Position Details

The Viral Diagnostics (VDT) Tech is an integral part of our Viral Diagnostics team based out of our Phibro Vaccine Omaha Office in Omaha, NE.  The Viral Diagnostics Tech I will support cell culture, virus isolation, propagation, seed development, isolate characterization (growth of isolate, molecular and protein analysis) and production qualification testing of references and other critical components. In addition, continuously improving activities are essential and will require the initiation, set-up and monitoring of laboratory experiments, analysis and documenting of results.

Key Responsibilities

• Growth, Maintenance, and qualification cell lines for vaccine production.
• Virus isolation from field samples submitted by veterinarians and diagnostic laboratories.
• Virus testing for identity, purity, potency, and propagation of production materials
• Perform established laboratory protocols and assist in the development of new protocols related to vaccine production.
• Maintain laboratory supplies.
• Record experimental data and assist in the interpretation of results.
• Keep detailed logs of all work-related activities.
• Use computers and computer-interface laboratory equipment.
• Clean, maintain laboratory supplies and work areas.
• Prepare and maintain solutions used in laboratory activities.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Key Competencies

Skills

Education & Experience

• Education and/or Experience: Minimum bachelor’s degree or higher in science with 1-2 years of laboratory work experience.
• Some experience or knowledge of the following molecular techniques.
• Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) and its variants (RT-PCR, nested PCR, multiplex PCR, real-time PCR).
• Nucleic acid extraction and detection.
• Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assays (ELISA) for antigen or antibody detection.
• Immunofluorescence Assays (IFA) for detecting viral antigens in cells.
• Western blot analysis for identifying viral proteins.
• Virus isolation and cell culture techniques.

• Reasoning Ability: Ability to interpret a variety of instructions furnished in written, oral, diagram, or schedule form. Must be able to make decisions on routine matters.  Ability to define and solve practical problems, collect data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions.

• Decision Making Responsibilities: Must work primarily in a worker capacity in a team environment.  Have informal contact daily with management.  Good organizational and writing skills necessary to track and document.
• Skills: Ability to read, analyze, interpret, and correspond in the English language. Ability to write reports for internal distribution. Is proficient in computer skills such as Word, Excel, and Power Point.

• Physical Demands: Occasionally lift up to 50 lbs. Requires good hand/eye coordination to perform the various laboratory tasks.
• Work Environment: Basic laboratory environment that requires the wearing of personal protective equipment and strong aseptic techniques.

Physical Requirements