Microbiologist 1

Washington State University • Pullman, WA

6d • Onsite

About The Position

Washington State University College of Veterinary Medicine is hiring for a Microbiologist 1 within the Washington Animal Disease Diagnostic Laboratory (WADDL). Under general supervision, you will perform standardized diagnostic assays in serology, virology, and prion disease testing. You will accurately record test results, maintain detailed laboratory records, and ensure compliance with quality control standards. You will assist with laboratory equipment upkeep, SOP maintenance, reagent preparation, and cell culture cultivation. You will support the safe decontamination and disposal of biohazardous laboratory waste and assist with pre‑analytical processing of specimens submitted for serologic, virologic, and prion disease assays. You are expected to understand and meet eligibility requirements for working in BSL‑2 and BSL‑3 laboratory environments and to follow all applicable safety guidelines.

Requirements

• A Bachelor's degree in chemistry, biology, microbiology, biochemistry, zoology, or a related science OR Equivalent education/experience.
• Ability to work occasional overtime on weekdays and weekends.
• Must meet eligibility requirements for working in a Biosafety Level-2 (BSL-2) and Biosafety level 3 (BSL-3) environment.

Nice To Haves

• Education to include at least 10 semester credit hours or 15 quarter credit hours in microbiology.
• Experience handling biological specimens using sterile techniques.
• Experience in working in a diagnostic microbiology laboratory or similar setting.
• Experience working with zoonotic agents in appropriate safety levels.
• Knowledge of infectious diseases.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Have, or obtain within 6 months of hire, a rabies vaccine.
• Experience in a medical, healthcare, and/or veterinary laboratory setting.

Responsibilities

• Perform standardized diagnostic assays in serology, virology, and prion disease testing.
• Accurately record test results.
• Maintain detailed laboratory records.
• Ensure compliance with quality control standards.
• Assist with laboratory equipment upkeep.
• Assist with SOP maintenance.
• Assist with reagent preparation.
• Assist with cell culture cultivation.
• Support the safe decontamination and disposal of biohazardous laboratory waste.
• Assist with pre‑analytical processing of specimens submitted for serologic, virologic, and prion disease assays.
• Understand and meet eligibility requirements for working in BSL‑2 and BSL‑3 laboratory environments.
• Follow all applicable safety guidelines.

Benefits

• paid sick and vacation leave
• paid holidays
• medical, dental, life and disability insurance package for employees and dependents
• retirement
• deferred compensation
• optional supplemental retirement accounts
• training and development
• employee tuition waiver

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level