Associate QC Technician

Associate QC Technician

Location: Storrs, CT (No Relocation Available)
Industry: Pharmaceutical
Salary: $19/hr.
Shift: Days
Employment Type: Contract to potential hire

AVS Bio is a global leader in biologics with more than 60 years of innovation supporting the development of vaccines, therapeutics, diagnostics, and breakthrough scientific research that protects human and animal health worldwide.

The Associate QC Technician performs serological, tissue culture, and molecular biology-based testing on avian specimens, immunologic reagents, and client submissions in support of AVS Bio's Quality Control and diagnostic laboratory operations. This role is responsible for the accurate and timely analysis of internal and external samples, ensuring results meet established quality standards and are reported with appropriate turnaround times. The position requires strong technical skills, careful documentation, and a commitment to laboratory quality and safety.

• Receive, accession, and process internal and external submissions; verify sample identity, test requests, and condition upon receipt and maintain proper chain of custody.
• Perform QC and diagnostic testing across serology (HI, ELISA, VN, AGP), tissue culture (virus isolation, titration, CPE evaluation, sterility), and molecular biology (PCR) disciplines.
• Prepare all reagents, solutions, and media required for testing; maintain and re-qualify reference standards and controls.
• Meet testing schedule deadlines and client turnaround expectations.

• Record all testing data accurately; generate clear and complete results reports for internal review and client communication.
• Escalate unexpected, inconclusive, or out-of-specification results to the laboratory supervisor prior to reporting.
• Manage reagent and supply inventory across QC testing areas; replenish stock proactively to prevent testing disruptions.
• Contribute to SOP development, QC process improvement projects, and equipment maintenance and calibration as requested.

• Perform daily laboratory housekeeping including cleaning and disinfecting benchtops, floors, and equipment; manage glassware, waste disposal, and preventative maintenance.
• Communicate cross-functionally using Microsoft Teams and Office applications. Perform all other duties as assigned.

• Education: One of the following combinations is required:
  • Bachelor's degree or more in biological science or related field with 0-4 years of biological laboratory experience;
  • Associate's degree in biological science or related field with ideally 5+ years of biological laboratory experience.
• Licensure: None required.
• Technical
  
  Skills:
  
  The ideal candidate has hands‑on experience with serology, tissue culture, and/or molecular biology techniques (e.g., PCR, ELISA, HI, virus isolation) strongly preferred. Experience in a QC, diagnostic, or clinical laboratory setting is a plus. Proficiency with Microsoft Word, Excel, and Teams required. Strong math skills; ability to operate a microscope and standard laboratory instrumentation.
• Other: Detail-oriented with the ability to manage multiple testing priorities and meet deadlines independently. Strong recordkeeping and communication skills. Collaborative team player with a commitment to quality, accuracy, and client service.

• Regularly required to stand, walk, sit, and use hands to handle specimens and operate laboratory equipment; frequent microscope use. Vision requirements include close, distance, and color vision.
• Must be able to regularly lift up to 10 pounds and frequently lift up to 50 pounds.

• Laboratory environment with regular exposure to biological agents, fumes, airborne particles, and toxic or caustic chemicals. PPE required at all times including gloves, lab coat, and eye protection.
• Occasional work near moving mechanical parts. Moderate noise level. Weekend or off-hours work may occasionally be required based on testing schedules.

• What is included in the biosecurity requirement? Employees may not own or have contact with live birds of any kind, including backyard poultry, ducks, turkeys, wild, or exotic birds, or visit farms, fairs, or other locations with bird exposure.
• What other animal contact is prohibited? Prohibited contact includes reptiles, amphibians, rodents, and certain wild animals (e.g., snakes, lizards, turtles, frogs, rats, mice, hamsters, guinea pigs, raccoons, skunks, opossums, squirrels, deer mice), or animals requiring feeding of rodents or raw/frozen animal products.
• What animal contact is permitted? Permitted animals include dogs, cats, fish, and traditional farm animals (horses, cattle, sheep, goats, pigs, llamas/alpacas). Employees may not handle raw or frozen meat or poultry products before work.
• How is biosecurity enforced? All candidates must complete a Biosecurity & Animal Ownership…