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Position Title:Diagnostic Associate I

Job Group:Professional & Scientific

Required Minimum Qualifications:Bachelor’s degree

Special Required QualificationsMust have accurate color recognition

Preferred Qualifications:Bachelor’s degree in microbiology.

Experience working in a diagnostic, clinical, or research laboratory—especially in a high-volume setting.

Experience with microbiological culture techniques, including tissue searing, incising, and swabbing for pathogen isolation.

Hands-on experience with quality assurance practices in a diagnostic or research laboratory.

Experience working with plant and or animal samples.

Job Description:

Are you passionate about microbiology and ready to make a difference in animal health? We’re looking for a Diagnostic Associate I to join our Bacteriology team. This is a hands-on role where your skills in diagnostic testing and research will directly support veterinarians, researchers, and animal owners across Iowa and beyond.

What You’ll Do:

As a Diagnostic Associate I, you’ll be part of a collaborative lab environment focused on identifying pathogens and supporting research efforts. Your main responsibilities will include:

+ Perform diagnostic testing by culturing animal tissues and specimens, analyzing culture plates, and identifying pathogenic organisms.

+ Conduct antimicrobial susceptibility testing using Sensititre ARIS and Vizion systems, and manage data entry in LIMS.

+ Collaborate with clients and colleagues daily to ensure accurate communication of results and procedures.

+ Support research and development by participating in collaborative investigations and helping improve testing protocols.

+ Maintain lab operations by cleaning equipment, replenishing supplies, and ensuring safety protocols are followed.

You’ll work closely with other lab staff, student employees, and faculty researchers in a team-oriented setting.

Additional Details:

+ Term: Full time, continuous role

+ Location: On-site in Ames, Iowa

+ Schedule: Monday – Friday, 8:00am – 5:00PM with occasional Saturday hours

•About the Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory (VDL):

The Iowa State University Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory (VDL) is a nationally accredited, full-service animal disease diagnostic lab serving veterinarians, producers, and researchers. Each year, the VDL processes over 127,000 cases and conducts more than 1.7 million tests, supporting animal health, public safety, and veterinary education. Our team is committed to excellence, innovation, and collaboration in service to the veterinary community.

Example of Duties• Performs a variety of diagnostic tests within a specific specialty area.• Acts as a liaison between pathologists and laboratory personnel for research or case series submissions.• Develops, validates and implements new assays for diagnostic and research purposes.• Evaluates current protocols for effectiveness of tests and uses independent judgement to determine when adjustments to procedures are necessary.• Assists in training staff and students.• Works with clients to assist diagnosticians in communicating and troubleshooting testing needs and results.Level Guidelines• Individual contributor position with developing professional and/or technical skills working under immediate to general supervision• Grasps professional-level knowledge and concepts of field while working in a progressive learning mode• Works on problems and issues of somewhat limited scope• Follows standard practices and procedures in analyzing situations or data for which answers are available or can be obtained• Responds to inquiries and issues, escalating to manager or higher level workers as appropriate• May lead projects of limited scope and complexity• May provide guidance to students

Appointment Type:Regular

Number of Months Employed Per Year:12 Month Work Period

Time Type:Full time

Pay Grade:PS806

Application Instructions:

To apply for this position, please click on “Apply” and complete the Employment Application. Please be prepared to enter or attach the following:1) Resume/Curriculum Vitae2) Letter of Application/Cover Letter

Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the U.S. on an on-going basis without sponsorship. Immigration sponsorship is not available for this position. If you have questions regarding this application process, please email [email protected] or call 515-294-4800 or Toll Free: 1-877-477-7485.Why Choose ISU?Iowa State Employees enjoy comprehensive health and work-life benefits, including medical and dental; as well as:• Retirement benefits including defined benefit and defined contribution plans• Generous vacation, holiday and sick time and leave plans• Onsite childcare (Ames, Iowa)• Life insurance and long-term disability• Flexible Spending Accounts• Various voluntary benefits and discounts• Employee Assistance Program• Wellbeing program• Iowa State offers WorkFlex options for some positions. WorkFlex offers flexibility on when, where, and how you do your work. For more information, please speak with the Hiring Manager.

Original Posting Date: October 21, 2025

Posting Close Date:October 30, 2025

Job Requisition Number:R17863

By focusing on the future and providing the best student experience possible, Iowa State University (http://www.iastate.edu/) attracts students and faculty who want to make a difference. With a comprehensive land-grant mission of education, research, extension and outreach, we produce scholars whose ideas change the world. And through Innovate at Iowa State, we provide innovative and entrepreneurial opportunities for students of all backgrounds. Located just 30 minutes north of Des Moines, the city of Ames was recently named one of the Top 10 cities in the U.S. for campus life and career opportunities.

Iowa State University is a welcoming community of students, faculty, and staff. Campus community members have a wide range of backgrounds and experiences and are committed to engaging with each other respectfully as outlined in the university's Principles of Community (https://www.iastate.edu/principles-community) . Iowa State recognizes that diverse intellectual and philosophical perspectives are vital to innovation, critical thinking skills, and a dynamic academic community that fosters the land-grant ideals of putting science, technology, and human creativity to work.

All offers of employment, oral and written, are contingent upon the university’s verification of credentials and other information required by federal and state law, ISU policies/procedures, and may include the completion of a background check and/or a consumer credit check.

Iowa State University does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, age, ethnicity, religion, national origin, pregnancy, sexual orientation, genetic information, sex, marital status, disability, or status as a U.S. Veteran. Inquiries regarding non-discrimination policies may be directed to Office of Equal Opportunity, 2680 Beardshear Hall, 515 Morrill Road, Ames, Iowa 50011, Tel. 515-294-7612, email [email protected].

If you have questions about the application process please email [email protected] or call 515-294-4800 or Toll-Free at 1-877-477-7485. Iowa State University provides reasonable accommodations to applicants and employees with disabilities. Applicants with questions about access or requiring a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application or hiring process should email [email protected] or call (515) 294-4800 or Toll-Free: (877) 477-7485. TTY users are welcome to use the Iowa Relay Service number by dialing 7-1-1 or (800) 735-2942.

General ISU compensation information can be found on the University Human Resources (https://www.hr.iastate.edu/careers/compensation) website. Please note that this is only a list of ranges and individuals will be paid commensurate with qualifications.