Rabies Laboratory Technologist I

State of North Carolina•4312 District Drive Wake, NC

8d•$58,265 - $87,396•Onsite

About The Position

The Rabies Laboratory Technologist I position functions as a bench technologist in the Rabies Laboratory at the NC State Laboratory of Public Health, performing diagnostic testing of animal specimens for the presence of rabies virus. The role’s primary technical scope includes Direct Fluorescent Antibody testing of necropsied brain tissue, as well as participation in new diagnostic methods introduced in the laboratory. The Rabies Laboratory Technologist I position operates within a high‑throughput public health laboratory environment and performs laboratory procedures ranging from specimen accessioning to slide preparation, staining, and result interpretation. The technologist also conducts necropsy procedures, wildlife species identification, and supports emergency and outbreak‑related testing needs. This role may require participation in an on‑call schedule to ensure timely diagnostics during weekends, holidays, and urgent events.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in medical technology, chemistry, or a biological science from an appropriately accredited institution OR Associate degree in medical technology from an appropriately accredited institution and two years of experience in a medical laboratory OR Completion of a Certified Laboratory Assistant course in medical technology or a comparable course and three years of experience in a medical laboratory OR An equivalent combination of education and experience.
Works frequently with infectious disease agents that require the use of personal protective equipment, such as a respirator.
Uses laboratory equipment requiring ability to manipulate items with fingers, ability to grasp, and ability to feel/perceive the attributes of objects, such as size, shape, temperature, or texture.
Immunization against rabies is a precondition of employment within the rabies laboratory, along with periodic serological assessments of immunization to ensure that the employee maintains an adequate level of immunization.
Must be able to perceive colors normally.
Must be able to lift up to 35 pounds.

Nice To Haves

Expert‑level performance of Direct Fluorescent Antibody–based diagnostic workflows, including slide preparation, staining, and interpretation to support rabies virus detection.
Demonstrated experience conducting necropsy and tissue dissection procedures using laboratory‑grade surgical tools for preparation of diagnostic specimens.
Proficient execution of specimen accessioning processes, including controlled handling, labeling, and documentation of animal samples submitted for laboratory testing.
Applied experience operating, maintaining, and troubleshooting laboratory equipment and labware used in virology and serology testing environments.
Hands‑on experience identifying wildlife species such as bats, foxes, and skunks to support accurate classification of specimens submitted for rabies investigations.

Responsibilities

Perform Direct Fluorescent Antibody testing of necropsied brain tissue to detect rabies virus.
Conduct specimen accessioning, labeling, and controlled handling of animal samples submitted for diagnostic testing.
Complete necropsy and dissection procedures to obtain required tissues for laboratory analysis.
Prepare laboratory slides through tissue imprinting, fixation, staining, and controlled processing steps.
Interpret stained slides using fluorescence microscopy and document results in accordance with laboratory procedures.
Perform species identification of bats, foxes, skunks, and other wildlife submitted for rabies investigations.
Support validation and implementation of new or updated diagnostic methods introduced in the Rabies Laboratory.
Maintain and troubleshoot laboratory equipment and labware required for testing workflows.
Participate in on‑call rotations to provide emergency rabies testing during weekends and holidays.
Assist additional laboratory units during outbreak responses or periods of increased testing volume.