas of the lab.   Must be able to stand and bend during most of the shift.  Requires good hand/eye coordination to perform various tests and good eyesight for calibrations and operation of lab equipment. 
• Work Environment: Basic lab environment that requires the wearing of PPE.

Physical Requirements