HC Pro Clinical Lab Science

MPTL is a collaborative facility between the University of Minnesota Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory (UMN VDL) and the Minnesota Board of Animal Health (MBAH). The laboratory serves as Minnesota’s official National Poultry Improvement Plan (NPIP) laboratory and provides diagnostic testing for the poultry industry, including serology, bacteriology, and molecular testing. MPTL maintains accreditation and program compliance with the National Animal Health Laboratory Network (NAHLN), the American Association of Veterinary Laboratory Diagnosticians (AAVLD), and NPIP standards.

This is the entry-level position within the Health Care Professional job family. The role provides professional support for routine laboratory operations and testing activities. Work at this level involves applying foundational knowledge and skills to standardized tasks with an emphasis on accuracy, precision, and timely execution. Duties are performed according to established procedures, protocols, and regulatory requirements.

Work is performed under general supervision, with progress and results regularly reviewed. Tasks are largely prescribed, and decision-making is limited to routine situations. Employees at this level develop technical proficiency, familiarity with laboratory systems and workflows, and an understanding of quality assurance, safety, and compliance requirements.

Location and Work Environment

• This is a fully in-person position located at the Minnesota Poultry Testing Laboratory (MPTL) in Willmar, Minnesota.
• The role requires on-site, hands-on work with diagnostic specimens in a laboratory environment and is not eligible for remote or hybrid work.
• Employees are expected to follow established biosafety, quality assurance, and regulatory protocols while using appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE).

Work Schedule

• Standard weekday laboratory hours, subject to change based on workload and sample volume.
• Overtime or schedule adjustments may be required for operational needs and regulatory timelines.

Visa Sponsorship Eligibility

• This position is NOT eligible for H-1B visa sponsorship

Job Responsibilities

65%- Sample Receiving and Case Triage

• Facilitate the daily receipt of a high volume of diagnostic samples.
• Interpret case submissions, sample data, sample type, integrity, and client history to determine appropriate priority status.
• Identify and track samples submitted for MBAH regulatory and NPIP testing.
• Coordinate the shipment of biological samples to other laboratories for outsourced testing.
• Communicate with clients to collect account details and relevant clinical history.
• Utilize the Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS) to create unique case numbers and track samples.
• Evaluate LIMS data for errors and notify supervisor or lab lead as needed.

25%- Laboratory Float and Inventory Management

• Assist with sample check-in and initial sample processing.
• Support media preparation and basic lab maintenance tasks.
• Complete result review.
• Perform scanning, electronic filing, and recordkeeping to ensure data integrity and compliance.
• Provide general assistance to maintain workflow efficiency and testing timelines.
• Prepare supply kits for send out.
• Track inventory of MBAH-purchased supplies for sample send-outs.
• Monitor and restock UMN MPTL section-purchased supplies for lab receiving.

10%- Quality Assurance/Quality Control and Compliance

• Perform QA/QC procedures and maintain documentation per established standards.
• Use Q-Pulse, the VDL’s QA/QC information management system.
• Review SOPs annually and initiate change requests.
• Create or revise forms and daily worksheets.
• Identify and report incidents or initiate remedial actions.
• Raise non-conformances through Q-Pulse.
• Participate in staff meetings, continuing education, and NPIP-required training.
• Maintain current certification in required shipping courses.
• Use Mesa Labs monitoring system to document equipment performance systems.

Required Qualifications

• BA/BS degree or a combination of related education and work experience to equal four years.
• Applies knowledge and skill to recurring tasks or activities, with an emphasis on precision and timeliness of execution.

Preferred…