Diagnostic Support Technician
Prairie Holdings
Summary
This position is responsible for supporting diagnostic laboratory operations through specialized functions in bacteriology and sample accessioning. The incumbent ensures accurate sample intake, tracking, and data integrity within laboratory systems, while performing bacterial culture, isolation, and identification in accordance with established laboratory standards.
Job description
Summary
This position is responsible for supporting diagnostic laboratory operations through specialized functions in bacteriology and sample accessioning. The incumbent ensures accurate sample intake, tracking, and data integrity within laboratory systems, while performing bacterial culture, isolation, and identification in accordance with established laboratory standards.
Essential Duties & Responsibilities
- Performs sample accessioning, including receipt, logging, labeling, and entry into laboratory information management systems (LIMS).
- Ensures accurate documentation of sample metadata, including source, test requests, and processing requirements.
- Assists with the bacteriology workflows, including sample processing, plating, incubation, and colony selection.
- Handle tissues and bacteria of animal origin.
- Conducts bacterial species identification using MALDI-TOF and other approved methodologies.
- Assists with Mycoplasma isolation procedures, including filtration, inoculation, and culture in selective media.
- Prepares samples and isolates for additional testing.
- Preserves and inventories confirmed bacterial isolates in accordance with laboratory procedures.
- Ensures accurate documentation of culture results, sample status, and storage locations.
- Maintains cleanliness and organization of work areas in accordance with laboratory standards, including autoclaving and washing labware.
- Ensures compliance with the Company Handbook and all Cambridge Technologies policies and procedures.
- Performs routine serological testing.
- Performs other duties as assigned.
Experience & Education
A minimum of a Bachelor's degree in a scientific discipline is required. 2 years of relevant laboratory experience is preferred. Experience with microbial culture techniques and aseptic techniques is preferred. Familiarity with bacterial identification methods and LIMS or sample accessioning processes preferred.
Other Skills and Abilities
- Strong attention to detail and organizational skills.
- Proficiency with data entry and laboratory systems.
- Ability to manage multiple tasks while maintaining accuracy.
- Ability to work both independently and as part of a team.
Requirements
- Bachelor's degree in a scientific discipline
- 2 years of relevant laboratory experience preferred
- Experience with microbial culture techniques and aseptic techniques preferred
- Familiarity with bacterial identification methods and LIMS or sample accessioning processes preferred
- Ability to accurately document and communicate laboratory information in written and verbal formats
- Ability to follow detailed procedures and communicate effectively with laboratory personnel
- Ability to perform basic laboratory calculations and interpret quantitative data
- Ability to accurately record and verify data within laboratory systems
- Ability to follow established procedures and identify deviations or inconsistencies
- Ability to troubleshoot routine laboratory and data-related issues
- Ability to prioritize tasks in a fast-paced laboratory environment
- Strong attention to detail and organizational skills
- Proficiency with data entry and laboratory systems
- Ability to manage multiple tasks while maintaining accuracy
- Ability to work both independently and as part of a team
- Must receive rabies virus immunizations upon hire
Company overview
Prairie Holdings Group, founded in 1994 by veterinarians Wayne Freese and Craig Pfeifer in Worthington, Minnesota, has evolved from a small veterinary practice into a comprehensive agribusiness hub specializing in animal health biotechnology. The company operates as a diversified holding group encompassing multiple enterprises focused on food animal production, veterinary medicine, and livestock health solutions. Their core businesses include Veterinary Medical Center, Prairie Livestock Supply, Cambridge Technologies (a custom vaccine manufacturer), Ani-Logics Outdoors, and specialized nutrition divisions for pigs and cattle. The company has developed expertise in autogenous biologics and diagnostics through Newport Laboratories, providing customized vaccine solutions for livestock producers. Serving clients across 40 U.S. states and several Canadian provinces, Prairie Holdings Group combines veterinary expertise with advanced biotechnology to address animal health challenges in modern agriculture. Their integrated approach spans from veterinary care and nutritional supplements to advanced vaccine development and livestock supply services.