Laboratory Technician II

Laboratory Technician II Job Group: Merit Required Minimum Qualifications: Two years of related laboratory experience including one year as a Laboratory Technician I or equivalent level experience, or Certified Laboratory Assistant (CLA) certification, or Any combination of related post high school education and experience which totals two years. Special Required Qualifications Must have accurate color recognition Job Description: Summary of Duties and Responsibilities: Are you a detail oriented laboratory professional who thrives in a hands on, research driven environment? The Iowa State University Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory (VDL) is seeking a Laboratory Technician II to support diagnostic testing and research efforts that protect animal and public health. This role is ideal for someone with a strong science background who enjoys collaborative work and making a real world impact through high quality laboratory practices. What You'll Do Perform laboratory testing and research support including PCR, cell culture maintenance, virus propagation, and serological assays Process and manage incoming samples including logging, evaluating suitability, preparing for testing, and archiving Support research and development activities in collaboration with faculty, scientists, and diagnostic laboratory teams Assist with quality assurance and quality control processes including evaluating test results and troubleshooting assays Follow established laboratory safety protocols and standard operating procedures in a regulated diagnostic environment Additional Details This is an on site position within the Iowa State University Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory Work involves handling biological samples and exposure to laboratory reagents, equipment, and potential biohazards Requires adherence to strict biosafety and laboratory protocols, including use of personal protective equipment Physical requirements include standing for extended periods, repetitive hand movements, and occasional lifting of supplies About the Department The Iowa State University Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory (VDL) is a nationally recognized leader in animal disease diagnostics, research, and surveillance. As part of the College of Veterinary Medicine, the VDL provides critical diagnostic services to veterinarians, producers, and researchers across Iowa and the nation. The laboratory combines expertise in multiple disciplines including virology, bacteriology, pathology, and molecular diagnostics to deliver accurate and timely results that safeguard animal agriculture and public health. Working at the VDL means contributing to impactful work in a collaborative, science driven environment. Preferred Qualifications: Hands on experience performing molecular laboratory techniques (e.g., PCR, DNA/RNA extraction, or similar methods). Experience following established laboratory protocols or standard operating procedures. Experience processing or handling biological samples in a lab environment. Experience maintaining cell cultures using aseptic technique. Experience working in a high volume laboratory setting. Experience maintaining laboratory cleanliness and biosecurity through laboratory safety manual requirements. 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. Application Instructions: To apply for this position, please click on Apply and complete the Employment Application. Please be prepared to enter or attach the following: Resume/Curriculum Vitae Letter of Application/Cover Letter Why Choose Iowa State University? Iowa State Employees enjoy comprehensive health and work-life benefits, including medical and dental, as well as: 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 offers WorkFlex options for some positions. WorkFlex offers flexibility on when, where, and how you do your work. For more information, please speak with the Hiring Manager. If you have questions regarding this application process, please email ..., or call ... or Toll Free: .... Appointment Type: Regular Number of Months Employed Per Year: 12 Month Work Period Time Type: Full time Pay Grade: 08 Original Posting Date: May 21, 2026 Posting Close Date: May 31, 2026 Job Requisition Number: R19265 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. ..., email .... General ISU compensation information can be found on the University Human Resources website. Please note that this is only a list of ranges and individuals will be paid commensurate with qualifications. By focusing on the future and providing the best student experience possible, Iowa State University attracts students and faculty who want to make a difference. With a comprehensive land-grant mission of education, research, extension and outreach, we produce scholars whose ideas change the world. And through Innovate at Iowa State, we provide innovative and entrepreneurial opportunities for students of all backgrounds. Located just 30 minutes north of Des Moines, the city of Ames was recently named one of the Top 10 cities in the U.S. for campus life and career opportunities. Iowa State University is a welcoming community of students, faculty, and staff. Campus community members have a wide range of backgrounds and experiences and are committed to engaging with each other respectfully as outlined in the university's Principles of Community. Iowa State recognizes that diverse intellectual and philosophical perspectives are vital to innovation, critical thinking skills, and a dynamic academic community that fosters the land-grant ideals of putting science, technology, and human creativity to work. All offers of employment, oral and written, are contingent upon the university's verification of credentials and other information required by federal and state law, ISU policies/procedures, and may include the completion of a background check and/or a consumer credit check. 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. ..., email .... If you have questions about the application process please email ... or call ... or Toll-Free at .... Iowa State University provides reasonable accommodations to applicants and employees with disabilities. Applicants with questions about access or requiring a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application or hiring process should email ... or call ... or Toll-Free: .... TTY users are welcome to use the Iowa Relay Service number by dialing 7-1-1 or .... General ISU compensation information can be found on the University Human Resources website. Please note that this is only a list of ranges and individuals will be paid commensurate with qualifications.