Microbiology Technician Il, (General Emphasis)

The University of Arizona•Tucson, AZ

4d•Onsite

About The Position

The Arizona Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory (AZVDL), with the University of Arizona, is seeking an onsite Microbiology Technician II (General Emphasis). This versatile position provides advanced microbiological test services, in multiple lab sections to support clinical diagnostics, disease surveillance, and outbreak response for laboratory clients, including state and federal and regulatory agencies. The incumbent will also be cross-trained to support broader laboratory operations. The Microbiology Technician II (General Emphasis), performs routine and complex microbiological assays including molecular diagnostics, serological, virological, and other testing methodologies. The incumbent will be responsible for conducting diagnostic testing in accordance with established standard operating procedures (SOPs) and regulatory standards, supporting internal assay development, verification, validation activities, preparing reagents, maintaining instrumentation, and documenting testing activities. In addition, assisting with quality assurance processes, maintaining compliance with federal and state program requirements, as well as supporting disease surveillance and outbreak response testing as assigned. The incumbent will work under moderate guidance, with increasing independence as proficiency is demonstrated. Work is performed in BSL-2/BSL2+ laboratory environments. Strict adherence to biosafety, biosecurity, regulatory, and quality management requirements is essential. The Arizona Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory (AZVDL) is dedicated to providing accurate, timely diagnostic services that support animal health, disease surveillance, and the veterinary community throughout Arizona. As one of the first laboratories approved to participate in the National Animal Health Laboratory Network (NAHLN), AZVDL plays a vital role in safeguarding against foreign and emerging animal diseases while supporting state and federal agencies, university researchers, veterinarians, and animal owners through high-quality diagnostic expertise. Visa sponsorship is not available for this position.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree or equivalent advanced learning attained through professional level experience required.
Minimum of 3 years of relevant work experience, or equivalent combination of education and work experience.
Strong attention to detail.
Demonstrated reliability, follow-through, and adaptability in a dynamic laboratory environment.
Ability to work collaboratively as part of a team while contributing a positive and professional attitude.
Skilled in applying aseptic techniques, laboratory safety protocols, and quality assurance practices.
Ability to apply and adhere to SOPs, regulatory requirements, and quality management systems.
Knowledge of and competent with laboratory information systems and general computer applications for data management and reporting.

Responsibilities

Perform microbiological assays for the detection and diagnosis of infectious animal diseases in accordance with established protocols and regulatory standards.
Troubleshoots technical issues and recommends procedural improvements to leadership.
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.
Maintain thorough and reliable records to ensure data integrity and regulatory compliance.
Support equipment life-cycle management, including preventive maintenance (PM), calibration coordination, troubleshooting, documentation, and service vendor communication to ensure operational readiness and compliance.
Perform routine 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.
Maintain proficiency in assigned testing platforms, ensuring adherence to quality assurance standards, regulatory requirements, and accreditation guidelines.
Participate in continuous quality improvement activities, including SOP review and updates, corrective actions, 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.
Accurately and consistently perform laboratory procedures.