Job Description

Posting Details

Posting Details

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Institution
South Dakota State University

Working Title
Laboratory Program Assistant

Posting Number
CSA01773P

Department
SDSU-Animal Disease Res & Diagnostic Lab

Physical Location of Position (City)
Brookings

Posting Text

South Dakota State University (SDSU) is currently seeking a self-motivated Laboratory Program Assistant I with excellent communication skills to join South Dakota Animal Disease Research & Diagnostic Laboratory (ADRDL) which is housed within the Veterinary and Biomedical Sciences Department. The Veterinary and Biomedical Sciences Department and SD ADRDL include research laboratories and a full-service, accredited veterinary diagnostic laboratory, which includes Necropsy, Serology, Molecular Diagnostics, Histopathology, Clinical Pathology, Virology, Bacteriology, Parasitology and Food Safety sections. The ADRDL conducts approximately 500,000 tests annually across multiple animal species. For the right person, this is an excellent opportunity to join a team of highly skilled technicians and faculty.

Job Responsibilities: Assist veterinary diagnosticians with necropsy (autopsy) room activities.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:

Knowledge of:

Large animal/livestock anatomy
Basic principles, practices and procedures of laboratory testing related to necropsy.
Safe laboratory practices
Basic computer applications and systems

Skill & Ability to:

Communicate clearly and concisely with ADRDL clients, staff, and faculty.
Maintain necropsy laboratory and coolers in a clean and organized fashion.
Follow laboratory procedures and review and update Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).
Unpackage and process laboratory submissions which include various biological samples from animals per approved SOPs.
Assist with data entry.
Operate, clean, and maintain laboratory equipment including band saw, electric hoists, and incinerator.
Coordinate student work schedules
Maintain and order laboratory supplies.
Lift up to 50 pounds
Obtain a rabies vaccine (ADRDL will cover the cost)

Required License: Valid driver's license.

Comments: South Dakota State University is a tobacco free environment. It is the policy of the university to maintain a drug-free environment and to thereby establish, promote, and maintain a safe and healthy working and learning environment for employees and students. This position is subject to the university's Drug and Alcohol Testing Policy 4:14. Employment is contingent upon a successful background check.

Benefits: South Dakota State University offers an excellent comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, and vision coverage for the employee, spouse, and dependents; life insurance; long-term disability insurance; paid holidays; educational assistance; retirement plans; and a generous vacation accrual and sick day allowance.

Application Procedures: South Dakota State University accepts applications through an online employment site; to apply, visit https://YourFuture.sdbor.edu.[SE8527 - 40642]

Posting Date
06/21/2023

Closing Date
07/12/2023

Open Until Filled
No

First Consideration Date

Advertised Salary
$20.04/hour - $25.05/hour, depending upon qualifications, plus benefits.

Duration of the Term
12 months

If Other, describe duration

Appointment Percent
100

Work Hours

Primarily M-F, 8-5, with occasional weekends and holidays

Typical Hours Worked Per Week

Appointment Type
Regular

Scope of Search
External (includes Internal)

If internal, define scope of search

This position requires
Weekends/Holidays, Valid Drivers License, Other

If other, please indicate
Rabies immunization

Department Description and Cultural Expectations

South Dakota State University is the state's largest, most comprehensive university with more than 200 academic programs, an enrollment of approximately 12,000 students, and over $60 million annual research expenditures.

South Dakota State University offers a rich academic experience in an environment of inclusion and access through inspired, student-centered education, creative activities and research, innovation and engagement that improve the quality of life in South Dakota, the region, the nation and the world. Its employees embrace the university's core values of being people-centered, expanding knowledge through creativity, embracing organizational and personal integrity, commitment to diversity of thought, and excellence through continuous improvement.

As the state's 1862 Morrill Act land-grant institution, the work of the university is carried out on its main resident campus in Brookings, at sites in Sioux Falls, Pierre, Rapid City, Aberdeen and through Extension offices and Agricultural Experiment Station research sites across South Dakota.

SDSU was recognized as one of 54 institutions in the United States as an Innovation and Economic Prosperity University by the Association of Public and Land-grant Universities in 2014. The university's total research expenditures are greater than $60 million. SDSU is the state's first High Research Activity institution as classified by the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching.

Jackrabbits Athletics competes as a NCAA Division I member, with membership in the Missouri Valley Football Conference, the Summit League and the Big XII for wrestling.

Brookings is home to approximately 24,000 residents and is located 60 miles north of Sioux Falls and 200 miles west of Minneapolis. Livability.com rates Brookings as an ideal community for families, students, young professionals and retirees. It considers Brookings among the safest and most vibrant cities in South Dakota.

The Brookings Public School District educates approximately 3,300 K-12 students and ranks among the state's highest academic achieving school districts. The district includes three elementary schools, an intermediate school for fourth and fifth grade, one middle school and a high school.

The city also boasts an abundance of attractions and activities, including the Children's Museum of South Dakota, Dakota Nature Park, South Dakota Art Museum, McCrory Gardens, South Dakota Agricultural Heritage Museum, Outdoor Adventure Center and the Brookings Summer Arts Festival.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

South Dakota State University promotes access to and opportunities for all to receive the benefit of and participate in education, research, and service and is especially interested in candidates that can contribute to this land-grant access mission. SDSU is an affirmative action, equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to, and SDSU prohibits discrimination on, the basis of, sex, race, color, creed, national origin, ancestry, citizenship, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, marital status, pregnancy, religion, age, disability, genetic information, veteran's status, or any other status that may become protected in the offering of all educational programs and employment. Arrangements for accommodations required by disabilities can be made by emailing [email protected]. Individuals with concerns regarding discrimination should contact: Equal Opportunity Officer/Title IX Coordinator, Human Resources, Morrill Hall 100, SDSU, Brookings, SD 57007. Phone: (605) 688-4128.

Contact Information

For additional information regarding this position or questions about the online application process, please contact SDSU Human Resources at 605-688-4128.

Working Conditions

Cognitive Requirements

Please check the appropriate response that describe the cognitive requirements for this position.
Analyzing, Comprehend, Frequent Change, Logic, Memory, Multiple Priorities, Multiple Stimuli, Pace-fast, Reading, Reasoning, Verbal Communication, Written Communication

Protective Clothing/Equipment

Please check the appropriate response for this position's use of the following protective clothing or equipment.
Eye Protection, Latex Gloves, Other, Protective Clothing

If other protection is used please identify

Coveralls, boots, eye protection and rubber gloves are commonly worn. A mask or Tyvek coveralls are used occasionally.

Physical Requirements

Please designate the physical requirements of this position
Balancing, Bending, Stooping, Twisting, Carrying, Fine Finger Manipulation (keyboarding, pipefitting, bench work, etc), Grasping, Lifting Above Waist, Lifting Below Waist, Lifting moderate, Lifting heavy, Pushing/Pulling, Reaching, Squatting, Standing for sustained periods of time, Stretching, Use Both Hands, Use of Either Hand, Independently, Walking, Driving

Describe any of the conditions selected

There are multiple physical manipulations needed when working with primarily large animals (cattle, swine) within the necropsy area.

Sensory Requirements

Please check the appropriate response that describe the sensory requirements for this position.
Color Vision, Depth Perception, Distant Vision, Hearing, Near Vision, Peripheral Vision, Speaking, Vision (With and without corrective lenses)

Working Conditions & Exposures

Working Conditions or Exposures (or potential exposures) that this position may encounter during the course of the work day.
Animal Handling, Atmospheric Contaminants (includes odors & fumes), Biohazard, Changes of Temperature, Chemical Hazards, Electrical Current, Exposure or Potential Exposure to Blood/Body Fluids, Exposure to Infectious Diseases, Exposure to Noise, Vaccination required due to potential occupational exposure, Walking/Standing on wood, metal or concrete, Working Around Machinery

Please describe, in more detail, any of the conditions checked above

In a necropsy area, there are multiple disinfectants used for cleaning, various fixatives for tissues (eg. formalin, etc.) that are needed. Some machinery such as electric hoists, band saws and incinerator are necessary for this person top operate.

Working Environment

Check the appropriate box(es) that best describes the environment in which the primary function of the position is performed.
Animal Facility, Clinical Environment, Lab Environment, Other Environment (Please explain below)

If you have indicated Other Environment, if work tasks involve one or more of the above, or if further explanation is necessary, please use the space provided.

Necropsy work with live and dead animals.

Supplemental Questions

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).
*Where did you hear about this position?

SDBOR Employment Site
South Dakota Department of Labor
Employee Referral
Department Announcement / Inside State
Handshake
Job Board (Indeed, Monster, ZipRecruiter) - Please specify
Industry Conference
Search Engine - Please specify
Employment Agency - Please specify
Newspaper - Please specify
HigherEdJobs.com
Chronicle of Higher Education
Social Media (Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn) - Please specify
Radio - Please specify
APLU
List Servs - Please specify
Alumni
Other - Please specify

Documents Needed to Apply

Required Documents Resume Cover Letter Optional Documents Reference List

This job was posted on Sat Jul 15 2023 and expired on Sun Jul 23 2023.

Minimum $28K /yr

$37K /yr Average

Maximum $47K /yr

Tasks

Conduct chemical analyses of body fluids, such as blood or urine, using microscope or automatic analyzer to detect abnormalities or diseases and enter findings into computer.

Analyze the results of tests or experiments to ensure conformity to specifications, using special mechanical or electrical devices.

Set up, maintain, calibrate, clean, and test sterility of medical laboratory equipment.

Prepare standard volumetric solutions or reagents to be combined with samples, following standardized formulas or experimental procedures.

Collect blood or tissue samples from patients, observing principles of asepsis to obtain blood sample.

Supervise or instruct other technicians or laboratory assistants.

Conduct blood tests for transfusion purposes and perform blood counts.

Inoculate fertilized eggs, broths, or other bacteriological media with organisms.

Obtain specimens, cultivating, isolating, and identifying microorganisms for analysis.

Examine cells stained with dye to locate abnormalities.

Consult with a pathologist to determine a final diagnosis when abnormal cells are found.

Cut, stain, and mount tissue samples for examination by pathologists.

Perform medical research to further control or cure disease.

Test raw materials, processes, or finished products to determine quality or quantity of materials or characteristics of a substance.

Analyze and record test data to issue reports that use charts, graphs, or narratives.

Skills

Reading Comprehension - Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.

Active Listening - Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.

Writing - Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.

Speaking - Talking to others to convey information effectively.

Science - Using scientific rules and methods to solve problems.

Critical Thinking - Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.

Monitoring - Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.

Instructing - Teaching others how to do something.

Complex Problem Solving - Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.

Operation Monitoring - Watching gauges, dials, or other indicators to make sure a machine is working properly.

Quality Control Analysis - Conducting tests and inspections of products, services, or processes to evaluate quality or performance.

Time Management - Managing one's own time and the time of others.

Knowledge

Clerical - Knowledge of administrative and clerical procedures and systems such as word processing, managing files and records, stenography and transcription, designing forms, and other office procedures and terminology.

Customer and Personal Service - Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer and personal services. This includes customer needs assessment, meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of customer satisfaction.

Mathematics - Knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their applications.

Chemistry - Knowledge of the chemical composition, structure, and properties of substances and of the chemical processes and transformations that they undergo. This includes uses of chemicals and their interactions, danger signs, production techniques, and disposal methods.

Biology - Knowledge of plant and animal organisms, their tissues, cells, functions, interdependencies, and interactions with each other and the environment.

Medicine and Dentistry - Knowledge of the information and techniques needed to diagnose and treat human injuries, diseases, and deformities. This includes symptoms, treatment alternatives, drug properties and interactions, and preventive health-care measures.

English Language - Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.

Public Safety and Security - Knowledge of relevant equipment, policies, procedures, and strategies to promote effective local, state, or national security operations for the protection of people, data, property, and institutions.