Diagnostic Associate I

Diagnostic Associate I

Job Group: Professional & Scientific

Location: Ames, Iowa within the Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory at Iowa State University. Work is performed onsite in a laboratory setting handling biological specimens and specialized equipment.

Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. with no weekend hours.

Are you passionate about molecular diagnostics, genomics, and bioinformatics? The Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory at Iowa State University is seeking a highly motivated professional to join our team. This position offers the opportunity to work with advanced sequencing technologies and bioinformatics tools while supporting animal health diagnostics, disease surveillance, and research initiatives. If you enjoy problem solving, data analysis, and working in a collaborative laboratory environment, we encourage you to apply.

• Perform molecular diagnostic procedures including DNA and RNA extraction, PCR, Sanger sequencing, and next generation sequencing.
• Analyze sequencing data, assemble gene sequences from raw data, generate phylogenetic trees, and conduct bioinformatic analyses to support diagnostic testing and disease surveillance programs.
• Evaluate incoming samples for quality and suitability, verify test results, monitor quality control measures, and investigate unexpected or inconsistent findings.
• Collaborate with diagnostic associates, faculty, laboratory staff, and national surveillance partners to support animal disease monitoring and reporting efforts.
• Assist with research and development projects by supporting test development activities, organizing research samples, and providing technical expertise for ongoing laboratory initiatives.
• Require strict adherence to established safety and quality standards.
• Provide opportunities to build expertise in molecular diagnostics, sequencing technologies, and bioinformatics applications.
• Involve high volume sample processing and require strong attention to detail.
• Maintain the ability to distinguish colors accurately for interpreting laboratory results and ensuring compliance with safety protocols.

• Bachelor's degree.

• Bachelor's degree in biology, microbiology, genetics, bioinformatics, biochemistry, animal science, or a related field.
• Laboratory experience through employment, internship, research, or academic laboratory work.
• Experience performing molecular biology techniques such as DNA extraction, RNA extraction, PCR, or gel electrophoresis.
• Experience with DNA sequencing technologies, including Sanger sequencing or next generation sequencing.
• Experience using bioinformatics or sequence analysis software (e.g., BLAST, Geneious, CLC Genomics Workbench, Galaxy, R, Python, or similar tools).
• Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the U.S. on an ongoing basis without sponsorship.
• Immigration sponsorship is not available for this position.

• 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 University does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, age, ethnici