HSSL10-12921-Senior Laboratory Scientist-Laramie

LOCATION:LaramieOPENING DATE:07/09/20CLOSING DATE:07/23/20 11:59 PMDESCRIPTION AND FUNCTIONS:

• Coordinates and conducts annual statewide surveillance for various wildlife diseases; including biological sample kit assembly, specimen collection under field conditions, processing, and testing of biological specimens including blood, tissues, and fluids.
• Microbiological culture of tissues and fluids for the isolation and identification of various respiratory pathogens, as well as zoonotic pathogens such as Brucella abortus.
• Statewide chronic wasting disease surveillance including sample kit assembly, tissue collection, data entry, sample processing, testing, reporting, and data management. Must maintain annual Federal CWD testing (ELISA) certification.
• Statewide brucellosis (B. abortus) surveillance including sample kit assembly, data entry, sample processing, testing, reporting, and data management. Must maintain annual Federal certification for Brucella abortus serological tests (FPA)
• Develop, maintain, and adhere to standard operating procedures, quality control, nonconformance documentation, and corrective action reports on diagnostic assays and laboratory equipment to meet ISO 17025 and NAHLN requirements.
• Submission of laboratory casework using databases, spreadsheets, and LIMS programs.
• Dissemination of laboratory results by communicating with sports persons, agency personnel and numerous state and federal agencies.
• Design and manage wildlife disease databases, spreadsheets, tables, statistical programs, and reports.
• Analyze reports, scientific publications, and articles for the development and validation of new PCR, microbiological and serological laboratory assays.
• Retrieval of big and trophy game carcasses and other wildlife species from a variety of locations using a four-wheel-drive pickup and electric winch.
• Collection of specimens for diagnostic testing from carcasses or live animals under field conditions in adverse weather conditions and steep terrain.

• Knowledge of veterinary laboratory diagnostic techniques, interpretation, evaluation, and confirmation of laboratory results as well as excellent troubleshooting skills.
• Outstanding laboratory organizational skills in sample tracking through testing, reporting, and storage.
• Ability to be flexible in a time schedule to perform tasks in the laboratory and field to meet deadlines and complete casework in a timely manner.
• Ability to initiate daily tasks and work independently with excellent attention to detail.
• Ability to adhere to rigid laboratory standard operating procedures and quality controls, as well as a working knowledge of QA/QC requirements of ISO-17025 / NAHLN / AAVLD.
• Computer skills in Microsoft Office Suite, proficient with word processing, databases and spreadsheets; knowledge of statistical analysis, and report generation.
• Knowledge of ArcGIS, and other topographic software programs.
• Knowledge of proper laboratory safety precautions and procedures when handling zoonotic pathogens under BSL-2 conditions.
• Working knowledge and developed skills in DNA extraction, and PCR assays, troubleshooting, optimization, and protocol development.
• Knowledge of large animal handling and specimen collection techniques.
• Basic knowledge of necropsy techniques and sample collection.
• Well-developed skills in interpersonal relations, oral and written communications, work prioritization, teamwork, and decision making.
• Ability to professionally interact with the public, University of Wyoming faculty and staff, Departmental personnel, and representatives of various state and federal agencies.
• Willing to travel and work independently with little or no supervision.
• Ability to work outside, often for long periods in adverse weather conditions.

• Ability to lift fifty (50) pounds or more without assistance.
• Ability to wear and work while wearing a respirator (PAPR, N95).
• Ability to work outside in various weather conditions and terrain.
• Ability to operate a four-wheel-drive vehicle in various weather and road conditions.

• FLSA: Exempt
• 95% of this position involves laboratory diagnostics and data management within a veterinary laboratory; 5% of duties occur outside of the laboratory.
• Must be able to become federally certified in B. abortus serology and CWD testing (ELISA) by October 1, 2021. Goal to interview in late July and hire by August 15th, 2020.
• CDL is not required for this position.
• Travel is required.