Diagnostic Associate

Diagnostic Associate I

Job Group:
Professional & Scientific

• Bachelor’s degree

The Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory (VDL) at Iowa State University supports animal health, public health, and the agricultural industry by providing diagnostic testing and lab services across the state.

We are hiring a Diagnostic Associate I to support the Media Preparation Laboratory. This role focuses on preparing the microbiological media used in diagnostic testing and maintaining the day‑to‑day operations of the media prep space.

This is a largely independent role where you will manage your own workflow, stay on top of daily production needs, and keep the lab running smoothly. It’s a good fit for someone who is organized, detail‑oriented, and comfortable working on routine tasks with consistency and accuracy.

• Prepare microbiological media such as broths and agars following established lab procedures
• Manage daily workflow in the media prep lab, prioritizing tasks and maintaining production needs
• Maintain and clean laboratory equipment and work spaces
• Monitor inventory and restock supplies to ensure continuity of operations
• Support bacteriology staff and research efforts as needed

• This is an on‑site position based in Ames, Iowa.
• Standard schedule is Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., with no weekend hours.
• Work is performed in a laboratory environment with exposure to biological materials, including animal pathogens.
• Personal protective equipment is required.
• The role includes standing, repetitive hand work, and occasional lifting.

The Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory partners with veterinarians, researchers, and producers to deliver timely and reliable diagnostic results. The team supports disease detection, surveillance, and research in a fast‑paced, service‑driven environment.

• Experience preparing microbiological media (e.g., agar plates, broth media)
• Experience working in a laboratory setting (academic, clinical, diagnostic, or industry)
• Experience operating an autoclave or performing sterilization procedures
• Experience maintaining and cleaning laboratory equipment or work spaces
• Experience tracking or managing laboratory inventory

• 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, 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 eooffice.