CWD Lab Technician
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Health and Wellness Services
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Job Category:
University Staff
Employment Type:
Terminal (Fixed Term)
Job Profile:
Lab Technician
Job Summary:
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Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) is a fatal prion disease affecting deer, elk, reindeer, sika deer, and moose. The disease continues to spread throughout Wisconsin and across the United States, and there are currently no treatments or vaccines available. Because prion diseases may pose risks to public health, the World Health Organization recommends preventing the agents of all known prion diseases from entering the human food chain.
The Wisconsin Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory (WVDL) plays a critical role in protecting consumers and monitoring the spread of CWD by providing diagnostic testing services. As hunting season approaches and testing demand increases, WVDL is temporarily expanding its workforce to support the additional workload and ensure timely processing of CWD samples.
Key Responsibilities
Perform pre-analytical tasks associated with Transmissible Spongiform Encephalopathy (TSE) screening using Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA) and Immunohistochemistry (IHC) methods in accordance with established Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).
Organize, prepare, and document samples and work logs prior to testing.
Read, record, and enter testing data and results into the Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS) under the guidance and oversight of the Laboratory Manager.
Complete and verify all quality control (QC) procedures and maintain required records to ensure testing accuracy and compliance.
Perform routine maintenance and basic troubleshooting of laboratory equipment.
Maintain a clean, organized, and safe work environment, including routine disinfection of benchtops, biosafety cabinets, and laboratory instruments.
Adhere to all WVDL quality assurance, biosafety, and workplace safety requirements as outlined in laboratory Quality and Safety Manuals.
Support the laboratory's efforts to provide accurate and timely CWD diagnostic testing to assist in disease surveillance and consumer protection.
This position is expected to be seasonal and end in January 2027; however, there is a possibility of extension based on funding availability, program need and performance. It is also possible that this position will be made renewable based on funding availability, program need and performance.
Work schedule is Monday through Friday 7:45am - 4:30pm. Some overtime work may be available and/or assigned, including evenings and weekends.
Key Job Responsibilities:
- Uses, maintains, calibrates, and sets up lab equipment and apparatuses according to established policies and procedures and documents activities
- Completes and acknowledges trainings
- Performs quality control, acknowledges documents, performs document reviews and/or writes and revises documents as assigned
- Coordinates and participates in a variety of routine technical duties by providing assistance to research and/or laboratory staff in testing and experiments
- Sets up, prepares, and cleans laboratory glassware, instruments, equipment, and laboratory work spaces
Department:
Wisconsin Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory - Pathology/TSE
Compensation:
$23.00/hr
Required Qualifications:
Ability to sit or stand for extended periods while performing laboratory duties.
Demonstrated attention to detail and ability to accurately follow established procedures and protocols.
Ability to perform repetitive tasks and motions throughout the workday while maintaining accuracy and consistency.
Ability to maintain focus and productivity in a fast-paced, high-volume laboratory environment.
Strong organizational skills and ability to manage multiple tasks while meeting quality and turnaround time expectations.
Preferred Qualifications:
The Wisconsin Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory (WVDL) will provide training to candidates who demonstrate the aptitude and willingness to learn. Ideal candidates will have familiarity and experience with tissue handling and preparation techniques. Familiarity with ELISA procedures, histotechnology, and immunohistochemistry is highly valued. Specific experience with TSE testing is also a plus.
Candidates should be detail-oriented, able to follow standard operating procedures, and comfortable performing repetitive tasks and motions associated with sample preparation and laboratory testing. Strong organizational skills and the ability to maintain accuracy in a fast-paced laboratory environment are highly valued.
Education:
Minimum: HS Diploma or GED, plus two years of relevant experience
Preferred: Bachelor's Degree
How to Apply:
Applicants are required to upload 1) resume, 2) cover letter and 3) contact information for three professional references including a current or former supervisor. The cover letter must include detailed information that highlights your laboratory experience.
To receive full consideration for this position, please submit your application before 11:59pm on Sunday, September 13, 2026.
Please note that successful applicants are responsible for ensuring their eligibility to work in the United States (i.e. a citizen or national of the United States, a lawful permanent resident, a foreign national authorized to work in the United States without need of employer sponsorship) on or before the effective date of your appointment and maintain eligibility without sponsorship throughout your appointment.
Contact Information:
WVDL Human Resources, wvdlhr@wvdl.wisc.edu
Institutional Statement on Diversity:
Diversity is a source of strength, creativity, and innovation for UW-Madison. We value the contributions of each person and respect the profound ways their identity, culture, background, experience, status, abilities, and opinion enrich the university community. We commit ourselves to the pursuit of excellence in teaching, research, outreach, and diversity as inextricably linked goals.
The University of Wisconsin-Madison fulfills its public mission by creating a welcoming and inclusive community for people from every background - people who as students, faculty, and staff serve Wisconsin and the world.
The University of Wisconsin-Madison is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to, including but not limited to, race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, age, pregnancy, disability, or status as a protected veteran and other bases as defined by federal regulations and UW System policies. We promote excellence by acknowledging skills and expertise from all backgrounds and encourage all qualified individuals to apply. For more information regarding applicant and employee rights and to view federal and state required postings, visit the Human Resources Workplace Poster website.
To request a disability or pregnancy-related accommodation for any step in the hiring process (e.g., application, interview, pre-employment testing, etc.), please contact the Divisional Disability Representative (DDR) in the division you are applying to. Please make your request as soon as possible to help the university respond most effectively to you.
Employment may require a criminal background check. It may also require your references to answer questions regarding misconduct, including sexual violence and sexual harassment.
The University of Wisconsin System will not reveal the identities of applicants who request confidentiality in writing, except that the identity of the successful candidate will be released. See Wis. Stat. sec. 19.36(7).
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