• Job Description

  Req#: JR004170

  The Diagnostic Laboratory at The Jackson Laboratory assures the health and well-being of our animal colonies by routine health monitoring for undesirable infectious agents. Our diagnostic program serves to monitor against potential disease outbreaks in the Production, Research, and Repository colonies, as well as verifying the health status of foster mothers used for rederivation of mouse strains by Reproductive Sciences. The Diagnostic Laboratory also performs environmental monitoring via microbiologic culture of mouse room swabs. This testing strategy includes necropsy, serology, microbiology, and parasitology. The Genetic Quality Control (GQC) Laboratory at The Jackson Laboratory serves to detect and eliminate contamination in the genetic background of all of our Production and Repository colonies by routine and investigative screening using a panel of molecular assays.

  The incumbents described in this job description are crucial to the effective functioning of the Diagnostic & GQC laboratories. The work schedule for the incumbents is established based on operational demands and may fluctuate based on the changing needs of the two laboratory areas, and thus incumbents in these roles may be assigned to any of the testing areas (Necropsy, Serology, Microbiology, Parasitology, and GQC) as necessary.

  Diagnostic & GQC Technologist I: uses standard operating procedures and protocols to carry out tasks under general supervision. The Diagnostic & GQC Technologist I utilizes attention to detail to perform basic microbiological testing and other laboratory assays. The Diagnostic & GQC Technologist I is capable of identifying common problems and assisting the supervisor with their resolution.

  Key Responsibilities:

  Necropsy:

  Complete necropsy involves the visual observation of all the organs, a description of any lesions seen, and the use of proper necropsy procedures. Selection of abnormal tissues for testing or histopathology. Use of aseptic techniques for the procurement of tissue samples for microbiological testing, for molecular testing, and for parasitology. Obtain blood samples from caudal venous and arterial sites or cardiac puncture for serological evaluation.

  Parasitology:

  Perform parasitological examinations for ectoparasites with the use of a dissecting stereoscope. Parasitological examinations for endoparasites are done visually and microscopically. Further, perform specialized testing (fecal floatations, tape tests, etc) as required.

  Serology:

  Performance of Luminex, ELISA and IFA procedures. This involves dilution of samples, preparation of reagents, performance of the assay, operation and maintenance of sophisticated instrumentation, and interpretation of results.

  Microbiology:

  Preparation and quality control of microbiological media and chemical solutions. Further, this involves performance of subcultures, setting up biochemical identification testing for microbes, operation and maintenance of sophisticated instrumentation, and performance of other microbiological assays as required.

  GQC:

  Digestion of routine tissue samples for extraction/purification of DNA when applicable, and coordination of outsourcing SNP assays for the purpose of monitoring genetic background. May be required to perform molecular assays in house. This includes processing of samples as necessary and analysis, interpretation, and reporting of GQC results.

  Data Recording/Reporting:

  Performs data entry in database used for animal health & genetic quality. May be required to produce standard and ad hoc reports required including, but not limited to, reports used for shipment of animals, utilized by veterinarians, investigators, and production managers.

  Miscellaneous lab work:

  Duties necessary for the processing of incoming samples and for maintenance of the laboratory, such as filtration and culture of water for microbiological evaluation, inoculation of anaerobic specimens, and other samples that are submitted for testing. Logging autoclave monitoring data, proper disposal of biohazardous materials, operation of autoclave, preparation of buffers, etc. Sanitation of the laboratory areas including decontamination of biohazardous waste containers/areas as well as sweeping and mopping floors on a routine schedule.

  The wage range is $23.27 - $33.74 per hour. Pay will be determined based upon qualifications and experience.

  Q ualifications:

  • The ideal candidate will possess a Bachelor’s degree in Biological Sciences, or closely related discipline as required. Other means of acquiring this knowledge may be evaluated on a case-by-case basis.
  • 0 to 1 year of experience working in a laboratory setting.
  • Problem-solving skills and attention to detail.
  • Ability to learn new techniques in a timely manner.
  • Ability to organize time effectively, to be flexible and to multi-task.
  • Ability to document testing results.
  • Proficiency in using computer software and possesses database skills in Word, Excel, Outlook, etc. and all other appropriate software used in Jackson Laboratory operations (such as Sample Tracker and the TGS Database).
  • Strong communication skills sufficient to permit clear and effective exchange of information with people representing a wide diversity of disciplines and levels of sophistication.
  • Ability to contribute positively to the team by putting in extra effort and demonstrating the ability to work in a fast paced, change and technology driven, diverse work group.

  About JAX:

  The Jackson Laboratory is an independent, nonprofit biomedical research institution with a National Cancer Institute-designated Cancer Center and nearly 3,000 employees in locations across the United States (Maine, Connecticut, California), Japan and China. Its mission is to discover precise genomic solutions for disease and empower the global biomedical community in the shared quest to improve human health.

  Founded in 1929, JAX applies over nine decades of expertise in genetics to increase understanding of human disease, advancing treatments and cures for cancer, neurological and immune disorders, diabetes, aging and heart disease. It models and interprets genomic complexity, integrates basic research with clinical application, educates current and future scientists, and provides critical data, tools and services to the global biomedical community. For more information, please visit www.jax.org .

  EEO Statement:

  The Jackson Laboratory provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment in all job classifications without regard to race, color, religion, age, mental disability, physical disability, medical condition, gender, sexual orientation, genetic information, ancestry, marital status, national origin, veteran status, and other classifications protected by applicable state and local non-discrimination laws.

• About the company

  The Jackson Laboratory is an independent, nonprofit biomedical research institution. It employs more than 2,100 employees in Bar Harbor, Maine; Sacramento, California; and at a genomic medicine institute in Farmington, Connecticut. Leads the search to cure diseases rooted in our DNA.

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