Microbiological Technician III, Virology

Microbiological Technician III, Virology

Company: The University of Arizona

Job Location: Tucson, 85724

Category: Laboratory and Research

Type: Full-Time

Posting Number: req25479

Department: AZ Veterinary Diagnostic Lab

Location: To Be Determined

Address: 2831 N. Freeway Dr, Tucson, AZ 85705 USA

Position Highlights

The Arizona Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory (AzVDL), with the University of Arizona, seeks a Microbiological Technician III, Virology. This position provides advanced virology diagnostic services to support clinical diagnostics, disease surveillance, and outbreak response for laboratory clients, including state and federal regulatory agencies. The technician will also be cross-trained and participate in molecular, serological, and other microbiological assays as needed to support broader laboratory operations. In addition, the position contributes to the development, optimization, and validation of new diagnostic assays and methodologies, and supports initiatives to advance laboratory capabilities and efficiency. Work is performed in BSL-2/BSL-2+ laboratory environments and may include BSL-3 training based on programmatic needs. Strict adherence to biosafety, biosecurity, regulatory, and quality management requirements is essential.

AZVDL is also recruiting for a Microbiological Technician II, Virology via req 25484. Please note the education minimum requirements when applying.

The Arizona Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory is a part of the College of Veterinary Medicine at the University of Arizona. It is accredited for all species by the American Association of Veterinary Laboratory Diagnosticians and is a member of the United States Department of Agriculture's National Animal Health Laboratory Network (NAHLN).

The AZVDL provides accurate and timely diagnostic assistance in animal health to veterinarians, animal owners, university researchers, and state and federal agencies. The submission of specimens through practicing veterinarians is encouraged, but specimens are also accepted from owners.

Duties & Responsibilities

• Independently performs complex/specialized microbiological assays for the detection and diagnosis of infectious animal diseases with complete knowledge of industry standards in accordance with established protocols and regulatory standards ensuring high-level quality control across lab activities.
• Maintain accurate, detailed, and traceable records of all testing activities; organize, analyze, and prepare data for laboratory information management systems (LIMS), database entry, reporting, and long-term archiving.
• Participate in and monitor continuous quality improvement activities, including SOP review and updates, corrective actions, hazard assessments, and internal audits as assigned.
• Actively contribute to the development, optimization, validation, and implementation of new diagnostic assays and emerging methodologies to expand laboratory testing capabilities.
• Support equipment lifecycle management, including preventive maintenance (PM), calibration coordination, troubleshooting, documentation, and service vendor communication to ensure operational readiness and compliance.
• Using extensive knowledge, perform administrative and laboratory support functions, including quality control monitoring, reagent and solution preparation, inventory tracking, and proper biological and chemical waste disposal in accordance with biosafety and environmental regulations.
• Demonstrate and maintain proficiency in assigned microbiological, molecular, and/or immunological testing platforms, ensuring adherence to quality assurance standards, regulatory requirements, and accreditation guidelines.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Demonstrated ability to perform virology laboratory procedures accurately and consistently, including virus isolation, cell culture, virus neutralization, and serological assays, with strong attention to detail and data integrity.
• Proven team leadership and collaboration skills, with the ability to coordinate workflows, support cross-trained staff, and foster a professional laboratory environment.
• Strong project planning, organizational, and follow-through skills, with the ability to manage priorities and meet deadlines in a dynamic laboratory setting.
• Knowledge of aseptic technique, biosafety practices (BSL-2/BSL-2+), SOPs, regulatory requirements, and quality management systems, with proficiency in laboratory information systems and data reporting tools.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent advanced learning attained through professional level experience required.
• Minimum of 5 years of relevant work experience, or equivalent combination of education and work experience.

Preferred Qualifications

• MS or PhD preferred.

FLSA: Exempt

Full Time/Part Time: Full Time

Number of Hours Worked per Week: 40

Job FTE: 1.0

Job Category: Veterinary and Animal Care

Rate of Pay: $47,356 - $59,195

Compensation Type: salary at 1.0 full-time equivalency (FTE)

Number of Vacancies: 1

Contact Information for Candidates: Katherine McCarthy | kmccarthy1@arizona.edu

Open Until Filled: Yes

Documents Needed to Apply: Resume and Cover Letter