Position Title:Diagnostic Associate I – Serology
Job Group:Professional & Scientific
Required Minimum Qualifications:Bachelor’s degree
Special Required QualificationsMust have accurate color recognition
Preferred Qualifications:Degree in microbiology, animal science, biology, biochemistry, or a closely aligned laboratory science discipline.
Experience with quality assurance in a laboratory setting, such as working with controls, documenting QC activities, or following standardized procedures.
Experience working in a laboratory setting, whether gained through an internship, undergraduate research, teaching labs, or student employment in an academic or clinical laboratory.
Experience working with biological samples, including handling, labeling, preparing, or processing specimens.
Experience using general laboratory equipment, such as centrifuges, biosafety cabinets, plate readers, or autoclaves.
Job Description:
Start your laboratory career in a nationally recognized diagnostic facility that processes more than 1.7 million tests each year to support veterinarians, livestock producers, and animal owners. The Serology Section at the ISU Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory performs more than 550,000 antibody assays annually, providing essential information that helps monitor herd and flock health, qualify animals for international movement, and support disease investigations for both livestock and companion animals
As a Diagnostic Associate I, you will receive hands-on training in core serologic assays, including ELISA and AGID, while working alongside experienced technologists and faculty. The Serology team also contributes to research and the validation of new diagnostic methods, giving you opportunities to learn innovative approaches while supporting real-world animal health decisions.
In this role, you will work with a team of technologists, faculty, and support staff who help keep the Serology Section running smoothly. You will also interact with other areas of the VDL as samples move through different parts of the lab.
Main Responsibilities:- Run serologic tests, serving as the primary technician for two ELISA assays and a backup for four others. You will help report and release results based on each test’s schedule and turnaround timeframe.- Contribute to quality control by reviewing QC data, watching for unusual results, and helping decide when retesting or confirmatory testing is needed.- Accession and prepare samples for testing, make sure they meet submission requirements, and distribute them to the correct testing areas. You will also help with long-term sample storage.- Help keep the lab operating smoothly by maintaining supplies, assisting with equipment care, and completing dish room tasks such as washing glassware and autoclaving.- Work collaboratively with serology colleagues, faculty experts, sample receiving staff, and other VDL sections that support the lab’s large statewide diagnostic workload.
Additional Details:
Hours: Monday – Friday 8:00AM – 5:00PM
Location: Ames, Iowa within the Serology Section of the VDL
About the Department:
The Iowa State University Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory is an AAVLD-accredited, full-service laboratory that supports animal and public health across the United States. The VDL handles more than 127,000 cases and 1.7 million tests each year, offering diagnostics in serology, virology, bacteriology, parasitology, toxicology, histopathology, and molecular testing.
The Serology Section alone performs more than 550,000 antibody assays annually, supporting herd monitoring, export certification, veterinary casework, and teaching. The team collaborates with other institutions, validates new assays, and continually refines sample handling and testing approaches to support accurate, reliable diagnostics.
Example of Duties- Performs a variety of diagnostic tests within a specific specialty area.- Acts as a liaison between pathologists and laboratory personnel for research or case series submissions.- Develops, validates and implements new assays for diagnostic and research purposes.- Evaluates current protocols for effectiveness of tests and uses independent judgement to determine when adjustments to procedures are necessary.- Assists in training staff and students.- Works with clients to assist diagnosticians in communicating and troubleshooting testing needs and results.Level Guidelines- Individual contributor position with developing professional and/or technical skills working under immediate to general supervision- Grasps professional-level knowledge and concepts of field while working in a progressive learning mode- Works on problems and issues of somewhat limited scope- Follows standard practices and procedures in analyzing situations or data for which answers are available or can be obtained- Responds to inquiries and issues, escalating to manager or higher level workers as appropriate- May lead projects of limited scope and complexity- May provide guidance to students
Appointment Type:Regular
Number of Months Employed Per Year:12 Month Work Period
Time Type:Full time
Pay Grade:PS806
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:1) Resume/Curriculum Vitae2) Letter of Application/Cover LetterIf you have questions regarding this application process, please email employment@iastate.edu or call 515-294-4800 or Toll Free: 1-877-477-7485.
Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the U.S. on an on-going basis without sponsorship. Immigration sponsorship is not available for this position.
Why Choose ISU?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
Original Posting Date: March 9, 2026
Posting Close Date:March 22, 2026
Job Requisition Number:R18770
By focusing on the future and providing the best student experience possible, Iowa State University (http://www.iastate.edu/) 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 (https://www.iastate.edu/principles-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.
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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@iastate.edu.
If you have questions about the application process please email employment@iastate.edu or call 515-294-4800 or Toll-Free at 1-877-477-7485. 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 employment@iastate.edu or call (515) 294-4800 or Toll-Free: (877) 477-7485. TTY users are welcome to use the Iowa Relay Service number by dialing 7-1-1 or (800) 735-2942.
General ISU compensation information can be found on the University Human Resources (https://www.hr.iastate.edu/careers/compensation) website. Please note that this is only a list of ranges and individuals will be paid commensurate with qualifications.