Ames, IA
Full time
R19869
Position Title:Diagnostic Associate I
Job Group:Professional & Scientific
Required Minimum Qualifications:Bachelor's degree
Special Required QualificationsMust have accurate color recognition (Inactive)
Job Description:
The Iowa State University Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory (VDL) is seeking a Diagnostic Associate I to join our Molecular Diagnostics team. As one of the nation's leading veterinary diagnostic laboratories, the VDL processes more than 127,000 diagnostic cases and performs over 1.7 million tests annually, providing critical diagnostic and surveillance services for veterinarians, producers, researchers, and government agencies across the country.
In this role, you'll perform molecular diagnostic testing that helps identify and monitor diseases affecting livestock, poultry, and other animal populations. Whether supporting routine diagnostics or assisting with disease surveillance programs, your work will contribute to timely decision-making that protects animal agriculture and public health.
What You'll Do
As a Diagnostic Associate I, you will:
Perform molecular diagnostic testing including DNA/RNA extraction, conventional PCR, real-time PCR, and quantitative PCR (qPCR).
Process and evaluate incoming samples, verify quality controls, analyze test results, and release results following training and demonstrated proficiency.
Support surveillance and monitoring programs through high-quality laboratory testing and analysis.
Assist with laboratory quality assurance and quality control activities, including determining sample suitability and troubleshooting testing issues.
Contribute to research and development projects focused on diagnostic test improvement and validation.
Preferred Qualifications
Hands-on experience performing DNA and/or RNA extraction in a laboratory setting.
Experience conducting PCR, real-time PCR, and/or quantitative PCR (qPCR) testing.
Experience working in a diagnostic, clinical, veterinary, public health, or research laboratory.
Experience following laboratory quality assurance and quality control (QA/QC) procedures.
Experience processing high-volume biological samples and/or using a laboratory information management system (LIMS).
What We're Looking For
We're seeking someone who:
Pays close attention to detail and takes pride in producing accurate work.
Can identify and troubleshoot unexpected results.
Works well independently while also collaborating with laboratory colleagues.
Stays organized and productive in a fast-paced environment.
Communicates effectively and maintains a commitment to quality and safety.
Additional Information
Full-time, regular position.
Monday through Friday schedule.
Work is performed in a veterinary diagnostic laboratory environment and includes handling biological specimens and working with laboratory instrumentation.
Accurate color recognition is required to evaluate samples, quality controls, and diagnostic test results.
About the Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory
The Iowa State University Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory (VDL) provides advanced diagnostic testing, disease surveillance, and research support for veterinarians, livestock producers, animal owners, industry partners, and government agencies. As one of the nation's leading veterinary diagnostic laboratories, the VDL plays a critical role in protecting animal health, supporting food security, and advancing scientific discovery through high-quality diagnostic services and research.
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
If you have questions regarding this application process, please email employment@iastate.edu, or call 515-294-4800 or Toll Free: 1-877-477-7485.
Appointment Type:Regular
Number of Months Employed Per Year:12 Month Work Period
Time Type:Full time
Pay Grade:PS806
Original Posting Date: August 31, 2026
Posting Close Date:September 6, 2026
Job Requisition Number:R19869
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.
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.
Current employees (excluding temporary, student and graduate assistants) must apply through the Workday Internal Careers Hub (https://www.myworkday.com/isu/d/task/2998$46522.htmld?reloadToken=892f884ef9c2fa7e5e6257ecf4e9e942f7aa1a12df75918c6ce41bc78e123167) .
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.
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. 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.
